Over the past few years there has been quite a bit of "buzz" around Plantar Fasciitis.
More and more of my clients are asking about PF and what the causes & treatment options are.
What is the Plantar Fascia?
Along the bottom of your foot there is a thick band of tissue that creates the arch of your foot.
This band begins at the heel and ends, or insets itself, on the ball of the foot.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
When this fascia becomes inflamed and painful it is referred to as Plantar Fasciitis.
People who suffer from PF will complain of daily pain along the bottom of the foot and into the heel.
At first pain is dull and felt on and off, but then progresses to a constant more sharp pain.
Pain is usually worst after rest; first thing in the morning,
the first few steps after resting, and/or the first few minutes of physical activity.
What causes PF?
Repetitive strain is the most common cause of PF.
When the fascia is placed under repetitive strain; running, wearing high heels, long hours of standing, improper footwear, or dancing, the PF develops small tears where it connects to bone.
These micro-tears cause inflammation and therefore pain, and over time the pain can get very intense, oftentimes making it difficult to stand or walk for any extended period of time.
What can YOU do to treat PF?
Because the pain is caused by inflammation - at home the first remedy is ice.
Ice will decrease the inflammation and numb the pain.
Obviously, stopping physical activity that aggravates the pain as well as wearing comfortable, cushioned, foot wear is advisable.
What can I do to treat PF with Massage Therapy?
Here is the truth - Plantar Fasciitis is hard to resolve on your own
because the foot is virtually impossible to rest long enough for your tissue to heal on it's own.
Also, just resting your aching feet doesn't help soften that thick band of tissue that is causing such pain.
In my opinion, massage therapy is the BEST treatment for Plantar Fasciitis.
In my years as a therapist I have seen many people with PF experience some relief
after their very first massage therapy treatment.
Now, every case is different and results depend on the severity of the condition,
but massage therapy for PF just makes sense.
Massage therapy treatment for PF consists of treatment through the posterior (back) of the leg including the hip, hamstrings, and calf muscles AS WELL AS massage through the ankle, heel and foot.
Treatment is aimed at decreasing tension and muscular imbalances through the supporting leg muscles AND decreasing pain, inflammation, tension, adhesions (built up scar tissue) in the foot as well as lengthening and softening that tissue along the bottom of the foot.
If you are experiencing foot pain it MAY be Plantar Fasciitis.
Come on in to see me and we will find out what started it all
as well as get you onto the path to being pain free!
Enjoy this last official month of summer and be well.
Don't forget that I am on holidays the second week of August.
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