Plantar Fasciitis: A Walk Through

Plantar Fasciitis (pronounced fash-ee-I-tis) is inflammation of the fascia underneath the foot. An unpleasantly evil and uncomfortable situation that is one that many of us need to be aware of. Those of us whom have ever suffered pain in the arch of the foot need especially be aware.

Firstly, the fascia, which is everywhere throughout the body and serves as not only a connective matrix but also as a lubrication system for the musculo-skeletal powerhouse that is your body. Bones, muscles and organs are all wrapped in it. It is a still not quite well understood system of the body, possibly also relaying nerve information and electrical signals as well.

However, fascia can become fibrous instead of more fluid like, due to inactivity or over-strenuous activity. Imagine what happens when you empty the oil from the engine of a car and then drive, or not grease a pan before frying; things will get right ugly, right quick you can be sure (if neither of those analogies appeal to you please feel free to add your own in the comments section, the more the merrier).

Unlike a muscle cramp, this can be more difficult to cure in the plantar region of the foot. Moreover, it frequently goes noticed until it has become moderate to severe, where movement begins to be inhibited and then of course we take action, mostly....

Why is this important? If fasciitis is not treated either with self-care, physical therapy, massage therapy or some kind of treatment, it can worsen. Once it spreads far enough to affect the Achilles tendon, it can be a rapid onslaught of discomfort to first the calf and then even the hamstrings, impeding the ability to even walk normally. If you are the type to view crutches as appropriate daily fashion attire, maybe that would seem fun. And yes, untreated plantar fasciitis can even put you in crutches or require surgery should you not do anything about it.

If you feel you may have fasciitis, talk to your doctor, your physcial therapist or even your massage therapist or accupuncturist. All of us are professionals trained to treat this particular issue. As a massage therapist, we look for a hard ball or lump in the mid-arch. In my experience people themselves can self diagnose this condition by feeling around the arch of the foot, from the mid-arch toward the heel.


Not only that, self care is easy and if done regularly, completely effective! A golf ball in the freezer or a frozen water bottle will suffice, just you may want to have a towel or something to hold them in place as your are going to put as MUCH weight as you can stand on them, right where the inflammation is and HOLD it there for 20 seconds maybe more if you can. Roll the ball/bottle a little back and forth to stretch out the tissue and relieve the tension. This part is key for self care, simple rolling will not do much, if anything. Those of you who love the axiom 'no pain...' will appreciate its proper usage here. Use these simple treatments twice a day and the inflammation will subside gradually

So, the good news in all of this, you can see, feel and touch the base of your feet, unlike the back or even neck without even a mirror. Yes they touch the floor, they can be stinky and icky, but they are you nonetheless.

LOVE your body, it is the only one YOU have! Mind your fascia and your fascia will take care of you.