Plantar Fasciitis is what clients call the pain in their heel or the bottom of their foot that is most noticeable first thing in the morning or after a long time sitting or being inactive. The pain seems to come out of the blue and then seems to dissipate with more steps and activity. But it hurts!

No one is sure how Plantar Fasciitis starts, but everyone agrees it can be painful. Standing too long at one’s job on a hard surface, increased walking or exercising, a tight Achilles heel, and obesity seem to be risk factors.

At Portland Reflexology, we focus on easing heel and arch pain with reflexology.

I have learned from Portland podiatrist Dr. Ray McClanahan, that ill-fitting footwear may be the main problem, so I ask clients to bring shoes with a removable insole to check the fit at their first reflexology session. Then I use reflexology techniques in the arch and heel to increase blood flow. I also have a massage license (Nancie Hines, OR LMT 18833) and use that knowledge to stretch and reduce the tightness in the lower legs.

Often a change in shoes and a few reflexology sessions will greatly relieve the client and the healing can begin.

At Portland Reflexology, we call the condition of Plantar Fasciitis, Plantar Fasciosis. The new science shows there is little or no inflammation on the plantar side—or bottom—of the foot or heel and therefore, the scientific review proposes Plantar Fasciitis be renamed Plantar Fasciosis, which describes the damaged tissue caused by poor or restricted blood circulation in the foot—often caused by ill-fitting shoes.  

You can read more about Plantar Fasciosis and Dr. McClanahan, owner of Northwest Foot and Ankle, at https://www.nwfootankle.com/patient-resources/foot-conditions/