What is Plantar Fasciitis?

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Plantar fasciitis is a common injury that affects the bottom of your foot. It's caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can include:

• Pain in the heel or arch of the foot, especially when taking your first steps in the morning

• Stiffness and tightness in the foot

• Swelling and redness in the foot

• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods of time

If you think you might have plantar fasciitis, there's a simple test you can do at home. First, stand up and put your weight on your affected foot. Then, try to raise your toes off the ground while keeping your heel on the floor. If you feel a sharp pain in your heel, you might have plantar fasciitis.

So, how do you treat this pesky foot injury? Here are five of the best ways:

1. Stretching and strengthening exercises: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help alleviate pain and prevent future injury. Try exercises like calf raises, toe curls, and the towel stretch.

2. Ice and massage: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and pain. You can also try massaging the bottom of your foot with a tennis ball or foam roller.

3. Footwear: While I'm a huge advocate for a barefoot life style, there are some circumstances where a supportive shoe is needed. In this case wearing supportive shoes with good arch support can help relieve pressure on your feet by allowing them time to rest and thus prevent further injury.

4. Rest: Resting your foot and avoiding activities that aggravate the injury can help speed up the healing process.

5. Sports massage: Finally, sports massage can be a great way to alleviate pain and promote healing. A skilled massage therapist can use techniques like deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy to target the affected area and reduce inflammation.

So there you have it - plantar fasciitis in a nutshell. If you're suffering from foot pain, don't ignore it - take steps to address the issue before it gets worse. And if you need help, don't hesitate to reach out to a sports massage therapist like us at Thrive Kent. We're always here to help you feel your best!

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