People who are experiencing Plantar Fasciitis will typically complain of pain in the base of the foot near the heel which is worse first thing in the morning and with standing and walking. Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the connective tissue under the base of the foot becomes painful. The plantar fascia is a long, thick ligament that is located along the base of the foot, attaching at the heel and running towards the toes. Its role is to support the arches of the feet and acts as a shock absorber on impact when walking and running.
Causes
Many factors may contribute to developing Plantar Fasciitis, some of which include:
Being overweight.
Poor footwear.
Unaccustomed load.
Age.
Foot biomechanics.
Misalignment of the hips, knees and ankles.
These factors typically result in placing more load on the base of the foot which results in repetitive strain of the plantar fascia.
Who does it affect?
Plantar Fasciitis affects a wide range of people, and it is estimated that it accounts for approximately 20% of all running injuries.
Is slightly more common in females than males.
Will occur in both feet in about one third of cases.
Majority of patients are active working adults aged between 25-65.
Recovery
Plantar fasciitis can take some time to resolve, but the good news is that an estimated 90% of cases respond well to physical therapy.
Remedial massage is a safe and effective treatment option for Plantar Fasciitis. Remedial massage therapists offer targeted treatment to the lower leg, ankle and foot to improve your mobility and positioning of the foot. They will also address any issues in the lower back and hips that may be causing pelvic imbalance that could be exacerbating the issue.