Plantar Fasciitis: Symptoms (Causes), Treatment & Exercises

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition, usually expressing itself as an intense pain in the affected heel. The plantar fascia is a tough, flexible band of tissue connecting the heel bones with the bones of the toes, and it acts as a kind of shock absorber for the foot. Occasionally, damage can cause tearing of the tissue and these results in plantar fasciitis symptoms; inflammation, extreme stabbing pain in the heel especially on waking and stiffness in the heel area of the foot.

Plantar Fasciitis causes:

Damage to the plantar fascia can of course be caused by a physical injury, but in the absence of any such obvious cause it is my experience that treatment should involve attention to the liver and blood circulation as well as the gastro-intestinal tract – an important consideration in any health condition that involves inflammation and excess heat. Sometimes the adrenals may also be compromised through stress and unless this is treated could aggravate the condition. Although mainstream medicine does not attribute plantar fasciitis to an imbalance in any specific organ or system, it is interesting to note that recent research has identified a positive correlation between more serious conditions of these tissues such as plantar fibrosis, with liver disease. Another important factor is that the heel is less richly supplied with blood than most other parts of the body and any systemic congestion is therefore more likely to cause a weakening of the tissues in this area.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis:

The Ayurvedic plantar fasciitis treatment first deals with immediate relief. Haritaki is one of the finest medicines for this purpose as it has a cleansing and restorative effect on the tissues, including the liver and the gastrointestinal tract. It is also an excellent blood purifier. Immersion of the affected foot in Ayurvedic salt solution can also give considerable immediate relief. For longer term treatment plantar fasciitis exercises (Yoga) can be very helpful, particularly the Indian push-ups performed 21 times twice daily (see Yoga Books Yatan Yoga – A Natural Guide To Health & Harmony).

I experienced plantar fasciitis myself some thirteen years ago and am well aware of the ability of Ayurvedic treatment to deal with it effectively. Help is available – just call 1300 552 260 for free 10 minutes consultation.

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