Plantar Fasciitis: Understanding Heel Pain and Supporting Recovery

Do your first steps out of bed come with a sharp ache in your heel? Plantar fasciitis is one possible cause. Heel pain can make everyday activities uncomfortable, but understanding the symptoms and getting appropriate care can help you find a path forward.

What is plantar fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel to your toes and supports your arch. When this tissue becomes irritated or overloaded, pain can develop near the bottom of the heel. Despite the name, plantar fasciitis can involve tissue changes as well as inflammation.

Common symptoms

Plantar fasciitis often causes pain near the inner underside of the heel. It may be most noticeable with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while. The discomfort may ease as you move, then return after prolonged standing or walking.

Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Stress fractures, nerve irritation, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms, so an assessment is important if pain persists or the cause is unclear.

How can Acupuncture help?

Acupuncture can help to reduce local inflammation and brings blood supply to the area for recovery and healing. Consistent treatments will yield best results. Number of treatments will depend on how long the condition has been present. 

~ Dr. Luo