Plantar Faciitis/Heel Spurs

Symptoms
The classic symptom of plantar fasciitis is heel pain when taking the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for a long period of time. There may be stiffness and pain in the morning or after resting that lessens after a few steps but may get worse as the day progresses.
Pain worsens when climbing stairs or standing on the toes.
Pain becomes noticeable after long periods of standing.
Pain at the beginning of exercise goes away as exercise continues but returns when exercise is completed.


Causes
Activities such as running and jumping, which increase weight and stress on the foot.
Normal aging.
Being overweight.
Foot conditions, such as high arches, flat feet, tight calf muscles and heel tendons, excessive pronation, and worn down fat pads that cover the plantar fascia.


Treatment
Massage therapy for Plantar Fasciitis releases the trigger points and elongates the shortened musculature and fascia in the feet, and calves. Also, it is important to focus on the heel spurs that form and cause pain and dysfunction. A full body postural analysis will be taken to see if there are any contributing factors higher up at the level of the hips or shoulders that could be putting un-do pressure on the feet. Neuromuscular Therapy is one of the most effective treatments available in healing this condition.