Got plantar fasciitis?

There is nothing worse than tender tootsies.

Our feet are one the most abused areas of your bodies.  We are on them all day long, and by the end of the day, they can sure ache.

Plantar Fasciitis it a very common foot ailment

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions causing heel pain. It involves inflammation of the plantar fascia — a tough, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus) and to the base of the toes. It helps support the arch of the foot and has an important role in normal foot mechanics during walking.

Tension or stress in the plantar fascia increases when you place weight on the foot, such as withstanding. The tension also increases when you push off on the ball of the foot and toes. Both of these motions occur during normal walking or running. With overuse or in time, the fascia loses some of its elasticity or resilience and can become irritated with routine daily activities. ~Johns Hopkins University

Plantar Fasciitis is a structural issue. 

The bones in the arch of your foot may be misaligned causing pressure on your plantar fascia.  The fascia may be dehydrated causing tension and tightness preventing proper movement of the bones and soft tissues in the foot.  Putting your foot back into proper alignment and supporting your arch correctly will alleviate the pressure on the plantar fascia and over time the inflammation and pain will go away.

Pay attention for a moment, to how you stand on your feet.  Look in the mirror.  Do you pronate?  Does the arch of your foot collapse inward?  Do you supinate?  This is where your ankle rolls to the outside.  Can you see any misalignment happening? 

Your feet may pronate, or supinate, or maybe they do both.

What causes this misalignment?

• Age. Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
• Certain types of exercise. Activities that place a lot of stress on your heel and attached tissue — such as long-distance running, ballet dancing and aerobic dance — can contribute to the onset of plantar fasciitis.
• Foot mechanics. Flat feet, a high arch or even an atypical pattern of walking can affect the way weight is distributed when you're standing and can put added stress on the plantar fascia.
• Obesity. Excess pounds put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
• Occupations that keep you on your feet. Factory workers, teachers and others who spend most of their work hours walking or standing on hard surfaces can be at increased risk of plantar fasciitis.
• Poorly constructed shoes.  Wearing shoes without proper arch support can cause increased stress on the plantar fascia.

How do you heal this?

The best approach is a root cause approach.  Ultimately, you want to correct the misalignment that is happening.

1. See a podiatrist and get the official diagnosis.  You need to see the podiatrist to get a referral or prescription to have custom orthotics made for your feet.  (Most insurance companies have an allowance for this type of thing and will help you pay for it.)
2. See a custom orthotic specialist.  They will make orthotics that will fit like a glove, molded specifically for your foot.  
3. Invest in good quality shoes that your orthotic will fit into.  What is a good quality shoe?
   • One that has a thick sole.
   • One that has minimal bend through the knuckles of the toes.
   • One that has more or a rocking or rolling through motion and less of a bend when walking.
   • One that has a wider base through the toe area.
   • One of the best shoe brands on the market toady is MBT.  Click here to check them out.
4. Perform the MELT Method foot release treatment daily.  This will break apart the adhesions in the fascia that are preventing your foot and tissues to move correctly. Click here to get your treatment kit.
5. Perform the  fascia focused calf release with your soft foam roller.  Get your soft roller here.
6. Stop walking around barefoot.  I know I'm probably going to get some pushback here.  But, walking around barefoot means your foot is not being supported.  Wear your good quality shoes (or house slippers) with your custom orthotics in them from the time you wake up until the time you go to bed.

Hope this helps!  

Nicole

P.S. Would you like a package deal to get your MELT kit and soft foam roller plus 3 60-minute zoom calls with me to teach you how to heal your fascia?  Check out the special offer below.

Heal Your Fascia!

There is a shift happening in the world of chronic pain management.  We have a much better understanding of the fascia and how it is directly connected to chronic pain.  One of the keys to chronic pain MASTERY is to health your damaged or dehydrated fascia, to release the adhesions, so that your body can move again correctly.  Healing the fascia is the first step.

Ready to jump in with both feet and start feeling better?  Then, let's do this. 

In this Mini Fascia Release offer you'll get:

• Three 60-minutes zoom sessions with Nicole to learn each technique: hand, foot, and body ($180.00)
• MELT Hand and Foot Treatment Therapy Ball Kit ($49.99)
• MELT Soft Foam Roller 36 inch Low Density Body Roller ($49.95)

Having the right tools, knowledge, and know how will get you on a path to pain-free living.

Click here and register today!