What is Planter Fasciitis you ask?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick fibrous band of tissue in the sole of the foot. This tissue in the foot is used during walking and foot movement. It is this inflammation that causes the pain and discomfort, and it is very common.
The diagram below illustrates the planter fascia which runs from the heel to the toes. The usual area of pain is under the heel, highlighted in the circle.
What can cause Plantar Fasciitis? It can be caused by a number of factors, including the type of shoes you wear, your foot structure (flat arch or flat feet), overuse and types of surfaces walked on.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain on the bottom of the heel
- Increased pain after exercise
- Pain in the arch of the foot
- Pain that is worse in the morning
- A swollen heel
- Pain that continues for months
- A tight Achilles tendon
The problem occurs when part of the fascia is repeatedly placed under tension, such as during exercise, especially if you are unaccustomed to prolonged periods of activity. This repetitive impact causes microscopic tears and inflammation at the point where the fascia is attached to the heel.
The condition usually subsides in approximately 90 per cent of affected people spontaneously. However, it is difficult to predict how long the condition will last for each individual. Diagnosis can be confirmed with an MRI or ultrasound.
While there are many different treatment options, there is no actual cure for this condition. Most treatments are therefore aimed at alleviating the symptoms whilst the condition settles with time. I have outlined a variety of ways I approach treatment of this condition:
Exercise and Stretching
Hold: 20 seconds
Repeat: 5 times
Frequency: 5 times a day
To provide relief for sore feet, fill a plastic bottle ¾ of the way with water, freeze it and use it frozen after a workout or a long day to roll the bottoms of your feet to help reduce the inflammation.
Cupping Therapy
The image shows a client suffering with plantar fasciitis receiving cupping therapy treatment in my clinic. Cupping therapy first gained the attention of the media and the public at the Rio Olympics, with Olympians’ such as Michael Phelps showing dark red circles on their body, the telltale signs of cupping therapy.
Taping and Strapping - Kenesio Taping
The picture shows Kenesio Taping applied in my clinic to treat Plantar Fasciitis . This is another great treatment that helps with client’s recovery & pain management. Benefits of Kenesio Taping – it gently allows the free flow of blood and lymphatic fluid to cleanse and heal the inflammation.
This special tape helps to:
1) Improve circulation.
2) Support muscles.
3) Allow the internal injury to heal.
4) Help prevent further muscle injury while still allowing movement.
5) Application of the tape may reduce pain by easing pressure on pain receptors and decrease swelling.
If you or someone you know is suffering with this condition, please get in touch to see how I can help resolve the issue, and help you do the things you enjoy doing, without pain or discomfort.