Paula Buchanan LMT 

It’s that time of year. We have been enjoying warm weather, water sports and wearing flip flops. A lot. They are comfortable and easy but provide no arch support.  Chances are you may be feeling Plantar Faciitis symptoms.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. It connects the heel bone to the toes and creates the arch of the foot.

The most common complaint is pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The heel pain may be dull or sharp. The bottom of the foot may also ache or burn. This can be painful and make walking more difficult.

Plantar fasciitis develops because of repeated small tears to the flat band of ligamentous tissue that connects your heel to the bones of your toes. These tears weaken the arch that supports the foot. As the arch of the foot weakens, increasing strain is placed on the deeper ligaments and tendons of the foot and lower leg. Over time, Plantar Fasciitis can result in Chronic Pain, Heel Spurs and Degenerative Joint Disease (Arthritis).

Standard Medical Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: Physicians typically treat Plantar Fasciitis with anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections. These medications may temporarily reduce the pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis but do not treat the cause of the problem. Traditional methods can usually take between 9 months to two years to resolve this condition.

I combine the Class 4 Laser therapy with deep tissue massage, passive and assisted stretching, all working together to begin healing. I always encourage clients to change aquatic footwear to water shoes, Chacos or any other more substantial, supportive water footwear to get you comfortably back outside.