Do you or someone you know struggle with the battle of Plantar Fascitis?
Plantar Fascitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes – thus creating the arch of the foot.
The arch muscles of the foot are a perfect spot for massage, after all they are some of the hardest working muscles in the human body. Our feet absorb an amazing amount of torture, but generally feel no worse than stiff and sore as any long day would give. The arch of the foot is an interesting structure, the arch is so prominent yet your feet do not collapse when you step down. The thin string like muscles, connective tissues, and puzzle like bone structure are artfully crafted in a manner that when you step down and up again you feel almost nothing.
When these support mechanisms fail the connective tissue starts to swell and break down. Sometimes people develop prominent knots in their arches and supporting muscles. Plantar Fascitis most times is excruciating to the point of not being able to stand, and can last for days or even weeks. Dealing with the pain is hard to do, doctors have come up with many helpful tips such as, rolling a tennis ball under your arch to try to stretch your muscles, insoles to give you better arch support, and a variety of rubs and creams. However the problem lies deep within the foot, having personally dealt with plantar fascitis for years I have found the most effect relief to be massage. Working deep in the belly of the muscles to break up tight fascia to lengthen the muscles and release any knots is the best therapy I have found. Ask anyone with plantar fascitis, being able to stand out of bed is the biggest blessing when dealing with it for any length of time. Thanks to massage this is a reality for me, and can be for you too!
– Mara Fling RMT