Plantar fasciitis is an inflamation or mild tearing of the fascia (soft connective tissue) of the bottom of the foot. It is characterized commonly by an intense pain of the heel and bottom of foot upon waking in the morning, and potential pain throughout the day, especially when pressure is applied to the bottom of the foot.
Plantar Fasciitis can be caused by overuse or misuse of the foot, as well as by improper footwear.
From the global view of Clinical Somatics, the fascia of the foot will generally not tear, or if it is already compromised it can be improved, by proper use of the musculature of the whole body (see Foot Pain for a more thorough description of what can go wrong with the feet as a result of whole body movement dysfunction). If the calf muscles and other leg muscles being tight and inflexible, the foot must absorb shock and flex beyond its natural capacity.
When freedom and proper movement of the muscles of the feet, calves, shins, upper legs, hips, back and the whole body is restored, the fascia of the feet will not be overstressed and can handle the normal strains of walking, running, dancing, standing etc.
