Recent heel pain plantar fasciitis acupuncture research shows acupuncture is effective and safe. Achilles tendinitis is pain above the heel in the back of the leg below the calf. Plantar fasciitis is pain on the bottom of the heel and foot. Acupuncture has been shown to resolve both types of pain.
The Problem
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common types of foot pain. It is caused by inflammation of the tissue (fascia) lying across the bottom of the foot. Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Both conditions cause stubborn pain and Western medicine does not have adequate treatment.
Western medical techniques for treating foot pain include pain medications (NSAIDs), steroid injections, small needle knife therapy, block therapy, shockwave therapy and surgery. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) historically has resolved foot pain with acupuncture. This new scientific research confirms the historical data.
The Study
Researchers from Guangzhou Dongsheng Hospital and Guangzhou Social Welfare House examined 19 clinical trials and established that 16 of the 19 studies made extensive use of ahshi acupuncture points (tender points) to achieve the best patient outcomes.
In one study (Xu Xuemeng et al.), 66 patients were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a control group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture while the control group received triamcinolone acetonide acetate injections and local blocking therapy. Six months later the acupuncture group had an effective rate of 97% while the drug therapy group had a 76% effective rate.
Research also showed that acupuncture combined with moxibustion (heat therapy) had positive effects on patient outcomes. In one investigation (He Yucai et al.), 75 patients with heel pain were treated with acupuncture points Yongquan (KI1), Rangu (KI2), Taixi (KI3), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Chengshan (BL57) and ashi points. Needles were immediately withdrawn after a deqi sensation was achieved (an achy feeling near the needle insertion).
After needling, moxibustion was applied to ashi points on the heel. The moxibustion was applied for 10 minutes. Acupuncture and moxibustion were given once a day for six days, comprising one course. The second course started two days after the completion of the first. After two courses of treatment, the acupuncture group significantly outperformed the control group that was treated with ibuprofen sustained release capsules.
Conclusions
Based on the 19 reviewed heel pain plantar fasciitis acupuncture research studies performed in the last five years, researchers conclude that acupuncture was safer, easier to apply, and more effective than conventional treatments for heel pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory
In TCM theory, heel pain is explained as Numbness Syndrome. The primary principle of acupuncture treatment is to tonify (strengthen) the kidney Qi, warm the Du Channel (the channels that runs in the back of the leg into the heel) and invigorate collaterals (surrounding painful tissue) in order to unblock numbness and stop pain.
What To Expect
At Raleigh Acupuncture we successfully resolve heel pain, foot pain, plantar fasciitis and Achilles Tendinitis. The treatment is safe, natural and comfortable and delivers long lasting relief. All needles are sterile, single-use and hair thin. You will hardly feel them.
Next Steps
This heel pain plantar fasciitis acupuncture research evaluated 19 separate studies. Their conclusions support what we have seen in our own clinic. Acupuncture works to resolve heel pain.
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Reference
Tang, Cuanqi, et al. “Progress of Clinical Research on Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Heel Pain.” World Chinese Medicine 9.1 (2014): 120-123.
Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis Acupuncture Research
If you have more questions about this research study or about our acupuncture treatment for heel pain, give us a call. We’ll be happy to speak with you.
What our Clients are Saying
I came to Raleigh Acupuncture for severe plantar fasciitis and hamstring pain. They helped me with both of them. My pain was a 10 out of 10 beforehand, and now I’m barely a 1 out of 10. The process is amazing. I don’t know how it works but I KNOW it works!
I had terrible Achilles tendinitis for six months from playing too much tennis. The surgeon was pressing for surgery to “clean up” the tendon, but I just didn’t want to go there. I was referred to Raleigh Acupuncture by my sister, who went there for hip pain. She had great results so I tried. Thank goodness I did. They had my Achilles back to normal in less than a dozen treatments. I’m playing tennis again with absolutely no pain! I highly recommend them for Achilles issues.
I’m a runner and had been dealing with Achilles tendinitis for over a year. The doctor said I would have to have surgery eventually so I was just dealing with the pain and biding my time. Then a friend suggested acupuncture and recommended Raleigh Acupuncture as specializing in Achilles issues. I made and appointment and was impressed from the very beginning. Their evaluation was very thorough and they explained everything that acupuncture could do.
The treatments were comfortable, and more importantly, they eased my pain significantly. After six treatments I was running without any Achilles pain! I’ve totally put the idea of surgery out of my mind since I’m running without pain again. Anyone who has Achilles issues should speak with Raleigh Acupuncture. They can definitely help you.
I was referred to Raleigh Acupuncture a few months ago because I was having a problem with a bone spur affecting my Achilles. The bone spur caused tremendous pain in my ankle and heel. Physical therapy ordered by a doctor really did not help. My doctor said that if the physical therapy did not help he could do surgery, but it would be very painful and would have an 8-9 month recovery period. Raleigh Acupuncture was my last hope. After a few treatments it was less painful when I walked. As I continued the treatments the pain totally went away. Now surgery is not even necessary. They have also helped me with my migraine headaches and restless leg issues. Acupuncture has made a huge difference in the quality of my life.
For the past 13 years I suffered from peripheral neuropathy in my calf, ankle and foot. I tried numerous medications, therapy with lights, neuromuscular massages and back decompression. I felt like I had stones under the ball of my foot. After the first couple of sessions with Dr. Mark, feelings returned to my calf, ankle and the “stone like feeling” under the ball of my foot began subsiding. Thanks to Dr. Mark, I am able now to walk without pain and discomfort. The extraordinary care and attentiveness I am receiving from Raleigh Acupuncture in treating my neuropathy is remarkable and I recommend them without reserve!
My husband Arthur and I have used Mark and Jinmei bi-weekly for at least 4 years, for a variety of treatments, including general well-being. Both of us felt our ailments healed with the treatment. I had a sprained hip flexor which a sports doctor told me would take 6 weeks to heal… it was gone after 2 visits! Mark and Jinmei are very professional and learned, and we have every confidence in them. Even though we pay out of pocket, we obviously feel that the acupuncture is worth it. We both highly recommend Raleigh Acupuncture. You won’t regret it!
Last month when I was working out at the gym I injured my hip. It was diagnosed as sciatica. Two cortisone shots later the pain was still there, so I came to Raleigh Acupuncture. I was skeptical that it would work because the pain was so bad. But sure enough, they got rid of the pain. And it never came back. These guys are good. I highly recommend them.
I LOVE this place! I LOVE these people. Caring and professional, great at what they do. Living with foot pain for SO LONG now, and it was cleared up after just a couple of sessions. Very reasonable on the price, too. Did I mention I LOVE this place!!
My husband is a runner and came to Raleigh Acupuncture with a bad case of plantar fasciitis. He runs about 25 miles a week and does half marathons. In 3 treatments he was pain-free. And they told him he didn’t even have to stop running while they were treating him. It’s been six months and the pain has not returned.
They treated me for trigeminal neuralgia and planter fasciitis. Fabulous – I fly in from Arizona to see them!!!