A 54-year-old man came to our acupuncture clinic complaining of severe foot pain that kept him from running. He had been an active runner until six months earlier when diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. This plantar fasciitis acupuncture case study describes how acupuncture resolved his debilitating foot pain, allowing him to return to running.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot. Inflammation of the “plantar fascia” (the thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes) is the trigger for this pain. The first step of the day (getting out of bed) is often the worst, and walking barefoot seems to aggravate the condition. Runners and those who work on their feet all day on hard surfaces (nurses, firefighters) are more susceptible to this type of pain.
Western medicine does not have an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. The good news is that acupuncture works miraculously to resolve this type of pain. We treat many patients each month with plantar foot pain and resolve over 90% of our cases. This plantar fasciitis acupuncture case study is a typical example.
Plantar Fasciitis Acupuncture Case Study
Our patient had taken up running in his late 40’s and had never had a problem with foot pain. But six months ago, he started feeling a stabbing pain on the inside of both heels. His doctor explained it was plantar fasciitis and prescribed him anti-inflammatory medication. But the pain was too severe, and he had to stop running.
On his first visit for acupuncture, we explained how our treatment would increase blood circulation to his feet, allowing them to heal naturally. He was surprised when we told him that more than 90 percent of our patients had a full, permanent recovery from this condition.
He was concerned about getting needles stuck in his feet. We told him that would not happen. The points most effective for treating plantar fasciitis are on the sides of the feet, not the bottom. We also explained that we would be using electroacupuncture, which sends a gentle electrical current through the needles to enhance blood and qi circulation in the feet.
Miraculous Results
After the first treatment, our patient in this plantar fasciitis acupuncture case study had a 40 percent reduction in pain. He was amazed. Following his second treatment, his discomfort reduced to 60 percent. After four sessions, he was 80 percent better and was ready to try running again.
We encouraged him to start slowly, running only half a mile the first day, and gradually increasing his distance every few days. That week he worked up to running three miles and experienced no additional pain.
Over the next four weeks, he came for acupuncture every other week, and he continued to increase his running distance, working up to his regular six-mile run. He was pleased to report no foot pain. At this point, his treatments came to an end. We suggested he come once a month for maintenance for the next six months, which he did. His full recovery was now permanent.
Foot Pain Resolved
We treat many patients for plantar fasciitis. The results described in this plantar fasciitis acupuncture case study are typical. Patients typically have a full recovery within four to seven treatments. For many runners, they don’t even have to stop running during their treatment. Acupuncture resolves their pain as they continue to train.
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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 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!!!
