Plantar Fasciitis Treatment NYC
Plantar Fasciitis
Imagine waking up with a burning, stabbing pain in your heel that makes each step a challenge—whether you’re walking to work or simply standing in your kitchen. Plantar fasciitis, an overuse injury of the plantar fascia, can significantly hinder your mobility and quality of life. At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach aims to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore your foot function.
Overview of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition characterized by:
Sharp, stabbing heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning
Pain that may worsen after prolonged periods of standing or walking
Inflammation and tenderness along the bottom of the foot
Limited mobility and discomfort during daily activities
It typically results from repetitive stress, overuse, or biomechanical imbalances that strain the plantar fascia.
Understanding the Biomechanics & Mechanisms
Key factors contributing to plantar fasciitis include:
Overuse and Micro-Tears:
Repetitive strain can cause tiny tears in the plantar fascia.
Inflammatory Response:
Tissue damage triggers inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness.
Muscle Imbalances:
Tight calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) increase tension on the plantar fascia.
Referred Pain:
Trigger points in the calf and intrinsic foot muscles may refer pain to the heel.
Treatment Options: A Broader Perspective
Conventional treatments for plantar fasciitis typically include:
Medications:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
Rest & Ice:
Resting the foot and applying ice to minimize swelling
Physical Therapy:
Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf and foot muscles
Orthotics:
Shoe inserts to support the arch and reduce strain on the fascia
Corticosteroid Injections:
To decrease severe inflammation
Surgery:
Reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatment
Differential Diagnosis:
Symptoms of plantar fasciitis can mimic other conditions such as:
Achilles tendonitis
Heel spurs
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Our integrated approach—combining acupuncture with dry needling—is introduced as a first-line option to address the underlying soft tissue tension and inflammatory response.
How Acupuncture & Dry Needling Can Help
Our dual-modality approach offers comprehensive benefits:
Acupuncture:
Fine needles are inserted at specific TCM points to modulate pain pathways, enhance local blood flow, and reduce inflammation.
Learn more about Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis
Dry Needling:
Targets trigger points in overactive muscles of the calf and foot to mechanically release tension and restore normal function.
Learn more about Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis
Summary Table:
| Treatment Component | Techniques Used | Mechanism/Benefits | Example Points/Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Insertion at TCM points | Modulates nerve pathways; increases local blood flow; reduces inflammation | KI1 (Yongquan), KI3 (Taixi), UB57 (Chengshan), PC7 (Daling) |
| Dry Needling | Insertion into trigger points | Releases muscle tension; improves range of motion; reduces referred pain | Trigger points in gastrocnemius, soleus, , quadratus plantae, abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis |
Acupuncture Points for Plantar Fasciitis
Our sessions may include these key acupuncture points, selected for their relevance to foot and heel pain:
KI1 (Yongquan):
Located on the sole of the foot, KI1 is effective for grounding and relieving heel pain.
KI3 (Taixi):
Positioned near the ankle, KI3 helps support kidney function and improve circulation in the lower extremity.
UB57 (Chengshan):
Found on the posterior aspect of the leg near the calf, UB57 aids in relieving deep muscle tension affecting the heel.
PC7 (Daling)
Located at the wrist joint, research found PC7 as an effective point for treating heel pain.
Trigger Points for Plantar Fasciitis
We also target specific trigger points that may contribute to plantar fasciitis:
Gastrocnemius: Trigger points in the calf muscle can increase tension on the plantar fascia.
Soleus: Tightness here further contributes to strain and pain in the heel.
Flexor Digitorum Brevis: Trigger points in this intrinsic foot muscle can affect the arch and exacerbate plantar pain.
Quadratus Plantae: Tension and trigger points here can intensify strain on the plantar fascia and contribute to deep foot pain.
Abductor Hallucis: Trigger points in this muscle can cause pain along the inner edge of the heel and arch, affecting overall foot mechanics.
Research & Evidence
Acupuncture Research for Plantar Fasciitis:
A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that acupuncture significantly reduces heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Participants receiving acupuncture at acupoint PC 7 showed greater improvement in morning pain, overall pain levels, and pressure pain threshold compared to the control group receiving acupuncture at a general analgesic point (LI 4). The results suggest acupuncture—particularly at PC 7—is effective and specific for relieving plantar fasciitis pain without significant adverse effects.
Dry Needling Research for Plantar Fasciitis:
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that trigger point dry needling effectively reduces pain intensity and improves function in patients with plantar fasciitis or plantar heel pain. Analysis of multiple randomized controlled trials indicated moderate-quality evidence supporting dry needling’s long-term effectiveness in reducing pain and disability, though short-term pain relief evidence was of lower quality. These findings suggest dry needling may be beneficial for managing plantar fasciitis, though results should be interpreted cautiously due to limited available studies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does dry needling differ from traditional acupuncture for plantar fasciitis?
Dry needling specifically targets trigger points in the calf and intrinsic foot muscles to mechanically release tension, while acupuncture uses established TCM points to modulate pain and reduce inflammation.What are the main muscles involved in plantar fasciitis?
The gastrocnemius, soleus, quadratus plantae, abductor hallucis, and flexor digitorum brevis are frequently implicated.Can this integrated treatment help with both acute and chronic plantar fasciitis?
Yes, by addressing both muscle tension and inflammation, our approach is effective for managing both acute pain flare-ups and chronic conditions.How many sessions will I likely need to see improvement?
Many patients report noticeable improvements after several sessions; however, chronic cases may require a longer treatment course.Is it safe to combine this treatment with physical therapy or orthotic use?
Absolutely. Our approach is often integrated with other treatments for a comprehensive recovery plan.What long-term benefits can I expect from this integrated approach?
Patients often experience sustained pain relief, improved foot function, and reduced likelihood of recurrent heel pain.
Ready to Take Control?
Are you ready to alleviate your plantar fasciitis pain and restore your mobility? At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach combining acupuncture and dry needling targets the root causes of heel pain and plantar fasciitis.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free, active life.
Book Your Appointment Now: https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/new-patients
Call or Text Us At: (917) 830-4440
Additional Resources & Next Steps
Learn More: Visit our Blog for further insights into our treatment approach.
What to Expect: During your initial consultation, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Patient Stories: Read testimonials from patients who have experienced lasting relief
Sources:
Zhang SP, Yip TP, Li QS. Acupuncture treatment for plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial with six months follow-up. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:154108. doi: 10.1093/ecam/nep186. Epub 2011 Feb 15. PMID: 19933769; PMCID: PMC3094706.
Llurda-Almuzara L, Labata-Lezaun N, Meca-Rivera T, Navarro-Santana MJ, Cleland JA, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Pérez-Bellmunt A. Is Dry Needling Effective for the Management of Plantar Heel Pain or Plantar Fasciitis? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Med. 2021 Jul 25;22(7):1630-1641. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnab114. PMID: 33760098.
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
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