Plantar fasciitis and massage

by Nathan Wei, MD, FACP, FACR

Nathan Wei is a nationally known board-certified rheumatologist and author of the Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit. It's available exclusively at this website... not available in stores.

Click here: Second Opinion Arthritis Treatment Kit

Massage techniques are quite helpful for plantar fasciitis. These help to reduce tension and maintain tone in the important intrinsic flexor muscles of the foot.

Two major types of massage are longitudinal stripping where the massage is performed in the same direction as the fibers of the plantar fascia and transverse friction which is applied at a 90 degree angle to the plantar fascia.

Massage may stimulate fibroblast activity and promote tissue healing. Since massage may cause pain, the amount of massage applied should be gauged according to the level of discomfort a patient is feeling. Pressure that is too painful should not be used.

Working on the lower leg muscles, especially those which help to bend the toes downward (plantar flexion), is important. Tightness in these muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus and tibialis posterior ) leads to excessive tension on the plantar fascia.

Broadening and lengthening techniques applied to the posterior calf muscles are helpful. Compressive effleurage, broad longitudinal stripping, and broadening techniques done with the palm are all used. Massage of these muscles will also increase the effectiveness of a night splint also.

Stretching the gastrocnemius and soleus is important. Stretching works best when done several times daily. The morning is particularly a good time since the plantar fascia has been in a non-weight-bearing position all night. The “wall stretch” is a good choice. Stand against a wall with your arms straight out in front. Put one foot forward with the other foot a couple of steps behind it. Keep the heel of the rear foot against the ground and lean forward to stretch the calf of the front leg. Then do the same with the other leg.

Massage therapists are the ones to consult about these techniques.

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