Plantar Fasciitis and Registered Massage Therapy
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the sole of the foot. It is caused by small tears in the connective tissue, the plantar fascia, that runs from the toes to the heel. When injured, a sharp pain is felt in sole of the foot, affecting the ability to bear weight.
The plantar fascia is prone to injury in those with occupations that require prolonged standing/walking, in athletes, in those with poor footwear, during pregnancy, amongst the obese. Repetitive activities cause excessive stretching to the plantar fascia which results in small tears where it connects at the heel. Overtime, these small tears can further lead to the development of scar tissue and bone spurs, which worsens the pain.
In plantar fasciitis, heel and arch pain is felt in the morning after stepping out of bed, on standing after prolonged sitting and with continuous activity. Pain may also be worse with running, jumping or with climbing stairs. Furthermore, pain guarding can affect how a person walks, causing muscle tightness and discomfort in the calf and foot.
By seeking treatment in the early stages of plantar fasciitis, pain and muscle discomfort, swelling and possible development of scar tissue and bone spurs can be minimized. Massage therapy can help with plantar fasciitis by significantly reducing pain and swelling through a variety of techniques, gentle stretches and with remedial exercises.
If you would like to know more about plantar fasciitis or how registered massage therapy can help, please give us a call at 416-926-0084.
Linda is a Registered Massage Therapist and she works with a multi-disciplinary team of Naturopathic Doctors, Chiropractor and a Clinical Exercise Physiologist at the Rosedale Natural Health Clinic located in the Rosedale neighborhood of Toronto.