BSc Hons, British Acupuncture Council Insured
Acupuncture | Chinese Herbal Medicine | Aesthetics
Build a Good Health Together
Yan Clinic
EST2012
Putney London
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common problem causing pain in the foot or heel, usually worse in the morning when stepping out of bed. This condition is often caused by a weakness in the muscles of the lower leg due to muscle imbalances caused by physical stress, overtraining, too much standing, stress or a poor diet.
In conventional medicine, drugs, cortisone injections, and orthotics provide only a temporary band aid, which may end up making the pain worse in the long run. In order to successfully treat plantar fasciitis, we have to treat the root of the problem instead of just masking the pain.
Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is usually caused from repetitive strain to the heel area, and is a common, and very persistent injury afflicting runners, walkers, hikers, or anyone standing or walking a lot on hard surfaces. It creates a debilitating pain that is usually at its worst first thing in the morning.
What most people don't realize, is that even though the pain is felt in the foot, plantar fasciitis pain actually originates in the muscles of the lower legs and calf. When these muscles are tight and overstretched, it puts strain on the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot. This is why only treating the foot is not effective.
Why Conventional Treatments Don't Work
Patients with plantar fasciitis are usually treated by a podiatrist using cortisone injections, and are told to immobilize their foot and leg by putting it in an orthopedic boot.
Treating the foot locally may only provide temporary relief, but does not address the underlying problem in the muscles of the leg. Once the cortisone has worn off, many times the pain comes right back. Cortisone also suppresses inflammation in the body but does this by lowering your immune system. Cortisone injections over time can also cause a weak and deterioration of joints, muscles and ligaments.
Immobilizing your foot and leg muscles in an orthopedic boot can also further exacerbate plantar fasciitis because you are forcing your body to be in a position that causes more tension in these already tense and overstretched muscles, which is the cause of the condition in the first place.
Studies have shown a 95% improvement from this extremely painful condition, with regular acupuncture and herbal treatments. This is far more successful than conventional treatments alone.
Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis
Acupuncture is very successful in the treatment of plantar fasciitis because it address the root cause of the pain. Acupuncture can help release muscle tension in the leg muscles, reduce inflammation, and provide fast pain relief. Although pain relief may be immediate, a series of 6-12 treatments is required to ensure full resolution.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Plantar Fasciitis
In addition to acupuncture, herbal remedies may be used to help alleviate the condition and speed up recovery! Certain herbs are anti-inflammatory, release tension in the muscles and ligaments. An individually tailored prescription from a licensed herbal practitioner can make all the difference in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
With acupuncture treatments and herbal therapy, we address not only the foot pain, but also the tight muscles causing the foot pain. By treating the cause, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine provides long-lasting results and prevents the recurrence pain of plantar fasciitis.
If you are suffering with plantar fasciitis, leg, ankle or knee pain, you are looking for a safe, natural and highly effective treatment. We can help you! Call us at 020 8780 0955 or click here to schedule an initial consultation today.