Plantar fasciitis (“PLAN-ter fash-ee-EYE-tus”) is the most common cause of foot pain. The plantar fascia is the flat band of tissue (ligament) that connects your heel bone to your toes and which supports the arch of your foot. If you strain your plantar fascia, it gets weak, swollen, and irritated (inflamed) and then your heel or the bottom of your foot hurts when you stand or walk.
Plantar fasciitis is common in middle-aged people, but it also occurs in younger people who are on their feet a lot. It can happen in one foot or both feet and it is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament which can lead to pain and swelling. This is more likely to happen if:
• Your feet roll inward too much when you walk
• You have high arches or flat feet.
• You walk, stand, or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces.
• You are overweight.
• You wear shoes that don’t fit well or are worn out.
• You have tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles.
Most people with plantar fasciitis have pain when they take their first steps after they get out of bed or after sitting for a long time. You may have less stiffness and pain after you take a few steps but your foot may hurt more as the day goes on. It may hurt the most when you climb stairs or after you stand for a long period of time. (If you have foot pain at night, you may have a different problem, such as arthritis, or a nerve problem such as tarsal tunnel syndrome.) Please see your GP for a diagnosis.
From a reflexology point of view, the treatment puts your body into a deep state of relaxation which then stimulates your body’s own natural healing system to become more active. This in itself has the potential to influence the natural healing process.
Also, the manipulation of your foot during treatment may help to release muscle and foot tension and the adhesion’s that form when inflammation is present, allowing greater movement.
I have had many clients over the years with Plantar fasciitis who have benefited enormously from having a course of reflexology treatments and some clients even noticing improvement after just one session.
Contact me today if you would like to book a course of treatments.