Plantar fasciitis massage can be a helpful tool for managing pain and has been shown to reduce common symptoms. Some p lantar fasciitis therapy options are invasive and require surgery. In many cases surgery can be avoided by incorporating massage techniques into treatment plans. This guide to plantar fasciitis massage therapy will explain what plantar fasciitis is, identify risk factors associated with the condition, explore massage-based treatment options and self-care plantar fasciitis massage strategies that can be done from home.
The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that extends along the sole medial longitudinal arch of the foot. It connects the heel calcaneus bone to the ligaments of the toes. The plantar fascia plays a very important role in managing gait and absorbing the shock of walking and running.
The plantar fascia creates the arches of the feet. If the fascia is pulled too tightly it can result in high arches. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia. It can be debilitating as standing and walking can become extremely painful.
Typically, inflammation centres on the connecting point of the fascia with the calcaneus bone, although pain may be felt at any location along the fascia. There are two types of plantar fasciitis.
Traction plantar fasciitis is the most common variant of this condition. In these cases, the plantar fascia is required to absorb unusual amounts of force due to gait problems or overuse, it will stretch and incur micro-tears.
