Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia which is a thick, fibrous ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the front of the foot.

Someone with plantar fasciitis will experience intense pain at the bottom of their heel; in some cases, pain can radiate up the leg causing discomfort in the ankle and calf.

When there is too much pressure on your feet, the ligament can become weak, damaged or torn causing inflammation, pain and stiffness. It can make standing or walking difficult and painful. The pain is usually a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or sole of the foot.

Acupuncture has shown to be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis as it improves plantar heel pain and inflammation, as well as to stimulate the nerve endings in the foot to promote the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate pain and inflammation in the body. Chinese Herbal Medicine can also help to improve qi and blood circulation to the area and reduce inflamation. Often Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine used together for best effect.

Studies have demonstrated that using Acupuncture can significantly reduce pain levels for people with plantar fasciitis over four to eight weeks of acupuncture treatment. Research also suggests that Acupuncture triggers the release of a substance called adenosine which has the ability to promote blood flow to the heel and sole of the foot, and also provide a strong pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect.