woman holding her foot in pain

Dealing with Plantar Fasciitis?

Try These Self-Help Tips and Stretch Therapy

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain and discomfort in the heel and arch of the foot. It’s caused by inflammation or irritation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This condition can be caused by factors such as overuse, foot structure, tightness, age, and weight. The good news is that plantar fasciitis can be treated with non-surgical methods. In addition to rest, ice, stretching, footwear, orthotics, physical therapy, and medications, there are other ways to self-help with healing from plantar fasciitis.

One of the most effective ways to deal with plantar fasciitis is by resting the foot and avoiding activities that cause pain or discomfort. Applying ice to the affected area can also help reduce pain and inflammation. Stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can also help relieve tension on the plantar fascia. However, it can be challenging to stretch the foot and calf muscles on your own, especially if you’re dealing with pain and discomfort.

Here are some additional ways to self-help with healing from plantar fasciitis:

1. Massage

Massaging the foot and calf muscles can help reduce tension and improve blood flow to the affected area. You can use a tennis ball, foam roller, or massage ball to massage the foot and calf muscles.

2. Ice

Set a timer for 10 minutes and intermittently soak the foot for 30 seconds on and off. Do this 3 times per day.

3. Footwear

Wearing shoes that provide good arch support and cushioning can help reduce pressure on the plantar fascia. Avoid wearing shoes with high heels or thin soles.

4. Night Splints

Wearing a night splint can help stretch the plantar fascia while you sleep, which can reduce pain and stiffness in the morning.

5. Taping

Taping the foot can provide support and reduce tension on the plantar fascia. You can use athletic tape or kinesiology tape to tape the foot.

6. Supplements

Taking supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and turmeric can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

7. Calf Stretching

Sit on the ground with your legs straight out in front of you. Wrap a towel or band around the ball of one foot and gently pull the foot toward you, keeping the knee straight. Hold for 1-2 seconds, release, and repeat 10-15 times on each side.

While these self-help methods can be effective, it’s important to note that plantar fasciitis can be a stubborn condition that may require professional treatment. StretchSPOT’s Stretch Therapists can help relieve tension and tightness in the foot and calf muscles, and alleviate plantar fasciitis pain with our unique method that combines Active Isolated Stretching and myofascial release. Our experienced therapists work with clients to create customized stretch programs that target specific areas of the body and address individual needs and they can advise you on specific self-stretching techniques to keep the Plantar Fasciitis at bay.

woman clutching neck in pain whilst sitting at a desk

Say Goodbye to Neck Pain! 5 Tips for Improving Neck Health

Neck pain is a common problem that affects millions of people around the world. Whether it’s caused by poor posture, stress, or injury, neck pain can be debilitating and affect your quality of life. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to keep neck pain at bay and improve your overall neck health.

 

1. Improve Your Posture

One of the main causes of neck pain is poor posture. When we spend long periods of time sitting or standing in a hunched position, it can put extra stress on our neck muscles and cause pain and discomfort. To keep neck pain at bay, it’s important to work on improving your posture.

When sitting, make sure your back is straight, your feet are flat on the ground, and your shoulders are relaxed. If you’re using a computer, position the screen so that it’s at eye level to avoid straining your neck. When standing, keep your shoulders back and down and try to distribute your weight evenly across both feet. Check out our blog post on setting up an ergonomic work station.

 

2. Stretch Regularly

Stretching is a great way to relieve tension in your neck muscles and keep them flexible. Try to stretch your neck regularly throughout the day, especially if you spend long periods of time sitting or standing in the same position.

Some simple neck stretches you can try include:

  • Tilt your head to the left, bringing your left ear towards your left shoulder. Hold for 15-30 seconds and then repeat on the right side.
  • Slowly turn your head to the left, looking over your left shoulder. Hold for 15-30 seconds and then repeat on the right side.
  • Tuck your chin towards your chest and hold for 15-30 seconds.
  • Gently roll your head in a circular motion, first clockwise and then counterclockwise.

 

3. Use Good Ergonomics

Whether you’re working at a desk, using a computer, or driving a car, it’s important to use good ergonomics to avoid neck pain. This means making sure that your work environment is set up in a way that supports good posture and reduces the risk of strain and injury.

Some tips for good ergonomics include:

  • Use a chair with good lumbar support to avoid slouching.
  • Make sure your computer screen is at eye level and that you’re sitting at the correct distance from it.
  • Use a hands-free device when talking on the phone to avoid cradling it between your ear and shoulder.
  • Adjust your car seat so that you’re sitting in a comfortable and supportive position.

 

4. Stay Active

Regular exercise is a great way to keep your neck muscles strong and flexible. Try to incorporate some form of exercise into your daily routine, such as yoga, swimming, or walking.

Exercise can also help to reduce stress, which is a common cause of neck pain. When we’re stressed, we tend to hold tension in our neck and shoulders, which can lead to pain and discomfort. By staying active and practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing, you can help to keep stress at bay and prevent neck pain. Check out our blog post on ways to sneak more fitness into your day.

 

5. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, including neck health. When we don’t get enough sleep, our muscles can become stiff and sore, which can lead to neck pain.

To keep your neck healthy, try to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Make sure your sleeping environment is comfortable and supportive, and avoid using electronic devices before bed to promote better sleep hygiene.

Check out our blog post on 5 ways to sleep better when you’re in pain.

 

In addition to these tips, the StretchSPOT team can also help with keeping a stiff neck at bay. Our stretching professionals can provide personalized stretching sessions that help keep you limber and mobile so you can move through life like a fish through water!

bowl of fruits and vegetables with exercise mat, sneakers, scale and weights

Get Pain Free Without Addicting Meds

Nothing tests people like constant pain for which there seems to be no effective treatment. And yet, as we age, more and more of us face pain on a daily basis.
 
Science has proven you do not have to become a slave to pain medications. Too many doctors will prescribe a potentially addictive drug instead of explaining the many lifestyle modifications you can adopt to relieve pain. Most people can manage pain without the drowsiness and confusion caused by many pain medications.
 
It behooves everyone with pain to advocate for their own well being, even if it means talking back to a doctor or two. StretchSPOT invites you to read on to learn how you can fight pain and lessen its impact on your life.
 

Eliminate Triggers at Home

If you are living with pain, make sure that you have removed triggers in the home. If you have allergies, for instance, ensure the home is dust and mold free. Make sure litter boxes are always fresh. Wash fabrics like bedspreads and curtains at least three times a year to remove dust mites.
 
If your pain comes from migraines, look critically at your lighting to make sure it’s neither too bright, nor too dim. If you suffer from sore joints and muscles, put heavy objects, like step ladders, in one central place so that you don’t have to move them around a lot.
 

Eat Right to Reduce Inflammation
 

Much chronic pain is related to inflammation of joints and cartilage. Scientists at Harvard University tell us that diet alone is an important factor in reducing inflammation. If you suffer from chronic swelling, avoid margarine, red meat, processed meat (such as sausages and hot dogs), anything made with white flour, sodas, and fried foods — especially fried carbohydrates, like french fries.
 
At the same time, there are foods that reduce inflammation. In general, people who adopt a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, tomatoes, and fatty fish, will live with less pain. Other foods that promote health and reduce inflammation are dark and leafy vegetables like spinach, turnip greens, kale, and mustard greens; cherries, oranges, blueberries, and strawberries; and nuts.
 

Reduce Fat Tissue
 

A National Institutes of Health study suggests that loss of fat (also known as “adipose tissue”) can reduce the inflammation that frequently leads to pain, especially in people over fifty. That is why the best thing you can do to reduce pain might be to lose weight.
 
Even if your weight is within normal range, a loss of fat tissue could have benefits. Consult the Mayo Clinic’s BMI chart to see how much weight you can safely lose. A sixty-year old woman who is five feet and seven inches tall can weigh as little as 120 pounds without being too thin, according to the Mayo Clinic.
 

Find Ways to Battle Stress
 

Stress can make chronic pain much, much worse, which is why it’s important to find ways to decrease your stress and anxiety levels as much as possible. Some techniques to help you reduce stress include keeping your mind from jumping on stressful thought trains, identifying the things that can trigger extreme stress in your everyday life, and reducing contact with people who tend to stress you out.
 
Discover the many foods that can help you reduce stress. Options like herbal tea, dark chocolate, avocados, and whole grains can help you fight stress and manage those levels. Keep your home free of stress by adding some indoor plants and decluttering.
 

Do the Right Exercises
 

No one knows exactly why resistance exercises, combined with aerobics, reduce inflammation in some patients. However, at least two studies suggest that this specific regime has the potential to reduce inflammation in patients with ongoing pain. Patients of all ages with type 2 diabetes in particular seem to reap rewards.
 
Another good reason to do resistance training is that it builds up muscles. The stronger your muscles are, the more work they can do, taking pressure off sensitive joints. If your pain is located mostly in your neck and back, do exercises that strengthen those muscles. People with knee pain from osteoarthritis benefit from working out their quadriceps.
 
Of course, people with chronic pain need to approach exercise with caution. Exercise for pain is a long-term proposition, and you need to build up slowly. That’s because exercise can easily cause the inflammation that you are trying to escape.
 
When you are trying out a new exercise, do it for no more than five minutes the first time. Then gradually increase the amount of time you spend on it. Building up to one hour of low-impact, targeted exercise a day should make you feel much better.
 
If you’re feeling sore after your workout, book an appointment with StretchSPOT. Our professional stretch therapy can help with relieving muscle pain and tightness, as well as help speed up your recovery from working out.
 
You are not powerless against your pain. Fight it the right way, and you will put it in the background of your life where it belongs.

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