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Plantar Fasciitis has become common in my patients lately. Plantar Fasciitis affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed or irritated, leading to pain and discomfort, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. I know this well as I suffered from it for about a year in 2020 when I was walking like crazy during the pandemic! It took a combination of PT, and then Acupuncture with Estim to finally get rid of it. I still stretch my calf muscles every morning.
Here’s what works. Conventional treatments such as rest, ice, stretching exercises, and orthotics in your shoes. Patients who seek acupuncture get more relief. I usually add electric stim to this to really get the blood pumping to the affected area. In the context of plantar fasciitis, acupuncture aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve the function of the affected area.
Acupuncture for plantar fasciitis typically targets points along the meridians and muscles along the leg leading into the heel. By stimulating these points with electric stim, practitioners believe they can unblock stagnant energy, promote blood circulation, and trigger the release of endorphins – the body's natural painkillers. Additionally, acupuncture may help relax tight muscles and fascia, thereby reducing strain on the plantar fascia. I will also look at your posture and gait to see where any other imbalances are. Seeing the body globally is really important.
Here are some of the benefits of acupuncture with electric stim:
1. Non-Invasive Treatment:
Both acupuncture and electrical stimulation therapy are non-invasive procedures, meaning they do not involve surgery or the use of medications that may carry potential side effects. This makes them suitable options for individuals seeking conservative approaches to managing plantar fasciitis.
2. Minimal Side Effects:
Compared to pharmaceutical interventions, acupuncture and electrical stimulation therapy generally have minimal side effects. The most common side effects reported include mild soreness or bruising at the site of needle insertion, which typically resolves quickly.
3. Holistic Approach:
Traditional Chinese medicine views the body as a complex system where physical symptoms are often interconnected with emotional and energetic imbalances. Acupuncture and electrical stimulation therapy address not only the physical symptoms of plantar fasciitis but also aim to restore balance to the body's overall energy flow, promoting a sense of well-being.
4. Personalized Treatment:
Acupuncture treatments are highly individualized, with practitioners tailoring the selection of acupuncture points and treatment strategies to each patient's unique presentation of plantar fasciitis. This personalized approach allows for targeted treatment based on the specific symptoms and underlying imbalances (both posteral and chronic systemic related)
5. Potential Long-Term Benefits:
While some treatments may provide temporary relief from plantar fasciitis symptoms, acupuncture and electrical stimulation therapy have the potential to offer long-term benefits by addressing underlying issues contributing to the condition. By promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance to the body, these therapies may help prevent recurrence of symptoms over time.
6. Complementary to Conventional Treatments:
Acupuncture and electrical stimulation therapy can be used in conjunction with conventional treatments for plantar fasciitis, such as rest, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy. Integrating these alternative therapies into a comprehensive treatment plan may enhance overall outcomes and improve patient satisfaction.
7. Potential for Stress Reduction:
Acupuncture sessions are often accompanied by a sense of relaxation and well-being, which can help alleviate stress and tension – factors that may exacerbate symptoms of plantar fasciitis. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, acupuncture and electrical stimulation therapy may indirectly contribute to symptom relief.
8. Addressing Root Causes:
Unlike some treatments that focus solely on symptom management, acupuncture and electrical stimulation therapy aim to address the underlying root causes of plantar fasciitis. By identifying and treating imbalances in the body's energy flow, these therapies strive to promote healing from within, leading to more sustainable outcomes.
Acupuncture and electrical stimulation therapy offer promising alternative options for managing plantar fasciitis, particularly for individuals who prefer non-pharmacological interventions or have not responded well to conventional treatments. Research supports this. Patients report significant relief from pain and improvement in foot function following acupuncture or electroacupuncture sessions. As usual, it’s important to see a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac) preferably with Orthopedic training to ensure the best outcome.