Many people in Hervey Bay experience plantar fasciitis, and acupuncture is commonly used as part of their overall care.
Plantar fasciitis happens when the strong band of tissue under the foot becomes irritated or inflamed, leading to sharp or aching pain around the heel or arch, often worse with the first steps after rest.
will experience plantar fasciitis at some point in life.
Source: BMJ Best Practice
cause pain during the first steps in the morning, affecting work and daily activity.
Source: American Family Physician
see improvement within 12 months with consistent management.
Source: American Family Physician
Some research suggests acupuncture may be associated with short-term improvements in heel pain and function for people living with plantar fasciitis.
Source: Acupuncture Evidence Project, 2017
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It happens when the thick band of connective tissue under your foot becomes irritated or overloaded. Many people describe a sharp, stabbing or aching sensation around the heel or arch, especially when standing up after resting.
I see this often in my Hervey Bay clinic, and it can affect people from all walks of life — from tradies and runners to anyone who spends long periods on their feet.
Plantar fasciitis can develop for several reasons. Many people notice a gradual onset after small irritations build up over time.
Standard care usually focuses on reducing irritation in the plantar fascia and improving foot mechanics. This may include stretching programs, load management, taping, footwear advice, and strengthening. Doctors and physiotherapists may also suggest anti-inflammatory strategies where appropriate.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, heel and arch pain often relate to patterns such as:
My goal in treatment is to support circulation, settle local irritation and improve the overall function of the foot and lower leg.
In acupuncture, I often work on the calf, ankle and foot to support local circulation. I may also use points on the legs and body based on your Chinese medicine pattern. This approach aims to encourage better tissue recovery, improve movement and settle pain.
People often report a warm or releasing sensation through the calf and foot during treatment.
Some studies suggest acupuncture may be associated with short-term improvements in heel pain and foot function for plantar fasciitis. These results vary between individuals and should be considered alongside standard care.
Source: Acupuncture Evidence Project, 2017
If you’d like support with heel or arch pain, you can book a consultation below.
Book Online or call 07 4317 4349.