If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you know what a painful and sometimes debilitating condition it can be. The good news is not always a permanent condition. Massage therapy has proven to be an effective method of plantar fasciitis treatment.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
plantar fasciitis treatment, lawrence hines, massage therapist, massage, massage therapyThe plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that extends across the bottom of your foot and serves to connect your heel bone to your toes. When this band of tissue gets injured, it can cause a condition called plantar fasciitis that is marked by inflammation and severe, stabbing pain. For sufferers of plantar fasciitis, the pain is usually at its worst in the morning after getting out of bed, and gradually decreases as the foot limbers up. But the pain often returns after extended periods of standing or inactivity.
Plantar fasciitis is most common in runners and other athletes, but may also affect those who are overweight or who work long hours standing up. It is estimated that around 10% of people experience plantar fasciitis at some point in their lives.
People who have plantar fasciitis may find it difficult to perform any motion in which the toes are pointed toward the shin (dorsiflexion). This is due to tightness in the achilles tendon and calf muscle, which are connected to the plantar fascia at the heel. A massage therapist treating a client who has plantar fasciitis will pay close attention to the calves as well as the foot.