2/23/15

Foot Massage for Plantar Fasciitis and General Foot Pain

Foot massage may be one of the most relaxing and stress relieving parts of any massage, and can address several specific dysfunctions including Plantar Fasciitis, early stage Hammer Toe, chronic pain, headache, and so on.

Kidney 1 (K1) is a powerful acupressure point on the center of the sole of the foot, between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsals. It is the acupoint closest to the earth. Acupressure to K1 reduces foot pain and brings the body’s energy downward, so it clears and calms the mind and helps with headaches.

Liver 3 (LV3) and Gall Bladder 41 (GB41) are powerful acupoints on top of the foot. LV3 resides in the space between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones, about a half-inch from the toes. GB41 lies between the 4th and 5th metatarsals a half-inch from the toes. Pressing these points provides general chronic pain relief throughout the body and specifically to the feet, side of the legs and hips.

Plantar Fasciitis causes profound heel pain. The band of tissue connecting the Calcaneus (heel bone) to the toes becomes irritated and inflamed. Running, standing for long periods of time on a hard floor, obesity, and other factors may induce small tears in the fascia. Dorsiflexing the foot and massaging the plantar fascia (gently at first) may help reduce the pain associated with this condition and expedite the healing process.

Hammertoe manifests as a bending of the toe or toes, typically caused by ill-fitting shoes. Perhaps the toe or toes are forced into a cramped position when a tight shoe is worn. Hammertoe may also result from trauma to the toes or be inherited. Hammertoe causes pain, corns, calluses, Inflammation, redness, burning, and even broken skin. If addressed in the early stages, massage can help relax and retain the elasticity of the the muscles and tendons of the lower leg and foot.

Related conditions for massage: shin splints, drop foot, bunions