Plantar Fasciitis Wrapping Stabilization Procedures

When that first step out of bed in the morning results in a sharp, stabbing pain, there's a good chance you're facing plantar fasciitis. The foot pain and soreness that accompany plantar fasciitis can be obstacles to daily activities.

Getting control of the disorder and finding relief is usually critical to maintaining quality of life. One very easy place to begin is foot wrapping.

Plantar Fasciitis

• Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the long band of connective tissue that runs inside the bottom of the foot, stretching from the heel bone to the toes. Because the tissue runs all the way across the sole, it can make walking and running very uncomfortable.

  Plantar fasciitis has several causes. The simplest is not wearing shoes with adequate support. A more common one is overexertion of the foot, which is often experienced by runners, pregnant women, and overweight people. Too much stretching and tearing of the plantar fascia results in inflammation.

Taping

• Wrapping the foot with athletic tape is a good way to stabilize the plantar fascia. This support from the tape can help keep the fascia in place, can better resist shocks, and prevents overextension. This in turn prevents stretching and tearing.

  Taping doesn't guarantee a reverse of the condition. Sometimes it just prevents things from getting worse. But in many cases, it reduces pain and allows greater functionality of the foot. Tape wrapping can also help prevent plantar fasciitis from ever occurring.

How To Wrap

• Begin taping around the ball of the foot. Then, wrap another piece of tape around your heel and attach it to the tape at the ball of the foot.

  Then, place a strip of tape around the ball-of-the-foot--or metatarsal region--and then cross the length of your foot diagonally before wrapping it around your heel and crossing the length of the foot again. This will make an X across your sole, which will support the plantar fascia.

  Repeat this procedure three times to reinforce the taping for strong support.

  Finish by placing strips of tape horizontally across the foot to cover over the X-shape, forming a solid white covered sole. This increases support, allowing the fascia to rest.