The Simple Key For Plantar Fasciitis Relief

Symptoms include heel pain, especially in the first steps after getting out of bed, and stiffness/pain in the mid foot.

There is a thick connective tissue that runs the entire length of the bottom of the human foot. It starts on the five toes and extends to the bottom of the heel. This tissue is known as the plantar fascia. While running,  runners land on the heels of the feet and then raise themselves on the toes before shifting the weight onto the other foot. This causes the plantar fascia to come under strain and when the strain becomes too much, the plantar fascia is likely to tear. Even if there is no tearing the strain can be felt and is an indication of plantar fasciitis. Mountain climbers, aerobics practitioners, and hikers can also become afflicted by plantar fasciitis due to constant strain on the plantar fascia during their exertions. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by using the wrong footwear.

One of the best ways to start treatment of plantar fasciitis is to desist from the activity that is causing the pain, be it running, jogging, cycling, climbing or aerobics. Footwear should be such that it gives more support even though it may be stiffer. Arch supports can also help to reduce the pain and it is said that stretching of the calf muscles also affords some relief. Icing the area for about a quarter of an hour every day can also help. Massage of the calf and Achilles heel can also reduce pain. Once the initial recovery is made, patients should consider a more aggressive form of treatment. This could include taping and deep tissue massage. 

The Key: Deep Tissue Massage is a technique that concentrates on the deeper muscle tissues by applying deep pressure on the fascia, Achilles heel, and calf muscles through slow strokes, relieving tension in tight tissues. The muscle fibers can be followed or pressure can be applied across tendons. Deep tissue massage can help to release the muscle tension, break scar tissue, and lead to its elimination. It concentrates on specific areas, leading to soreness before and after the massage, yet the results are definite and can be felt within just a couple of days. 

Deep tissue massage loosens the muscle tissues, remove muscle toxins, and ensure proper circulation of blood and oxygen which had been affected by plantar fasciitis. Following the treatment, it is advisable to drink a lot of water to help remove the toxins from the body. Deep tissue massage is not recommended, however, if there are any open wounds on the plantar fascia or in nearby areas. It has to be avoided if surgery has taken place and if other conditions like osteoporosis exist. Persons who have a history of blood clots should also not undergo deep massage therapy as these blood clots can be displaced and get to areas where they cause greater problems.

Deep tissue massage works because it physically breaks down the adhesions that are formed by muscle tissues in the muscles caused by over exertion or strain. 

- See more at: http://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/12/05/deep-tissue-massage-plantar-fasciitis#sthash.n960Hk3N.dpuf

Foot and Ankle Pain: Osteopathy Sets Pace for Restored Function

Pain can occur in the foot and ankles for a number of reasons.

The foot and ankle is made up of a number of small bones interconnected by ligaments, muscles and fascia all working together to give the strength, stability and flexibility the foot and ankle needs to function properly.
Common conditions of the foot, ankle and areas which can give rise to pain include:

Acquired flat foot – when the inner side of the foot or inner arch flattens. The foot may roll over to the inner side (known as over-pronation). It is often apparent if the heels of shoes wear out quickly and unevenly. Over-pronation can damage your ankle joint and achilles tendon (the tendon at the back of your ankle) and can also cause shin pain. Symptoms can include, pain, swelling, change in foot shape and knee pain or swelling.

Plantar fasciitis –is pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia – the tough fibrous band of tissue that supports the arches of the foot and runs under the small bones from the underside of the heel and sole towards the toes, Often, people who have plantar fasciitis describe it as a sharp pain, most often under the heel or instep of the foot. It tends to be made worse by standing for long periods of time in poor footwear. Sufferers commonly mention that it is worse when standing after being off their feet for a long time, and it can hurt more putting the foot on the floor first thing in the morning. The sole of the foot can occasionally feel a little numb, tingly or swell slightly. In some cases of plantar fasciitis, a small spur of bone can grow where the plantar fascia attaches and pulls on the heel which can cause a sharp pain.

Achilles pain –The Achilles tendon is formed by the tendon of the two calf muscles, the gastrocnemius and soleus coming together and attaching onto the bone at the back of the heel called the calcaneus) Pain, inflammation or tendonitis in the Achilles can cause pain and tightness in this area.

Sprained ankle. Typically the result of a sudden twisting or “going over” on the ankle joint and more commonly it is the ligaments on the outside of the ankle that are strained. Typical symptoms are swelling, bruising, pain and instability of the ankle. Sometimes an x-ray is required to rule out any fracture. Rest, ice, elevation and compression are often advisable in the first 24 to 48 hours.

How can an osteopath help with foot and ankle pain?

• Depending on the diagnosis and your age and fitness we can use a variety of gentle massage and manipulative techniques to increase the mobility of the joints and the flexibility of the muscles in the foot.
• We will often look at muscles and joints in the lower limb, the knee, hip and lower back and may treat any joint restrictions and muscle tightness we find there. Often improving the movement in the joints of the lower will help the foot and ankle function better.
• We may offer specific balancing, strengthening or loosening exercises
• We may offer advice on strapping and brace supports, footwear and any lifestyle factors that might be hindering healing. We may refer you to a podiatrist for their opinion and specialist foot supports
• X-rays, scans or other tests may be required to make a diagnosis  and we may refer you to your  GP for any additional  investigations and treatment  such as advice on pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications.
  
  This article originally appeared on http://www.osteopathy.org

When you feel discomfort in your feet and ankles you are feeling the imbalance of your body's weight distributed unevenly. Help your body reset and restore itself by moving your feet outside their normal range, keeping your hips flexible, and always moving your arms behind your torso for short and frequent periods of time. #Moveintobetterhealth

Manual Osteopathy moves your joints toward their naturally balanced and proportioned state of force distribution and absorption, helping your body fit together again!