Plantar Fasciitis

Bone Spurs | Heel Pain | Foot Pain

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the most common cause of heel pain. When the plantar fascia is overused or overstretched, it can lead to plantar fasciitis. Any factor that damages the plantar fascia can cause it to become inflamed. This inflammation can make walking or using the foot painful. Most people only experience plantar fasciitis in one foot at a time, but it is possible for both feet to be affected. If your heel or foot pain lasts more than a week, it is recommended to seek medical attention early.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

High arches
Flat feet
Obesity
Jobs that require prolonged standing
Sports or work on hard surfaces
Lack of stretching and warm-up before physical activity
Wearing shoes that do not properly support the foot (such as flip-flops or flat, soft athletic shoes)
Walking or standing barefoot at home

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain
Pain in the sole of the foot
Foot Stiffness
Swelling around the heel
Tightness in the Achilles tendon

Patients with low back pain should decide on whether to undergo X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans based on the severity of their symptoms, worsening trends, and the professional opinions of doctors and physical therapists.

Physiotherapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Treating plantar fasciitis requires determining if the issue is from tight soft tissues, joint misalignment, or problems with gait and footwear. Common physical therapy methods include:

Muscle Fascial Release

Specific Joint Mobilization

Shockwave Therapy

Acupuncture

TCM Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis

Common TCM treatments include:

Internal medicine: Based on the individual’s constitution and symptoms, prescriptions like Niuxi (Achyranthes bidentata) or Taohe Chengqi Tang may be used to nourish the kidneys, activate blood circulation, and relieve pain.
Acupuncture: Needling specific acupoints like Foot Three Li and Yang Ling Quan can help unblock meridians, improve local circulation, and alleviate symptoms.
Orthopedic Reduction: Techniques like pushing, stretching, and kneading can release tension in the plantar fascia and promote local blood flow to aid recovery.

FAQ

Why doesn't the heel pain go away even without bone spurs?

Even if bone spurs are present, as long as they are not directly irritating the plantar fascia, there may be no pain at all. X-rays can determine the size and location of the bone spurs to see if they are directly related to the heel pain.

Other common reasons why heel pain may not resolve include:

Wearing improper shoes
Tight foot and lower leg muscles
Joint misalignment

When do I need shockwave therapy?

Shock wave therapy should be considered if the following criteria are met:

The problem has persisted for over a month
Adding insoles, pads, etc. has not helped
The pain continues even after relaxing the calf and foot muscles

If all three of these apply, it indicates the body lacks sufficient healing ability, and the treatment provider may recommend shock wave therapy combined with manual therapy, acupuncture, etc. to treat the plantar fasciitis.

What shoe styles can help with heel pain?

For patients with plantar fasciitis, the following shoe features should be considered:

Sufficient thickness and cushioning in the midsole
Midsole material with good shock absorption
Avoiding overly snug or narrow fit around the foot
Adequate arch support provided by the insole (if present)
Insole material with appropriate rebound properties

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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