A reasonably great number of people suffer from problems with their plantarfascia. I have seen them a lot even when working side by side with a physical therapist. Actually, I wish more of those people would get treatment from a qualified therapist or ART-specialist before taking the route of injections, surgeries and so on...But I am not a doctor...so I am just speculating of course!
ART (active release technique) seems to work very well, but even before that one can do a lot, especially in the prevention of issues with their plantarfascia.
Plantarfascia is a part of the posterior chain. In the same chain, you will find for example the soleus and gastrochnemius muscles of the calf complex. A lot of problems in the bottom of the foot could be prevented by proper flexibility exercises for the calf ; Self-myofascial release, static stretches and dynamic stretches can all be done to prevent problems lower down in the chain. That is just my experience - there is probably more to it.
2 Ways of keeping the lower leg healthier:
1. Foam Roll the calves!
2. Tennis ball the bottom of the foot!
Shoes off. While standing, put one foot on a tennis ball. Slowly and gently "massage" the bottom of the foot with the tennis ball. We like to do about 30-60 seconds per foot.
This one is great tool I learned years ago from Mike Boyle. Thanks Mike!
Tommi
PS: Prepare yourself for the world, as the athletes used to do for their exercise; oil your mind and your manners, to give them the necessary suppleness and flexibility; strength alone will not do. Earl of Chesterfield
