Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis

About 83% of active adults, ages 25 to 65, will suffer from plantar fasciitis. While it is most common in runners, those who are overweight or frequently wear unsupportive shoes also have an increased risk of plantar fasciitis.

Below we discuss the benefits of acupuncture in decreasing pain caused by plantar fasciitis. For some at-home and other natural ways to alleviate pain, click here.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the fibrous tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot connecting your heel bone to your toes called the plantar fascia. The pain caused by plantar fasciitis ranges from feeling a bit sore to a very sharp pain near the heel making you feel like you are unable to walk. Pain might be worse in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain normally decreases, but it might return after long periods of standing or standing up after sitting.

How can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. Acupuncture is based on maintaining a healthy flow of vital energy—known as qi—through the meridians of the body. When treating plantar fasciitis with acupuncture, the goal is to move qi to strengthen the liver (in charge of our fascia, tendons and ligaments) and kidneys (in charge of our lower legs, ankles and feet).

Acupuncture can have a dramatic effect on the local tissue and accelerate recovery. Acupuncture is well known in reducing pain, discomfort and inflammation, and the plantar fascia is no exception. Some patients find relief after their first visit.

What should I expect?

An acupuncture specialist will gently insert very thin needles through the skin along various energy meridians to relieve your specific symptoms. From head to toe, these points are located all over the body. Many report little to no discomfort during the needle insertion. The needles will stay in place for 10 to 30 minutes. A standard consultation lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. You can expect your first visit to be closer to an hour as the acupuncturist will need to perform a preliminary evaluation.

Interested in acupuncture for plantar fasciitis? One of our acupuncture specialists at Arapahoe Chiropractic & Acupuncture Center in Centennial would be happy to help you find relief. Contact us for more information or request an appointment today!