You step out of bed in the morning and a shooting pain jolts through your heel. As you limp through the house, you wonder if this chronic pain will ever get better.
Does this sound familiar? If so, you’re among the one in 10 Americans who develop plantar fasciitis during their lifetime.
While this common condition can be debilitating, the good news is that you can find relief from your worst symptoms.
In this post, we’ll explore how massage for plantar fasciitis can provide the relief you’re looking for. Read on!
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia. This is the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.
The plantar fascia acts as a shock absorber. This ligament also supports the arch of the foot. Excessive strain or repetitive stress can lead to tiny tears, causing pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Plantar fasciitis often causes stabbing pain near the heel, especially in the morning or after a period of rest. Activities like running or standing for extended durations can exacerbate the discomfort. The same goes for wearing thin-soled shoes that lack arch support, such as flip-flops.
So then, what are some of the most common ways to treat plantar fasciitis?
- Resting the affected foot
- Avoiding high-impact activities and long periods of standing or walking
- Physical therapy and stretches to alleviate fascial tension
- Shoe inserts or orthotic devices that provide arch support and cushioning
- Cold therapy, such as using ice packs or rolling the foot over a frozen water bottle
- Wearing night splints that stretch the plantar fascia and calf muscles while sleeping
In severe cases, your doctor may recommend more aggressive treatments such as steroid injections or shock wave therapy. Before you go down that route, however, it’s worth considering an all-natural treatment option first.
Massage for Plantar Fasciitis: How Can It Help?
In recent years, massage therapy has gained recognition as a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing plantar fasciitis.
Techniques such as deep tissue massage and myofascial release directly target the affected areas. By reducing muscle tension and promoting blood flow, massage alleviates pressure on the inflamed plantar fascia.
The result? Much-needed pain relief.
Massage also helps loosen tight muscles and fascia in the foot and calf. This enhances flexibility while restoring the foot’s range of motion. By alleviating stiffness and discomfort, daily activities become much more manageable.
Over time, untreated plantar fasciitis can lead to the formation of scar tissue. Massage therapy breaks down these adhesions, facilitating better healing and reducing chronic pain.
Apart from its physical benefits, massage therapy also induces relaxation and reduces stress levels. Interestingly, lowering stress can positively impact pain perception. This can promote an overall sense of well-being for anyone struggling with plantar fasciitis.
You Can Win the Battle Against Plantar Fasciitis
Your foot pain may not disappear overnight, but there are many steps you can take to improve it.
At Simply Massage, our skilled therapists have experience dealing with a variety of medical conditions — including plantar fasciitis.
Call us today at 970-748-1600 to learn more. Or, if you prefer, you can use our online scheduler to make your next appointment.