Acupuncture is a treatment involving the application of thin needles into various parts of the body known as acupoints or acupuncture points. This treatment is a relatively new medical practice in the United States despite the fact that it has been used for various types of conditions in China and the Far East for thousands of years. The Acupuncture Today published new studies that show acupuncture in Bellmore as a very good type of pain treatment for a number of musculoskeletal conditions; however acupuncture research dealing with plantar fasciitis treatment is scant.

Local Points

A lot of the acupoints selected to treat plantar fasciitis are located on the ankle and foot. The acupuncturist, after thoroughly evaluating the patient, will determine which points are to be used for treatment based on the symptoms of the patient. The acupoints Bladder 60 and Kidney 3 found between the Achilles tendon and ankle bones are usually selected. Other points such as the Bladder 62 and Kidney 6 points may also be included. They are found below the ankle bones bilaterally (on both legs). The sole of the patient’s foot will also be palpated by the acupuncturist and needle any body parts that are particularly tender.

Distal Points

There is usually tightness in the calf area that accompanies a plantar fasciitis condition. When there is tightness in the lower leg muscles, more pressure is placed on the foot’s plantar surface and this may lead to plantar fasciitis. Several acupoints on the lower leg may be used by the acupuncturist to alleviate this muscle tightness and to rectify the possible causes of plantar fasciitis. A lot of these acupoints are found on the back of the lower leg within the calf’s muscle belly.

Pattern Points

After a comprehensive examination, patients will be given a diagnostic pattern by their acupuncturist. This is the same as a diagnosis that Western medicine doctors give their patients. An acupoint is added by the acupuncturist for treatment based upon the diagnostic pattern. These acupoints will address the patient’s constitution and resolve any underlying causes of the illness. The pattern points are usually found in regions of the body that are remote to the actual site of pain. (i.e. the upper part of the body). The acupoints will differ from patient to patient.

Treatment Procedure

Usually, plantar fasciitisis is treated for about a month, two sessions per week. Each session typically lasts for about 45 minutes. The needles are left inserted into their respective acupoints for about 20 minutes. Electrical stimulation is commonly added to the treatment. The “Journal of Medical Acupuncture,” has stated that the combined use of traditional acupuncture and electro acupuncture to the ailing foot musculature led to a significant decrease in pain and functional improvement with a limited number of treatments. Many acupuncturists will massage the affected area after the needles are removed. They will instruct their patients in a stretching routine to be done in the comfort of their homes many times per day.