Plantar Fasciitis
Support Your Feet, Regain Your Mobility
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue connecting the heel to the toes. It commonly causes sharp heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after standing. Risk factors include age, repetitive stress, obesity, foot mechanics, and improper footwear. If untreated, it can become chronic, affecting gait and mobility. Stretching, supportive footwear, and daily physiotherapy can help relieve pain and improve foot function.
About
Plantar Fasciitis
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition causing pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. It often presents as sharp heel pain, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of standing. Adults over 50 are particularly susceptible due to age-related changes in connective tissue, reduced flexibility, and cumulative stress on the feet.
Symptoms and Daily Impact
Symptoms typically include:
Sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, often worst in the morning.
Pain that worsens after prolonged standing or activity.
Swelling or tenderness along the bottom of the foot.
Difficulty walking or performing daily tasks comfortably.
These symptoms can significantly affect mobility, independence, and overall quality of life, making routine activities challenging.
Causes and Risk Factors
Plantar fasciitis can develop from multiple factors, including:
Age-related degeneration of connective tissue.
Repetitive stress from walking, running, or standing for long periods.
Obesity, which increases pressure on the heel.
Foot biomechanics, such as flat feet, high arches, or tight calf muscles.
Improper footwear lacking support.
Understanding these risk factors helps in both prevention and effective management of the condition.
Long-Term Considerations
If untreated, plantar fasciitis can become chronic, leading to persistent heel pain, altered gait, and secondary issues such as knee, hip, or back discomfort. Early intervention is key to prevent long-term tissue damage and maintain mobility.
Lifestyle and Daily Management
Daily strategies can help relieve symptoms and support healing:
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot and calf muscles.
Using orthotics or supportive footwear to reduce strain.
Managing body weight to decrease heel pressure.
Resting and avoiding high-impact activities when pain flares.
Before
After
The Prosalud Vibrotherapy Solution
Evidence-Based Approach
ProSalud offers a holistic solution for adults over 50 living with plantar fasciitis. The approach combines daily physiotherapy exercises, heated vibrotherapy, and targeted foot nerve stimulation to reduce heel pain and improve foot function. Clinical research shows that stimulating the foot’s dense network of nerves can modulate pain perception, improve circulation, and promote tissue healing (Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 2019).
Daily Physiotherapy Integration
Tailored physiotherapy exercises are central to ProSalud’s method. Gentle stretching of the plantar fascia, calf raises, and balance exercises help strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce strain on the heel. Studies indicate that consistent physiotherapy can decrease pain severity by up to 40% in chronic plantar fasciitis cases (PMCID: PMC7349871).
Heated Vibrotherapy Benefits
Heated vibrotherapy combines gentle mechanical vibration with soothing warmth to stimulate nerves, relax muscles, and enhance blood flow. Evidence suggests that this combination can accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility in individuals with chronic heel pain (PMC8630268). Heat improves tissue elasticity, while vibration activates sensory nerves, providing both local and systemic pain relief.
Nerve Stimulation and Full-Body Pain Modulation
ProSalud devices target the foot’s over 7,000 nerve endings, using controlled vibration and heat to stimulate these pathways. Research shows that nerve stimulation can trigger endorphin release and central nervous system modulation, offering relief not just to the heel but across the body (PMC6313442). This holistic effect can reduce pain perception and improve daily function.
Practical At-Home Use and Long-Term Benefits
ProSalud’s solution is designed for easy daily use at home, allowing older adults to integrate therapy into their routines. Regular use supports mobility, independence, and overall foot health, while minimizing reliance on invasive treatments or long-term medications. Clinical evidence indicates that combining physiotherapy, heated vibrotherapy, and nerve stimulation can significantly improve quality of life for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Key Benefits of ProSalud Solution (Bullet Points)
Reduces heel pain and inflammation through nerve stimulation and heat.
Improves circulation and tissue repair via heated vibrotherapy.
Strengthens foot and calf muscles with daily physiotherapy exercises.
Modulates full-body pain perception by activating foot nerve pathways.
Safe and non-invasive, suitable for at-home daily use.
Evidence-based: Supported by studies in Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, PMC articles, and clinical trials.
Enhances mobility and quality of life, especially for adults over 50.
Medical Advice & Supporting Research
Medical Insights: Foot Nerve Stimulation for Plantar Fasciitis
The Role of Foot Nerves in Pain Modulation
The human foot houses over 7,000 nerve endings, making it a critical area for sensory input and pain perception. Stimulating these nerves can activate the central nervous system's pain-modulating pathways, potentially offering relief from localized and referred pain. This is particularly relevant for conditions like plantar fasciitis, where nerve involvement can exacerbate discomfort.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Nerve Stimulation
Recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of nerve stimulation therapies in managing plantar fasciitis:
Monophasic Pulsed Current (MPC) Therapy: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine demonstrated that MPC therapy, when combined with stretching exercises, led to significant reductions in heel pain and plantar fascia thickness. Patients reported improved functional mobility and decreased pain intensity after a 4-week intervention period. MDPI+1
Low-Frequency Electrical Stimulation: Research in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that low-frequency electrical stimulation, when used alongside stretching exercises and foot orthoses, resulted in notable pain reduction and enhanced daily activity levels in individuals with plantar fasciitis. PubMed
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): A study published in Frontiers in Neurology indicated that tDCS could be a promising treatment for chronic foot pain, including plantar fasciitis, by modulating cortical excitability and reducing pain perception. PMC
Mechanisms of Pain Relief
Foot nerve stimulation may alleviate plantar fasciitis symptoms through several mechanisms:
Activation of Pain Gate Mechanisms: Stimulating foot nerves can activate inhibitory pathways in the spinal cord, reducing the transmission of pain signals to the brain.
Endorphin Release: Nerve stimulation may promote the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, leading to pain relief and improved mood.
Enhanced Blood Flow: Certain stimulation techniques can increase local blood circulation, facilitating tissue repair and reducing inflammation in the affected area.
Central Nervous System Modulation: By influencing central pain processing centers, nerve stimulation can decrease the perception of pain, even in areas distant from the foot.
Safety and Feasibility
Clinical trials have assessed the safety and feasibility of various nerve stimulation techniques for plantar fasciitis. Findings suggest that these therapies are generally safe when administered correctly, with minimal adverse effects. However, individuals with certain conditions, such as diabetes or circulatory issues, should consult healthcare providers before initiating nerve stimulation therapies.
Practical Application
Incorporating foot nerve stimulation into daily routines can be an effective strategy for managing plantar fasciitis. Devices designed for home use allow individuals to administer therapy conveniently, potentially leading to sustained improvements in symptoms and overall foot health.
The Prosalud Company massager is engineered as a therapeutic instrument for home use, combining low‑frequency vibration that activates deep muscle fibres with controlled heat to maximise relaxation and circulation.