Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain, especially among people who spend long hours on their feet, runners, and individuals with poor foot mechanics. It occurs when the plantar fascia—the thick band of tissue supporting the arch of your foot—becomes inflamed or strained.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis in TCM

In TCM, plantar fasciitis is often linked to:

• Qi and Blood stagnation obstructing circulation in the foot
• Wind-Cold-Damp invasion causing inflammation and stiffness
• Kidney and Spleen deficiencies weakening muscles, tendons, and bones

Pain and stiffness arise when Qi and Blood cannot flow freely through the foot’s meridians, leading to inflammation, swelling, and difficulty walking.

How Acupuncture Helps with Plantar Fasciitis

Acupuncture offers an effective natural solution for plantar fasciitis by:

• Increasing blood circulation to the foot and heel
• Reducing inflammation and swelling in the plantar fascia
• Relaxing tight muscles and tendons in the foot and calf
• Modulating nerve signals to decrease pain sensation

Key acupuncture points along the Kidney, Bladder, Spleen, and Gallbladder meridians are selected to unblock stagnation and promote healing. Techniques like electroacupuncture may be used to stimulate faster tissue recovery.

Recent studies in the Journal of Acupuncture Research (2022) show that acupuncture significantly improves pain levels, foot flexibility, and overall function in patients with plantar fasciitis.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Healing

Chinese herbal medicine complements acupuncture by working internally to:

• Invigorate Blood and relieve stagnation
• Strengthen tendons, muscles, and connective tissues
• Clear Dampness and Cold from the lower limbs
• Nourish Kidney and Spleen Qi for better structural support

Common herbs used include:

• Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark): Strengthens tendons and bones
• Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root): Guides Blood flow downward and promotes healing in the feet
• Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis): Provides natural pain relief
• Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): Nourishes Blood and accelerates recovery

Formulas are personalised depending on whether the patient shows signs of excess (acute inflammation) or deficiency (chronic weakness).

Acute vs Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: TCM Approach

Acute Plantar Fasciitis

Acute cases typically involve sharp, stabbing pain, especially with the first steps in the morning. Treatment goals include:

• Promoting Qi and Blood circulation
• Reducing inflammation quickly
• Relaxing strained fascia and surrounding muscles

Acupuncture sessions may be more frequent initially to manage acute symptoms effectively.

Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Chronic cases often involve:

• Weakness in the Kidney and Spleen systems
• Poor tissue healing capacity
• Deep-seated Qi and Blood stagnation

Treatment focuses on strengthening the body’s foundation, nourishing Blood, dissolving chronic inflammation, and restoring full foot function.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Plantar Fasciitis

Daily habits significantly affect recovery. At Vital Duo, we recommend:

• Wearing supportive footwear with proper arch support
• Using orthotic inserts if needed
• Avoiding walking barefoot on hard surfaces
• Incorporating calf stretches and foot-strengthening exercises
• Applying warm foot soaks with herbal formulas to promote circulation
• Eating warming foods like ginger, lamb, and bone broth
• Minimising cold, raw, and greasy foods that impair digestion and circulation

Proper body mechanics, posture during walking, and weight management also play essential roles in long-term foot health.

Final Thoughts

Plantar fasciitis can make even simple activities painful and frustrating. But through the powerful, natural methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine, real healing is possible.