Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Approximately 2 million adults are treated for this condition each year. It is associated with foot pronation, excessive running, as well as prolonged standing.
Plantar Fasciitis presents with inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tough, fibrous band of tissue that extends from the calcaneus (heel bone) to the base of the toes that supports the arch of the foot and aids in the mechanics of walking. However, this condition is related to the degeneration of the collagen matrix of the plantar aponeurosis more than due to chronic inflammation.
Inflammation and pain in the plantar fascia can be caused by:
- An increase in activity level (like starting a walking or running program)
- Excessive running, especially in worn-down shoes
- The structure or shape of the foot
- The surface on which you are standing, walking or running
- The type of shoes you are wearing
- The weight you carry can predispose some people to PF
- Very tight calf muscles
- Unequal leg length
- Flat or pronated feet
Plantar fasciitis may develop due to other medical conditions, such as lupus, gout, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Research found in The International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork states that rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and manual therapies, such as massage, are frequently used as treatment for Plantar Fasciitis. Trigger point release (TrPR) for PF has been found to be a viable treatment option.
The results of this research further indicate that massage therapy, including proximal trigger point release, may decrease pain and functional impairments in patients with Plantar Fasciitis.
The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain felt in the first few steps after significant rest has occurred. After stretching, the pain gets better or goes away after only to return after a period of prolonged standing, walking or running.
Diagnosis:
A massage therapist is not legally allowed to diagnose any type of condition. Diagnosis is outside of our scope of practice. For a diagnosis, a doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical exam. Sonograms, MRIs, X-rays and other imaging tests might be needed if the doctor suspects that something else is causing the symptoms.
If you have any type of idiopathic pain, please consult your medical professional for a workup and diagnosis.
Treatments:
Orthotics, splints, corticosteroid injections, Botox injections, and ultrasound therapy are a few of the treatments that are determined by a medical doctor. Ice, stretching and deep massage to the calf muscles and at the site of irritation are frequently suggested as early strategies for Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Werner, R. (1998). A massage therapist’s guide to pathology:134-135. http://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BA69690431,
Juchli L. Effectiveness of Massage Including Proximal Trigger Point Release for Plantar Fasciitis: a Case Report. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2021 Jun 1;14(2):22-29. PMID: 34079601; PMCID: PMC8133876.