Acupuncture for plantar fasciitis

What a lovely message from a patient who had received acupuncture to help with plantar fasciitis, which is very painful and can affect mobility.

My client’s experience is backed up by what is seen in studies of acupuncture for plantar fasciitis. In 2018, the results were published of a study comparing acupuncture with steroid injections in 66 people with plantar fasciitis.

Steroid injections reduced pain levels (VAS scores) more quickly than acupuncture, however at the end of the follow up period at 6 months patients who received acupuncture reported significantly lower pain scores compared with the steroid group (P =0.004). The authors concluded that acupuncture provides more satisfactory results for patients with plantar fasciitis in the long term.1

In addition to acupuncture I also use low level laser therapy. Studies have been conducted that support the use of low level lasers in the treament of plantar fasciitis. A recent systematic review found that both acupuncture and low level laser therapy are effective in reducing heel pain in plantar fasciitis without any side effects.2

 

  1. Rastegar S, et al. Comparison of dry needling and steroid injection in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: a single-blind randomized clinical trial. Int Orthop. 2018 Jan;42(1):109-116.
  2. Salvioli S, et al. The effectiveness of conservative, non-pharmacological treatment, of plantar heel pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis. The Foot. 2017; 33: 57–67.

 

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Style switcher RESET
Color scheme