Natural Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis with Clinical Massage Therapy in Jacksonville, Florida

​Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes; that tissue is known as plantar fascia. People who suffer from plantar fasciitis often experience a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or arch of their foot. The pain is usually worse in the morning and if left untreated, it can be debilitating. Treatment for plantar fasciitis typically revolves around the bottom of the foot, yet that is not always where the solution lies.

Are you experiencing plantar fasciitis in Jacksonville, Florida? Our massage therapists can help!

Are you at risk for plantar fasciitis? Here are some factors that contribute to the development of this painful condition.

• Age: Plantar fasciitis commonly occurs in adults between the ages of 40 and 60, although it can affect individuals of any age.

• Weight: Excess weight or obesity can put extra stress on the plantar fascia, increasing the risk of inflammation and injury.

• Foot Mechanics: Abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet (pes planus) or high arches (pes cavus), can predispose individuals to plantar fasciitis by altering the way weight is distributed on the foot and causing strain on the plantar fascia.

• Occupational Factors: Jobs or activities that require prolonged standing, walking on hard surfaces, or repetitive stress on the feet can increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. This includes occupations such as teaching, nursing, retail, and construction.

• Physical Activity: Athletes and individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive pounding of the feet, such as running, dancing, or aerobics, are at higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis due to the repetitive strain on the plantar fascia.

• Poor Footwear: Wearing shoes with inadequate support or improper fit can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. High heels, worn frequently, can also place excessive strain on the plantar fascia.

• Tight Muscles: Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons can increase tension on the plantar fascia, making it more susceptible to injury.

• Previous Foot Conditions: Individuals with a history of foot problems, such as heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, or pronation abnormalities, may be at increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

• Certain Health Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and certain autoimmune diseases may increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis due to their effects on foot structure and inflammation.

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• Sudden Increases in Activity: Rapidly increasing the intensity, duration, or frequency of physical activity without proper conditioning can strain the plantar fascia and lead to inflammation.

With massage therapy, oftentimes, the key to reducing symptoms related to plantar fasciitis lies in the calves. Both the calf muscles and the plantar fascia attach to the heel bone. However, due to the location of where these two muscles groups attach, an imbalance can easily occur. When left untreated, the calf muscles become tight and pull upwards on the heel bone. In the meantime, the plantar fascia also becomes tight and pulls on the heel bone- struggling to compete with the strength of the calves.

Essentially, the two muscle groups play a game of tug ‘o’ war with one another. This is often times what causes the symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis. Treatment to the calves is often overlooked because we focus far too much on where we feel our pain rather than why the pain is happening in the first place. Clinical massage therapy is a very useful technique for treating the root of plantar fasciitis, not just the symptoms. Through the use of myofascial release, compressions, and manual trigger point therapy, a clinical massage therapy session can treat the true culprit of the pain related to plantar fasciitis.

Some of the main benefits of massage therapy for plantar fasciitis are below:

• Pain Relief: Massage can help alleviate pain associated with plantar fasciitis by reducing tension in the muscles and fascia of the foot. It can also stimulate the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body.

 

• Improved Blood Circulation: Massage promotes better blood circulation in the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing by delivering oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.

 

• Breakdown of Scar Tissue: Plantar fasciitis often involves the formation of scar tissue in the plantar fascia. Massage techniques such as deep tissue massage can help break down this scar tissue, improving flexibility and reducing pain.

 

• Relaxation of Muscles: Tight muscles in the feet and calves can exacerbate plantar fasciitis. Massage helps relax these muscles, reducing strain on the plantar fascia and supporting structures.

 

• Improved Range of Motion: Massage can help improve flexibility and range of motion in the foot and ankle, which may be limited due to pain and stiffness associated with plantar fasciitis.

 

• Prevention of Injury: Regular massage therapy can help prevent the recurrence of plantar fasciitis by keeping the muscles and fascia of the foot and calf flexible and healthy.

If you are located in the Jacksonville, Florida area and are looking for a natural pain relief option for plantar fasciitis, please contact us here at The Wellness Hub. Select a clinical massage appointment type when booking your appointment.

Call Us (904) 512-755

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