What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis, also known as heel-spur syndrome, is a repetitive use injury. The plantar fascia is a ligament-like band, running from the heel to the ball of the foot. The most common cause of plantar fasciitis is very tight calf muscles which lead to prolonged pronation of the foot. This, in turn, produces repetitive overstretching of the plantar fascia leading to inflammation and thickening of the tendon. As the fascia thickens, it loses flexibility and strength.

A sharp or burning pain, felt at the back part of the arch of the foot to just in front of the heel, is usually worse in the morning when you first stand because as you put weight on your foot, the arch flattens slightly, pulls on the fascia, and causes further damage. As you walk around a bit, your foot gets more used to the stresses being put on it and the pain diminishes somewhat.

Rest, ice and exercise are the standard course of treatment prescribed by medical professionals for Plantar Fasciitis. Incorporating massage therapy into your treatment plan will increase circulation to the injured tissue and release tension in the calf muscles. Increased circulation brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and fascia and carry away metabolic wastes more efficiently, helping the body repair the damaged tissue.