Acupuncture for plantar fasciitis
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1. Overview
Plantar fasciitis is a condition which can cause heel pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon at the bottom of your foot. It can also cause foot and ankle pain at different times a day.
2. Symptoms
The plantar fascia is a band of thick tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. It runs from the heel bone (calcaneum) along the inside edge of the foot to the base of the toes.
3. Causes
It happens when the strong band of tissue on the sole of your foot (fascia) becomes irritated, after repetitive use or due to poor foot posture. The Achilles tendon becomes tense causing pain when walking. Heel spurs and flat feet can also be another cause of plantar fasciitis. It mainly occurs in one foot but sometimes both feet are affected at the same time.
4. Acupuncture for plantar fasciitis
Your doctor may recommend extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which is very painful or to wear a splint at night.
Acupuncture is very effective at treating plantar fasciitis as it's able to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Don't use an ice pack as that can cause the Achilles tendon to tense up even more, thereby increasing the pain. Arch supports in shoes can help.
In my experience, acupuncture can treat plantar fasciitis in 1-3 treatments after taking a full medical history and isn't painful like shock wave therapy.
Watch my video below which explains how acupuncture can relieve plantar fasciitis.
5. Self-care tips
You can do stretching exercises everyday to help plantar fasciitis. Stretch the plantar fascia, calf muscles and the arch of the foot. Avoid wearing high heels. Some people benefit from wearing night splints.
