Can plantar fasciitis be treated with acupuncture?

Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 13, 2024
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After the non-acute phase of plantar fasciitis, it is possible to combine local acupuncture, physiotherapy, and treatments that stimulate circulation and relieve blockages to promote the recovery of inflammation and local tissue damage. However, during the acute phase of plantar fasciitis, and if there is no significant improvement after acupuncture treatment during the non-acute phase, it may be necessary to combine oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, along with daily local heat physiotherapy. Generally, improvement can be seen after two to four weeks. If there still is no obvious improvement, it is recommended to revisit the hospital for further examination. If significant localized tenderness is confirmed, local block therapy may be considered. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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What department should I go to for plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis refers to the aseptic inflammatory reaction of the plantar fascia caused by prolonged exercise or activity, which results in pain and restricted movement. If plantar fasciitis occurs, it is recommended to seek treatment in the orthopedics department of a formal hospital. Based on the symptoms, an appropriate treatment method should be chosen. Initially, it is important to rest and avoid excessive activities. Additionally, the application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation, facilitating the restoration of walking and functional abilities.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Plantar Fasciitis Physical Therapy Methods

The most common clinical treatments for plantar fasciitis are, firstly, injection therapy, secondly, acupuncture, and thirdly, small needle knife therapy. Among these, injection therapy has the most noticeable effects, but it also has a significant problem. Since the injections contain steroids, excessive use of injection therapy can not only fail to alleviate symptoms but may actually damage the plantar fascia, leading to a worsening of plantar fasciitis symptoms. Therefore, it is crucial to limit the frequency of injection treatments to no more than once or twice a month. If the symptoms of plantar fasciitis do not improve significantly with physical therapy and the pain progressively worsens, then surgical treatment may be necessary. The goals of surgery are firstly to release the plantar fascia and secondly to remove bone spurs, thereby completely alleviating the symptoms of plantar fasciitis pain.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Is physical therapy useful for plantar fasciitis?

Physical therapy for plantar fasciitis is quite effective. It can reduce local inflammatory reactions and increase local blood circulation, thereby promoting the recovery of the plantar fascia and alleviating pain. Generally, there are many types of physical therapy; currently, the most modern and commonly used is extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which has better effects than previous methods like electrotherapy and magnetic therapy. In addition to this type of therapy, local application of injections can also be used. Blocking injections can provide immediate pain relief, but their use is limited to once or twice a month at most, as excessive use can damage the plantar fascia and exacerbate pain.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Will plantar fasciitis cause pain on the top of the foot?

Generally speaking, it is not the case. Plantar fasciitis is mostly characterized by distinct pain at the point where the muscles and fascia on the bottom of the foot connect with the bones, especially during walking or other activities, where a clear pain point can be observed. Top-of-the-foot pain should not be ruled out as being caused by other reasons, such as soft tissue injuries on the top of the foot, gout, or local tissue damage due to accidental strains. Therefore, plantar fasciitis does not induce pain on the top of the foot, unless there are soft tissue injuries and inflammation in both the plantar and dorsal areas of the foot, which would result in corresponding pain in both areas.

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Written by Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
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How to determine if it is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a type of aseptic inflammation. In diagnosis, there is usually a history of chronic strain in the plantar area, or frequent exposure to cold. Patients may feel stabbing pain in the plantar area, swelling in the plantar muscles and fascia tissues, widespread tenderness, and some exhibit definite tender points, affecting normal plantar activity. There is fascial tissue adhesion; when touching the plantar area, the skin may also feel hard and tight. Ultrasonography and MRI can be conducted, and combined with physical examination, a definitive diagnosis can be made. In treatment, conservative methods are used. Often soaking feet in warm water, applying external ointments that invigorate blood circulation and reduce stasis, performing acupuncture and moxibustion, strengthening exercises for the plantar muscle tissues, and taking oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs.