Why Is My Plantar Fascia Not Getting Better? #2 — Not Releasing The Muscles In The Bottom Of The Foot Properly
Ben Leyson
December 3, 2025
Struggling With Plantar Fasciitis That Won’t Heal?
If you’ve been battling plantar fascia pain (often called plantar fasciitis), you know how stubborn it can be. From the stabbing heel pain in the morning to the ache after walking or standing too long, it can feel like nothing you try really works.
The question is: why isn’t my plantar fascia getting better? This series of blog posts aims to help you answer this question!
Releasing Your Foot Properly Is Essential for Reducing Plantar Fascia Pain
If there’s one exercise that can completely change the trajectory of your plantar fascia recovery, it’s this one: proper ball rolling.
This simple technique is the most important pillar of the entire program. When it’s done correctly, it reduces sensitivity, releases stubborn tension, and boosts blood flow to the fascia, creating the ideal environment for healing.
The problem?
Most people think they’ve tried ball rolling… but in reality, they’ve only skimmed the surface. Too light, too gentle, or using the wrong tool so they assume it “doesn’t work.”
Let’s fix that.
Why Ball Rolling Works
When your plantar fascia is irritated, the tissue becomes stiff, guarded, and hypersensitive. Ball rolling directly tackles these three issues:
• Desensitisation
Firm, consistent pressure helps retrain the pain pathways between your foot and your brain, calming down hypersensitivity.
• Tissue Release
Rolling loosens tight muscles, reduces stiffness, and helps break down small adhesions in the fascia and surrounding foot muscles.
• Improved Blood Flow
Pressure encourages fresh circulation bringing nutrients in and flushing inflammation out.
In other words, ball rolling doesn’t just “massage” the foot…
It targets the root causes of persistent plantar fascia pain.
How to Do It Properly
Follow these steps to get results not frustration.
1. Choose the Right Ball
Use a firm ball such as:
Cork
Hard rubber
Hockey ball
Cricket ball
Avoid soft or spiky massage balls—they simply can’t create enough pressure.
2. Find the Right Zone
Roll only along the arch of your foot:
From the heel pad to the base of the toes
Avoid the heel bone and toe joints these areas aren’t designed for direct pressure
3. Apply Strong Pressure
This is the step most people miss.
You want 8–9/10 intensity the kind of pressure that makes you wince, grimace, or even tear up a little.
It’s uncomfortable, but it’s what creates real change.
This is the “good pain” that gets results.
4. Mix Your Movements
To release the full foot, use all three directions:
Forward and backward along the arch
Side-to-side across the muscles
Pause and hold on tight spots until they soften