Treating Plantar Fasciitis
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that causes a stabbing pain in the heel. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue that runs across the sole of the foot and connects to the heel becomes inflamed and irritated.
Generally, the pain occurs in the morning and begins to die down as the day goes on. Although, the pain can continue or return if the person is required to stand for long periods of time and go from sitting to standing frequently.
This condition often occurs in runners but is also commonly present in people who are overweight and people who wear shoes that do not provide enough support.
Treating Plantar Fasciitis
Treating plantar fasciitis often involves a multifaceted treatment plan. The Mayo Clinic suggests a range of home and lifestyle factors that people can stay on top of including:
- maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle
- choosing to wear shoes that are supportive
- not wearing old, worn-out athletic shoes
- choosing a low impact sport to participate in
- applying ice regularly
- stretch your arches and surrounding muscles
The crew at The Allied Health Team have provided some exercises for treating plantar fasciitis. This 5 step exercise program will leave you feeling significant relief:
- Plantar fascia and calf stretch in standing (wall)
- Tibialis anterior stretch
- Wall gastrocnemius stretch
- Single-leg eccentric calf exercises on step
- Massage to foot arch
Massage and Plantar Fasciitis
Massage has been proven to play a vital part in the treatment plan for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. Whilst it is not a cure, it can provide some relief from the pain felt.
Treating plantar fasciitis with massage often involves integrating the massage of muscles groups outside the area of the foot as all the muscles are interconnected. The massage therapist may choose to massage the glutes, the hamstrings, the calves and the plantar fascia.
If you would like to speak to a qualified massage therapist about a treatment plan for your plantar fasciitis contact the team at Magic Massage today.