Treating Plantar Fasciitis with Chinese Medicine

What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions causing heel pain. The condition involves inflammation of the plantar fascia -- a tough, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot with attachments to the heel bone (calcaneus) and to the base of the toes. The plantar fascia provides support to the arch of the foot and has an important role in normal foot mechanics during walking. Plantar fasciitis commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs with your very first steps in the morning. Once your foot limbers up, the pain of plantar fasciitis normally decreases, but it may return after long periods of standing or after getting up from a seated position.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Under normal circumstances, your plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch in your foot. If tension on that bowstring becomes too great, it can create small tears in the fascia. Repetitive stretching and tearing can cause the fascia to become irritated or inflamed. Some of the causes of plantar fasciitis include weight gain/obesity, pregnancy, running or jumping on hard surfaces, sudden increase in physical activity, standing for long periods of time, poor arch support, walking barefoot, and/or a pre-existing foot condition such as flat feet, pronation (rolling inward of the foot), or an abnormally tight Achilles tendon.

Healing Therapies
There are many effective therapies used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat plantar fasciitis. These therapies include:  

• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Moxibustion
• Cold therapy
• Foot baths
• Electrical stimulation

• Foot roller
• Stretching
  
• Strengthening  
  
• Orthotics
• Night splints
• Taping
• Foot sleeve
  

How to Tape Your Foot for Plantar Fasciitis

How Long Does it Take to Get Results?
The cause and severity varies from person to person. In general, it takes a minimum of 6 treatments (meeting twice a week) to see results. Committing to a weekly treatment plan and a home-care treatment regimen will greatly enhance the healing process and promote long-lasting results.

Free Consultation
Set up a free, no-obligation consultation and find out if Chinese medicine can help you.