Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the connective tissue of the heel. It causes stiffness at the bottom of the foot, the arch of the foot and is felt in the achilles tendon. It affects and is common in active indivdulas and althletes. But walking and standing for long periods of time can also cause pain in the foot.  Other factors are being overweight, over exercising, shoes that do not fit well can cause pain, repetitive stress on the foot and a change in a person training.

Pain can occur in the mornings upon waking up and taking a few steps, although the pain can occur throughout the day and after training.  The stiffness in the feet is a sign of plantar faciitis. The connctive tissue that support the arch can have micro-tears of the fascia or near its attachment of the calcaneus, there can be calcaneal heel spur, these will cause pain, stiffness and inflammation of the foot. Sometimes the pain is alleviated when the foot is warmed up and stretches are done, although the pain can does re-occur.

Acupuncture can help reduce the pain, stiffness and inflammation of plantar fasciitis. Diagnoses  is done by palpating the heel and a pinch test of the achillies tendon. Acupuncture points are used locally and distal points are used to treat this condition. Some local points used are UB62, KD  2,3 and KD1. Some distal point are SP6, UB56, and 57. Ashi points are also used where the inflammation is in the heel and foot. Electric stimulation, cupping and moxa are other modalities used to treat this condition.

It is recommended when coming to acupuncture be treated two times a week for 3-4 weeks and then be re-evaluate. Herbal medicine is also used to treat the pain and inflmmation of plantar fasciitis. A warm sea salt soak in a foot bath massage can help draw out the inflammation and allievate the pain.

Plantar fasciitis if not treated can be serious and cause a more serious problems with the calcaneus and achilles tendon. The pain can affect an individuals daily activities and routine.  If you have an issue please consider acupuncture treatment, its a natural approch that works.