Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is an overuse injury resulting in micro-tearing and inflammation of the plantar fascia.The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot towards the five toes. Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people. It also occurs in younger people who are on their feet a lot, like athletes or soldiers. It can happen in one foot or both feet.

Symptoms

Pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. Pain usually subsides after about 30 minutes but returns after a few hours with continued activity.

Causes

Plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to pain and swelling. This is more likely to happen if:

• Your feet roll inward too much when you walk
• You have high arches or flat feet.
• You walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.
• You are overweight or pregnant.
• You wear shoes that don’t fit well or are worn out.
• You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles.

How can Massage Therapy help?

A Massage Therapist will assess you to determine the cause of the Plantar Fasciitis. If caused by tight calf muscles massage will reduce the tension. If it is found that your feet are rolling inward or that you have flat arches, a referral to a chiropodist will be made. Regardless of cause, direct treatment to the plantar fascia to reduce scarring caused by micro-tearing will be performed. This treatment can be painful but will always be performed within your pain tolerance.