Some types of foot arch pain are not caused by plantar fasciitis. However, plantar fasciitis is still the most common cause of heel and arch pain in North America. Massage for plantar fasciitis can help, and it is often one of the most effective treatments.
You can start with a foot pain identifier to see if plantar fasciitis might be the reason behind your heel or arch pain. Even so, it is still best to confirm the diagnosis with your doctor before beginning any exercise or treatment plan.
Ignoring the pain and hoping it goes away on its own rarely works. In fact, skipping treatment often leads to bigger problems and long-term damage.
-
Plantar Tears
- Small tears form in the plantar fascia when it becomes stressed. You may not feel these tears as they happen. Yet they weaken the tissue and make it more vulnerable to rupture.
-
Plantar Ruptures
- A rupture can occur when plantar fasciitis is left untreated. High-impact activities or long hours on your feet in unsupportive shoes will increase the risk. Ruptures are extremely painful and can keep you off your feet for weeks. Because of that, prevention is very important.
-
Heel Spurs
- Over time, untreated plantar fasciitis may also lead to heel spurs. When the tissue becomes inflamed, the body sends extra calcium to the area. This calcium sometimes forms a bony bump on the heel, which can create more irritation and pain.
So What Will Make Your Plantar Fasciitis Worse?
Sudden changes to the intensity of your workouts or activities can put extra strain on the tissues in your feet, resulting in inflammation, contraction and pain. When running with plantar fasciitis, it’s crucial to properly stretch and rest the affected foot for adequate periods of time. However, if you fail to follow through with treatment will slow healing and keep the inflammation and pain coming back.
What Will Make It Better?
- Gently stretching the affected fascia
- Giving your feet adequate recovery time between workouts
- Wearing properly fitting footwear with a good supportive foundation
- Massage.
Massaging Plantar Fasciitis Is A Highly Effective Treatment
Fascia is a connective tissue that is found all over the human body, containing nerves that render it nearly as sensitive as your skin. The fascia contracts when it’s stressed, which is what’s happening on the bottom of your feet during a bout of plantar fasciitis. This amazing tissue contains fluid that helps it to stay flexible, stretching with each movement. Go ahead and take a few very slow steps right now in your bare feet. You’ll then observe the myriad of micro movements your feet go through to make each step happen. The organic rolling motion — the stretching and contracting of your plantar fascia is a critical part of that dance. When the fascia becomes tight and dry, it can no longer stretch as it needs to and walking becomes very painful, even difficult.
Massaging your plantar fasciitis (along the bottom of your foot) will help to get the fluid moving again to increase flexibility and reduce pain. A professional massage therapist understands the structure of the plantar fascia and will use specific pressure points and stretching techniques in your foot, heel, and calf to soften & lengthen the contracted tissue, restore mobility and relieve pain. With proper circulation and movement, the body is even able to flush out the toxins that cause inflammation and begin to heal itself.
At Easy Cozy Wellness in Nanaimo, BC, our therapists are extensively trained and experienced, successfully treating plantar fasciitis pain through specific reflexology massage techniques that have been carefully developed over time. Call or visit our online booking page today to book an appointment and let us help your feet start moving as they were meant to again.
For a broad overview of many different types of foot pain, read our new article, Finding Foot Pain Relief.