Tennis Ball Therapy Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a long ligament-type structure that runs along the bottom of the foot connecting the toes to the heel. Being active in sports, being overweight or wearing shoes with no support can put abnormal stress on the plantar fascia, causing small tears and extreme pain. People who are flat-footed are also prone to developing plantar fasciitis.

Stretching Therapy with a Tennis Ball

• There are many strengthening exercises and devices on the market to help with plantar fasciitis. An easy and simple routine using a tennis ball is worth trying before investing in expensive gadgets or physical therapy sessions.

  Take a tennis ball and place it under your foot. With your foot, roll the ball from your toes to your heel. Apply as much pressure as you can without causing pain. This is a routine that can be done at home while reading or watching television and is easy to perform during the day while at work sitting behind a desk. This should be done two to three times per day.

Benefits

• The benefits of using the tennis ball therapy technique is that it promotes the stretching of the plantar fascia. This in turn will promote blood flow to the injury, aiding in healing. A stretching program is necessary in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Stretching the plantar fascia on a regular basis will help keep it flexible and can also help to strengthen other muscles that help support the arch of the foot. The tennis ball routine is excellent for reducing stress on the plantar fascia.

Considerations

• Plantar fasciitis is a condition that will not be healed overnight. It will takes weeks and even months of continued treatment before the pain will go away completely. Surgery is only suggested if after six to 12 months of treatment there is no sign of improvement.