Plantar Fasciitis (PF) affects many runners due to the impact the feet have with the ground whilst running. PF is caused by the thick elastic tissue that runs along the underside of the foot from the heel to the base of the toes becoming damaged and irritated. PF generally causes pain during the push off phase during running rather than initial contact with the ground. PF can also be caused by muscular problems further up the leg as any muscular problems towards the hip may restrict the ankle/foot to carry out its normal movement pattern.
PF can be caused by several different factors such as overtraining and not allowing the muscles to recover, repeated hill workouts or speed work, not stretching calf muscles and unsupportive shoes.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis are as follows:
· Sharp stabbing pain or deep ache in the arch of your foot or in the middle of the bottom of your heel.
. Stiffness or pain first thing in the morning which reduces after a few steps but then gets worse as the day goes on.
· Pain that increases when climbing the stairs.
Sports Massage & Soft Tissue Therapy can help treat Plantar Fasciitis through using massage to reduce the tension that is felt on the underside of the foot in combination with stretching other muscles around the lower limb and foot that can be affected by PF. This can help the muscles return to their normal function as quickly as possible. Home care advice can also be given as to how the injury can be further rehabilitated and prevented in the future.
If you have experienced any soreness during running or post run soreness, pain or injury then please contact me for further information.
Below are screen prints detailing plantar fasciitis and how to help recover from the injury. Downloadable PDF documents can be found here
The information contained within this post is solely for general information only. If you do pick up an injury (including 'tightness' 'irritation' or 'niggle') that you’re worried about then the sooner it’s treated the better.
Please contact me using one of the methods below if you would like to discuss how I can help you move with ease.
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