Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis - 2C Brier Hill Ct., East Brunswick NJ 08816: by appointment ONLY.
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Acupuncture KYI. We are IN Network with Horizon BCBS, United HealthCare, Aetna, AmeriHealth and some other plans.
Leonid Belenitsky, M.S., L.Ac., author of 5 books about Yoga Philosophy.
Plantar Fasciitis is a common yet often debilitating condition that affects the feet, particularly the heel area. Characterized by pain and discomfort in the heel or arch of the foot, this condition can significantly impact one's daily activities. However, with the right knowledge and treatment approach, it's possible to alleviate the pain and regain mobility.
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammatory condition that primarily involves the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. When this band becomes irritated or inflamed, it leads to the hallmark symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:
Heel Pain: The most common symptom is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, often experienced when taking the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
Arch Pain: Some individuals with Plantar Fasciitis may also experience pain along the arch of the foot.
Stiffness: The condition can cause stiffness in the foot, limiting range of motion.
Plantar Fasciitis can develop due to various factors, including:
Overuse: Excessive physical activity or prolonged standing can strain the plantar fascia, leading to inflammation and pain.
Improper Footwear: Ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes can contribute to the development of Plantar Fasciitis.
Biomechanical Issues: Abnormal foot mechanics, such as flat feet or high arches, can increase the risk.
Weight: Excess body weight places added stress on the plantar fascia.
Age: Plantar Fasciitis is more common in middle-aged and older individuals.
While Plantar Fasciitis can be a persistent condition, numerous treatment options are available to alleviate pain and promote healing. Here are some effective strategies for managing Plantar Fasciitis:
1. Rest and Ice:
Give your feet adequate rest to allow the inflamed tissue to heal.
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
2. Supportive Footwear:
Choose shoes with proper arch support and cushioning to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Consider orthotic inserts for additional support.
3. Stretching Exercises:
Stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can help relieve tension on the plantar fascia.
Rolling a tennis ball or frozen water bottle under the foot can also provide relief.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Medications:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Physical Therapy:
A physical therapist can provide specialized exercises and techniques to strengthen the foot and improve flexibility.
6. Night Splints:
Wearing a night splint keeps the foot dorsiflexed, preventing the plantar fascia from tightening during sleep.
7. Corticosteroid Injections:
In severe cases, a healthcare provider may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
8. Shockwave Therapy:
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses shockwaves to stimulate healing.
9. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):
PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated form of the patient's blood platelets to promote tissue repair.
10. Surgery: - Surgical intervention is considered only when conservative treatments fail. It may involve releasing or removing the damaged tissue.
Conclusion
Plantar Fasciitis can be a challenging condition to live with, but it is treatable. The key to effective management lies in a combination of rest, proper footwear, exercises, and, in some cases, medical interventions. If you're experiencing persistent heel pain or suspect Plantar Fasciitis, consult a healthcare provider or a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. With the right approach, you can regain your mobility and put foot pain behind you.
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.
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.
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:
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."
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:
"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.
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.
"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)"
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1989 Englishtown Rd., Monroe Township, NJ 08831.
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Main website: www.Acupuncture-08831.com
Leonid Belenitsky, M.S., L.Ac., author of the 5 books about Yoga Philosophy.
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Zhang SP, Yip TP, Li QS. Acupuncture treatment for plantar fasciitis: a randomised controlled trial with six months follow up. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011; 2011:154108
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Zhang SP, Zhang JS, Yung KKL, Zhang HQ. Non-opioid-dependent anti-inflammatory effects of low frequency electroacupuncture. Brain Research Bulletin. 2004;62(4):327–334.
Gao HM. Analysis of 30 cases of heel pain in middle age and elderly patients treated by acupuncture in HouXi (SI3) acupoint. Journal of Henan University (Medical Science) 1998;17:54–55
