Reflexology for Plantar Fasciitis

How can Reflexology help Plantar Fasciitis?

Have you ever thought about the work that your feet have to do every day? The two small appendages at the end of your leg not only support a body which is comparatively massive in size but are also responsible for transporting that body approximately 2,000 miles per year!

Your feet are literally the foundation on which you are built—but most people treat their feet as though they could unzip and detach them at the end of the day. Without much thought, we abuse our feet until we get to the point we are in pain or become injured. It is only then do we pay them their due respect.

Sadly, the prevalence of foot and ankle problems have sky rocketed over the past twenty to thirty years and one of the most common foot maladies people suffer from is called Plantar Fasciitis.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitistis means inflammation of your “plantar fascia”. Your plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue (like a ligament) that stretches from your heel to your middle foot bones. It supports the arch of your foot and also acts as a shock absorber in your foot. This condition arises when undue stress is placed on the ligament in your foot that supports your plantar fascia.

What are the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Pain is the main symptom which can be anywhere on the underside of your heel. Most often, one spot is found as the main source of pain. This is usually about 4 cm in from your heel, and may indeed be tender to touch.

The pain can be at its worst when you take your first steps on getting up in the morning, or after long periods of rest when no weight is placed on your foot. Gentle exercise may ease things a little as the day goes by. However, a long walk or being on your feet for a long time often makes the pain worse.

How common is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is very common so you are not alone. Around 1 in 10 people will develop plantar fasciitis at some time in their life. It is in fact most frequently found in people between the ages of 40 to 60 years, although it can occur at any age. It is twice as common in women as it is in men and is also prevalent in athletes.

How can Reflexology help sufferers with Plantar Fasciitis?

Reflexology is an alternative and natural way to help relieve the symptoms of pain of your Plantar Fasciitis and to facilitate with your recovery.

The theory is that we return the body’s systems to normal so if there is an overactive immune system causing problems, then it may be able to help diminish it. Also the manipulation of the foot can help release muscle tension and the adhesions that form when inflammation is present, therefore allowing greater movement. Through specific techniques, it can increase circulation to the area and increased circulation will deliver healing oxygen and nutrients while removing toxins. It is likely that it will take a few treatments to help the area to heal and as you didnt develop this condition overnight, so we ask to be patient with your foot!

Friction massage of the plantar, or bottom of the foot is frequently recommended by Doctors as part of a treatment plan for Plantar Fasciitis. But a Reflexology treatment is much more than a massage as we are looking at the whole picture, a holistic way of helping the body heal.

We would always recommend you seek advice from a Podiatrist and Doctor alongside your Reflexology therapy.

If you would like to book a Plantar Fasciitis reflexology session, please give us a call on 01442 800970 or email us at info@sleepingbeautytherapies.co.uk