Plantar fasciitis is inflammation occurring at the ligament which stretches underneath the sole of the foot that is attached to the heel and is commonly known as the plantar fascia.
The common causes of plantar fasciitis can be contributed to:
– Overuse from repetitive strain caused from certain exercises such as running.
– Being overweight.
– High arches or being flat footed.
– Pregnancy.
– Prolonged time spent on your feet.
– Being middle aged or older.
A recent systematic review (1) concluded there is evidence that supports the use of acupuncture treatment for plantar fasciitis. The outcomes and results also showed comparable results when measured up against conventional treatments such as stretching, night splints and dexamethasone medication. Additionally the Acupuncture Evidence Project (2) and the US Department of Veteran Affairs (3) both found that acupuncture could potentially provide positive treatment outcomes for plantar fasciitis.
Acupuncture can assist via several mechanisms of action. The insertion of an acupuncture needle can create a local effect that influences nerve endings and as a result releases neuropeptides that can reduce or eliminate pain. (3)
Acupuncture can also release adenosine which has a pain relieving and anti inflammatory effect in addition to increasing blood flow to the plantar fascia. (4)
Acupuncture can also influence the release of fibroblasts that promote tissue healing in the affected ligament. (5)
At komyuniti we have developed a method that involves both the traditional acupuncture perspective and the conventional physical therapy approach to assessment and treatment.
Our protocol combines acupuncture, dry and trigger point needling. Additionally we incorporate advanced needling techniques such as motorpoint needling and electro stimulation to specific nerves related to the affected area.
We apply functional muscle testing as part of our assessment and consultation This allows us to target muscular issues that may be contributing to your condition.
As a result we are able to offer a unique plantar fascia protocol to our community to get you back on your feet. No pun intended.
[references]
Clark, R. J., & Tighe, M. (2012). The effectiveness of acupuncture for plantar heel pain: a systematic review. Acupuncture in Medicine: Journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society, 30(4), 298–306.
McDonald, J. L., & Janz, S. (2017). The Acupuncture Evidence Project, 1–81. Retrieved from https://www.acupuncture.org.au/resources/publications/the-acupuncture-evidence-project-a-comparative-literature-review-2017/
Hempel, S., Taylor, S. L., Solloway, M. R., Miake-Lye, I. M., Beroes, J. M., Shanman, R., et al. (2014). Evidence Map of Acupuncture. Washington (DC): Department of Veterans Affairs.
Goldman N, Chen M, Fujita T, et al. Adenosine A1 receptors mediate local anti-nociceptive effects of acupuncture. Nat Neurosci. 2010;13(7):883-888. doi:10.1038/nn.2562.
Langevin, H. M., Bouffard, N. A., Churchill, D. L., & Badger, G. J. (2007). Connective Tissue Fibroblast Response to Acupuncture: Dose-Dependent Effect of Bidirectional Needle Rotation. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 13(3), 355–360. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2007.6351
Staud R, Price DD. Mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia for clinical and experimental pain. Expert Rev Neurother. 2006;6(5):661-667. doi:10.1586/14737175.6.5.661.
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