“Acupuncture saved my life!” This was the first thing a patient suffering from plantar fasciitis exclaimed on his return visit. As an avid runner the pain in his toe  prevented him from doing his regular work-outs.

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that affects the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the sole of the foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. When it gets strained it gets weak and you may feel pain on your heel, bottom of the foot or your toes. Walking and running will may make it feel worse.

What causes it?

There are several reasons why plantar fasciitis may occur:

• when your feet roll inwards too much – this is also called over pronation
• when you have high arches or flat feet and the arch is not functional. You can have high arches or flat feet and never get plantar fasciitis.
• when you walk, stand or run for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces
• when you are overweight
• when your calf muscle and/or the Achilles tendon is tight

How can acupuncture help?

Acupuncture reduces local inflammation and enhances blood circulation in the feet. In addition, acupuncture has a homeostatic effect by balancing the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve signals in the feet. In this way, the acupuncture sends a signal to the brain to stop inflammation and swelling and to begin the recuperation process.

Acupuncture can help with many sports injuries, You can read more about this in our blog.