.Acupuncture can form part of an effective treatment plan for people that are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis. At AcuHealth Therapies we work with patients in Melbourne who are experiencing symptoms related to plantar fasciitis & heel pain.
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation located in a thick fibrous ligament called the plantar fascia, which helps to support the arch of your foot.
Patients with plantar fasciitis may experience sharp localised pain situated at the ball of the heel and this can commonly cause discomfort and pain. Pain can be distributed up the leg to the ankle and calf and can make walking and moving quite painful.
Plantar fasciitis is related to straining the plantar fascia ligament due to overuse or overstretching. Exercising on hard surfaces, wearing unsuitable footwear, excessive running, walking or standing and body weight are all possible contributing factors.
A 2011 study suggested that acupuncture can provide pain relief to patients with plantar fasciitis. It may help reduce pain by releasing muscle tightness in the affected areas of the calf and foot muscles.
A study conducted in 2012 focused on the effectiveness of acupuncture for plantar heel pain and concluded that “it was comparable to the evidence available for conventionally used interventions, such as stretching, night splints or dexamethasone. Therefore acupuncture should be considered in recommendations for the management of patients with plantar heel pain.”
Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis as it can help to relieve plantar heel pain and reduce inflammation in the foot. The treatment will involve inserting needles into appropriate points in the foot to promote blood flow to the area and release the plantar fascia tendon.
Placing acupuncture needles in certain areas of the plantar fascia and surrounding areas such as the calf can aid in pain reduction by releasing muscle tightness and improving flexibility in the foot, ankle and lower leg.
At your initial consultation Dr Sharlane will assess your foot, discuss your symptoms and the medical history associated with your plantar fasciitis.
For most patients, 1-2 acupuncture treatments weekly for 3-4 weeks can start to alleviate pain, but each patient’s situation is unique and a treatment plan will be tailored for your specific circumstances.
To find out more about Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis in Melbourne, call us at the clinic on 0403 524 893