Sciatica – Acupuncture Can Help!
May 16, 2016
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Plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated with acupuncture.
Plantar fasciitis can be successfully treated with acupuncture. In my personal acupuncture practice, I have treated many people over the last 14 years for this condition. Acupuncture has been most successful when administered as soon as the plantar symptoms show up. Around 90% of the patients I’ve treated with this condition get relief and ultimately get better relatively fast.
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia – the long, flat ligament that runs along the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia extends from the five toes, down through the arch and attaches to the heel. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include pain in the heel and/or arches and tightness of the calves. The pain is usually most severe with the first steps of the day or following a period of rest. Plantar fasciitis causes pain while walking or exercising and can significantly impact one’s daily functioning if left untreated.
The causes of plantar fasciitis are not entirely clear. Risk factors include overuse such as from long periods of standing, an increase in exercise and weight gain.
Contributing factors include:
- Abnormal step (sinking towards the inner or outer edge of arches)
- Tight calves and feet
- Improper athletic training
- High, low, or flat arches
- Foot weakness
- Shoes that fit incorrectly or offer little support
- Prolonged walking, standing, or athletics
This is a testimonial from a patient in my own practice: “I’d been dealing with a flare up of plantar fascial pain for over 6 months. While there was some relief with exercise and natural footwear, I couldn’t wear most shoes and always had discomfort. Rather than pursue steroid injections or surgery as the doctor prescribed, a friend recommended I try acupuncture. Then two unrelated people recommended Lisa Vitale. After 3 treatments I had significant relief and after the 4th, I could walk/exercise without needing KT tape and could wear prettier (but healthy) shoes again. Now all my self-care, minimalist foot care practices can really take me past this chronic condition, knowing I have a pain relief therapy that works. Thanks, Lisa!”
Research has proven acupuncture to be successful at reducing the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis when paired with conventional treatment. A PubMed study shows that “acupuncture coupled with conventional treatments (such as stretching, rest, massage, arch supports) provides a success rate of 80% in chronic plantar fasciitis, which was more effective than conventional treatments alone.
If you start to experience pain in your heel, along your arch or even at the ball of your foot, make an appointment right away! The sooner you address the inflammation, the faster you will heal and prevent it from getting worse. #plantarpins #acudoc #getbackonyourfeet
