WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Common among runners, walkers, and people who stand or walk on hard surfaces for long hours every day, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is considered a type of repetitive stress injury. The pain is brought on by inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, which is the connective tissue that supports the arch of the foot. It is characterized by morning pain or stiffness that tends to improve throughout the day but returns in the evening or after a workout. Up to half of the people diagnosed with plantar fasciitis may also have a bone spur.
WHAT CAUSES PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
As a repetitive stress injury, plantar fasciitis is commonly caused by repetitive activities, such as running or walking. Changes in exercise routines, such as increasing mileage or terrain, may trigger a pain response. Switching shoes can also affect the feet. Additionally, physical variation among individuals leaves some people at higher risk for developing this condition. For example, excessively high or low arches place strain on the tendons of the feet, creating a potential vulnerability over time. As people age, the fat pads on the balls of their feet may decrease, which then decreases the shock absorption of each step and creates repetitive strain. While most cases of heel pain occur in the local tissue, it is important to rule out injury to the calf or Achille’s tendon, as these types of injuries may sometimes radiate pain to the foot. By pinpointing the source of the pain, treatment will be more effective.
HOW CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Acupuncture targets the specific tendon that is inflamed. By increasing local blood circulation, the body is better able to flush out unnecessary cellular debris and bring in nutrients to begin healing the affected tendon.
CITATIONS
Whitfield Reaves, and Chad Bong. The Acupuncture Handbook of Sports Injuries & Pain : A Four Step Approach to Treatment. Hidden Needle Press, 2009, pp. 63-65.
