What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Have you been experiencing pain or burning in your heel or the sole of your foot? There is a good chance that you have developed plantar fasciitis.
When the plantar fascia (the tissue that forms the arch of the foot) is overstretched and damaged, it often results in the pain and inflammation known as plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fascia can become overstretched if your foot becomes unstable during critical times in the walking or running cycle. This is especially the case if you wear inappropriate shoes or train too hard or too suddenly.
The pain can be especially noticeable when you push off with your toes while walking.
How does plantar fasciitis relate to heel spurs?
Heel spurs often form when the tension in the plantar fascia starts to pull the outer layer of the bone (the periosteum) away from its attachment to the heel bone.
To protect and reinforce this now weakened and vulnerable area the body starts to lay down calcium and a heel spur slowly forms over a period of time.
How can Bowen Therapy treat plantar fasciitis and heel spurs?
Many times plantar fasciitis is due to muscular imbalance in the pelvis and lower limbs. This imbalance effects one’s gait (the way you walk), which can result in unbalanced tension and strain being exerted on the plantar fascia. When assessing heel pain or plantar fasciitis it is helpful to look at the fascial tension in the ball of the foot, calves, hamstrings and back. If there is any tightness or restriction at these points it could be the cause of the heel pain as the fascial tension will be pulling on the fascial attachment at the heel.
Bowen works directly with the nervous system to help balance and reset muscle tension levels to their optimum efficiency. Bowen may also help to stimulate and accelerate the healing process of the damaged plantar fascia.
At the end of a session the foot may be strapped to take pressure off of the fascia, giving it a better opportunity to heal.
3-6 sessions are typically required
What are natural remedies for treating plantar fasciitis and heel spurs?
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV has properties that make it very effective for tissue healing. To further speed up the healing process:
- Apply some to a clean cloth and secure it to the bottom of your foot with glad wrap.
- Leave it in place for an hour
- Repeat for five days
Caution: do not apply to broken or sensitive skin.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts to help soothe the feet and reduce inflammation soaking in Epsom salts is advised, especially after activities that aggravate the plantar fasciitis.
Epsom salts create the ideal tissue environment for healing by reducing acid build-up in the feet. They can be purchased from your chemist.
Use two tablespoons in approximately two litres of warm water and soak the feet for 20 minutes daily.
Wear Appropriate Shoes
Do not go barefoot in your house or at any other time until the plantar fascia is well and truly healed. Also, do not wear high heels, slippers, flip flops or open back shoes.
Rest
Rest is important. It is particularly important to reduce or take a break from activities that may have been the cause of the plantar fasciitis.
About your Bowen Therapist
I first tried Bowen Therapy in 2000 for a painful shoulder I was experiencing. My shoulder improved rapidly with Bowen and I was especially amazed at the profound relaxation and sense of well-being I felt after each session.
This inspired me to learn Bowen, which I've been practising now since 2005. I am also the former President of the Bowen Association of Australia and a former Bowtech Bowen Instructor.
