Does Foot Massage Help Plantar Fasciitis? Know The Truth

Plantar fasciitis has been associated with pain in the heel and foot. When ignored, the pain could get worse and become chronic. If you try to adjust the way you walk because of the pain you are having, you may end up with a bad posture, or other unpleasant body conditions. Excess strain, stress, and tension on the feet can give rise to plantar fasciitis. Since massages are generally known for lowering the stress levels in the body, one cannot help but wonder, “Does foot massage help plantar fasciitis?”

Yes! It does. Foot massage enhances circulation, which makes the tissues of the feet healthy. They can do as much as relieving the pain and putting a check on plantar fasciitis to stop it from becoming chronic, and they are also natural. Some self-foot massage techniques can be carried out on yourself at home. Examples include Heel-of-hand massage, thumb pushes, thumb pulls, 3 calf massage, ball & ice massage. Preferably, you can decide to get a professional massage

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a tissue in the foot that links the heel bone to the toe. The inflammation of this tissue is referred to as plantar fasciitis. With enough rest, most people recover from this condition. But it can be persistent and continue for years in a few others, resulting in a general reduction in the overall physical fitness level and health.

Even though the cause of plantar fasciitis is not clear in a lot of cases, it has been established that the condition is caused by the extra strain placed on the fascia resulting in tissue fatigue. Several factors can singly or come together to increase your vulnerability to plantar fasciitis. Genetics plays a role too, but some people are lucky enough not to have the condition despite excessively straining their fascia. It can be treated with stretching exercises, resting, applying ice to the painful area, and even surgeries at times. 

Read also: What is Blood circulation machine for legs: Benefits & How to Buy?

What’s The Symptoms And Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis

The Plantar fascia is a band of tissue that is shaped like a bowstring and performs two important functions. It supports the foot arch and acts as a shock absorber when walking. Too much strain and stress can give rise to little tears and strains in this tissue in some individuals. When this occurs repeatedly, the fascia gets inflamed leading to the condition known as plantar fasciitis.

You may feel a sharp pain at the sole of your foot near your heel, which might worsen with time. This is the main symptom experienced by those diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The pain can get really bad with your first walk after waking up or after exercising. 

Some factors that can cause or increases the risk of having plantar fasciitis are:

• Some types of exercises: Although the pain could be significantly reduced while performing some types of exercises, some other activities (examples include, long-distance running and playing tennis) can cause plantar fasciitis because of the increased strain on the feet. 

• Having a job that requires long-standing periods: Those working in factories, teachers, and other similar workers that spend long hours on their feet can have their fascia damaged by the accumulated stress exerted on it leading to plantar fasciitis.

• Being Overweight: Obese people are at a risk too. The extra pounds can cause unnecessary stress on the tissues of the feet leading to the beginning of the condition. 

• Foot mechanics: Anything that can disturb the normal weight distribution of the body on the feet, while standing, or walking can cause the plantar fascia to be inflamed.

How Does Foot Massage Help Plantar Fasciitis?

Foot massage is an ideal natural remedy for the pain caused by this condition. One major advantage of taking this approach is that you do not have to worry about the risks of adverse side effects associated with conventional pain relief medicines and it is definitely more effective than just resting your feet.

A little amount of oil can be applied to the hands for the massage. Then you apply medium pressure as you massage your feet from your toes to your heel for about two minutes. When you are through with the massage process, you can apply ice to the massaged area for about fifteen minutes. This simple method is quite helpful and can help you get rid of the pain. You can conveniently do this at home by yourself or have a professional masseuse work on your feet.

Foot massages help to increase blood flow and the circulation of oxygen in the feet. When the foot is gently massaged, your plantar fascia is stretched. The tightening of the ligaments and tissues that have occurred over time becomes loosened. This breaks down the already-built tension exerted on the tissue fibers. The tissue is hence relaxed, and the pain is effectively controlled.

How Leg And Foot Circulation Machine Relieve Plantar Fasciitis?

Leg and foot circulation machines relieve plantar fasciitis by caressing and tenderly kneading the muscles of the leg and feet as well as the joints. This is achieved by the electrical pulses it sends up your leg through your feet. These electrical stimulations can contract and relax the muscles improving blood circulation to the feet. The increased blood flow helps to reduce feet swelling and increase flexibility. 

Many of these circulation machines have pads that you can comfortably rest your feet on and recline while it works its magic. Some may require that you apply a gel to the soles of your feet before resting it on the footpad. 

They work along with the pressure points on your feet very much like a professional masseuse would. Most circulation machines come with different heating levels give you a soothing feeling while your feet are being massaged. 

Here are some of the best foot massage machine we recommend for plantar fasciitis:

• RENPHO Foot Massager Machine with Shiatsu Deep Kneading, Multi-Level Settings and Heat function
• Human Touch Plantar Fasciitis Foot and Calf Massager Machine featuring rollers
• RENPHO Foot Machine with Heat and Remote best for plantar fasciitis
• Belmint Shiatsu Electric feet massager offers foot and Heel Pain Relief Massage
• Foot Massager for Foot Calf and Leg Massager to Relieve Foot Pain from Plantar Fasciitis Improve Blood

Also read: Leg Compression Machine: Health Benefits & How To Use Guide

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis is caused by repeated strain injury to the fascia tissue in the foot. Anyone can get it especially those that engage in certain activities that stress the feet like dancing, jogging, and running. If not properly treated, it could become chronic. Foot massage by hand or by using a leg and foot circulation machine has proven to be a quite effective technique for the treatment of this condition, and you can consider signing up for a massage session or buying yourself a foot massage machine to solve your plantar fasciitis problem and other similar disorders