Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis: near 07726.

   Heel pain can be a persistent and uncomfortable condition that affects many individuals. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the origins of heel pain are often attributed to imbalances in the body's vital energies and channels. 

   Let's explore two common causes of heel pain from a TCM perspective: stagnation of 'Qi' and Blood in specific channels and kidney weakness.

Understanding the Root Causes of Heel Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Stagnation of 'Qi' and Blood in Certain Channels (Blockage)

   One of the primary causes of heel pain in TCM is the stagnation of 'Qi' and Blood in specific channels, often referred to as blockage. This condition typically arises due to inappropriate movements that result in repetitive stress and trauma to the heel. Over time, these actions lead to the stagnation of 'Qi' and Blood within the channels in the heel area, giving rise to pain. TCM recognizes that when energy and blood do not flow smoothly (不通则痛), discomfort and pain can manifest.

  In addition to improper movements, environmental factors also play a role. Exposure to excessive wind, cold, and damp conditions can contribute to the stagnation of 'Qi' and Blood in the channels, ultimately causing heel pain. It's essential to address both the physical and environmental aspects to alleviate this type of heel discomfort.

TCM theory: Kidney Weakness

According to TCM theory, the kidneys play a vital role in maintaining the health of the bones and lower back. The kidney channel extends to the heel, covering a significant portion of the sole of the foot. When the kidneys are weak or imbalanced, the heel may lack proper support and nourishment from the kidney channels. This vulnerability can make the heel more susceptible to injury, wear and tear, and pain.

Kidney weakness is often associated with specific symptoms, especially in older individuals. Common signs include lower back pain, a tendency to tire easily, and frequent urination at night. These indicators point to an underlying imbalance in the kidney energy, which can manifest as heel pain.

Understanding Heel Pain with TCM.

In TCM, addressing heel pain involves not only providing relief but also addressing the root causes of the discomfort. This holistic approach aims to restore the smooth flow of 'Qi' and Blood in the affected channels and strengthen the kidney energy to support the heel.

Consulting with a licensed TCM practitioner can help identify the specific imbalances in your body and create a personalized treatment plan to address your heel pain. TCM treatments may include acupuncture, herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle recommendations to restore balance and promote healing.

By understanding the TCM perspective on heel pain and addressing both the blockage of 'Qi' and Blood and kidney weakness, individuals can find effective relief and improve their overall well-being.

"The diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is clinical; most patients report heel pain that occurs after a period of foot rest, such as when sleeping or sitting. The pain is reduced after taking a few steps, but can get worse if the patient persists with ambulation or prolonged standing. Physical examination usually reveals tenderness over the medial plantar calcaneal region."
(from Goff JD, Crawford R. Diagnosis and treatment of plantar fasciitis. Am Fam Physician. 2011;84:676–82.)

From article:

How effective is acupuncture for reducing pain due to plantar fasciitis?

Anandan Gerard Thiagarajah, MMed, FCFPS

   "Three studies that compared acupuncture with standard treatment and one study on real versus sham acupuncture were found. These showed that acupuncture significantly reduced pain levels in patients with plantar fasciitis, as measured on the visual analogue scale and the Plantar Fasciitis Pain/Disability Scale. These benefits were noted between four and eight weeks of treatment, with no further significant reduction in pain beyond this duration. Side effects were found to be minimal."

Acupuncture Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Six Months Follow-Up

Shi Ping Zhang, Tsui-Pik Yip, and Qiu-Shi Li

  "In conclusion, this study demonstrates that acupoint PC7 has a specific effect for treatment of plantar fasciitis, and that the method of acupuncture treatment is both simple and safe. Further studies comparing acupuncture treatment with an inert placebo and conventional treatment as parallel arms are recommended to further elucidate the efficacy of acupuncture treatment for heel pain."

From the Article above:

Local and Distal Acupuncture point treatment.

"For acupuncture treatment of heel pain, two treatment approaches are commonly used: local acupoints or a single distal acupoint. The use of a single distal acupoint in treatment of heel pain provides a unique opportunity to study acupoint specificity, even though the mechanism underlying the treatment is still unclear. 

  In this study, we assessed the specificity of the acupoint Daling (PC-7) for heel pain, using a nearby acupoint Hegu (LI-4) as control. PC-7 is used for pain conditions including stomachache, chest or cardiac pain and headache, in additional to heel pain; LI-4 has well-known analgesic properties and is commonly used for dental pain, headache and general analgesia. We used identical methods of needling at both PC-7 and LI-4. The hypothesis being tested was that PC-7 had a better effect than LI-4 in relieving pain due to plantar fasciitis."

   When it comes to addressing the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, acupuncture emerges as a promising option, delivering substantial relief for this orthopedic concern. Acupuncture offers a multifaceted approach to improving plantar fasciitis symptoms, harnessing the body's natural mechanisms for pain relief and healing.

Unlocking Relief: How Acupuncture Addresses Plantar Fasciitis

   The precise insertion of acupuncture needles brings about a series of localized effects on nerve endings, triggering the release of substances that actively promote pain relief. The practice of acupuncture for plantar fasciitis meticulously targets specific acupoints to ease discomfort, stimulate tissue healing, and enhance overall well-being.

   Among the strategic acupoints utilized in plantar fasciitis acupuncture, here are some noteworthy examples:

   1. Taixi (KD3) Point: Nestled on the medial aspect of the foot, the Taixi (KD3) point plays a pivotal role in strengthening the lower back, alleviating heel and ankle pain, and reducing the sensation of heaviness and joint discomfort.

   2. Rangu (KD2) Acupuncture Point: Another valuable acupoint situated on the foot's medial aspect, the Rangu (KD2) point effectively clears heat from the meridian, contributing to a balanced flow of energy and vitality.

   3. Kunlun (BL60) Point: Positioned in a discernible depression midway between the external ankle bone and the Achilles tendon, the Kunlun (BL60) point offers soothing relief, addressing pain and discomfort.

    4. Qiu Xu (GB40) Acupuncture Point: This local acupoint holds the key to reducing ankle weakness and alleviating associated pain, promoting stability and mobility.

   It's important to note that the exact number of acupuncture sessions and the selection of specific acupoints are tailored to each patient's unique circumstances. Factors such as overall health and individual characteristics are carefully considered, ensuring that the treatment plan aligns with the patient's well-being and contributes to a successful recovery journey.

   Unlock the potential for relief and healing by exploring acupuncture as a complementary approach to addressing plantar fasciitis. Consult with a licensed acupuncturist who can assess your specific symptoms, craft a personalized treatment plan, and guide you toward a path of improved comfort and mobility.

Additional Plantar Fasciitis treatment points from "Acupuncture Today":

   "Common primary channel and extra acupoints used for the treatment of plantar fasciitis include KD1 (Yongquan), N-LE-48 (Chuqixue), KD6 (Zhaohai), BL57 (Chengshan), BL61 (Pucan), BL62 (Shenmai), BL63 (Jinmen), SP4 (Gongsun), LV3 (Taichong)"