Signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis:
When one thinks of this condition, it sounds like only one group of tissues is involved. In actuality, plantar fasciitis can have a number of possible etiologies. There are three specific structures in the plantar aspect of the foot that are most commonly diagnosed as plantar fasciitis: the muscles of flexor digitorum brevis, and the quadratus plantae along with the plantar aponeurosis. This grouping of tissues lies more centrally in the foot, whereas the plantar fascia actually lies medial and lateral. Occasionally, the muscle abductor digiti minimi can be indicated due to it's calcaneal origin and the fact that the quadratus plantae lie just beneath it. Similarly, the abductor hallucis lies ontop of the medial plantar fascia and any adhesion of these two muscles can create symptoms like plantar fasciitis. Less frequently, the hallicus brevis is involved. This deep, strong muscle can be differentiated by testing gait mechanics and looking for hyperpronation during push off.
Plantar Fasciitis is also closely related to the working order of the lower leg, more specifically, gastrocnemius, soleus, flexor hallicus longus, and the achillies tendon. Trauma in this are can easily refer to the foot. The best way I have found to ensure that there are no fascia adhesions or nerve entrapments ( medial plantar nerve) in this area is through combined treatments of Active Release Technique® (ART) and acupuncture. Through ART the muscle condition and gate mechanics of the injury area can be assessed for tissue texture, tension, movement, and function. There are easily two dozen specific protocols for treating the foot alone. This should be done by someone that is ART® certified. Some massage therapists or PT's may claim to 'know some' ART® but do not actually know the protocols and techniques.
So what can be done through acupuncture and to alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis? Usually the standard measures of acute care are applied such as: RICE protocol, anti-inflammatories, and stretching. Acupuncture treatments should be twice a week for at least three weeks. Treatments should focus on Kidney and Bladder meridian pathologies due to the location of the pain. Systemically there is likely qi and blood stagnation with the possibility of heat. Work to nourish blood, move qi and clear any local heat.
Whitfield Reaves has spent a lifetime applying classical acupuncture theory along with western pathology and kinesiology to create applicable protocols for injuries like plantar fasciitis. I have found that in combination with ART® and acupuncture, plantar fasciitis can be resolved with a high amount of success and longevity. Here are some classical protocols from Mr. Reaves that I have found useful in practice.
~~Bleeding the alternate KD 1 location on the medial aspect of the fifth digit. Many classical acupuncture treatments of trauma involve bleeding of the meridian to dredge out the stagnation and create movement in the channel.
~~A Shu-stream combo of UB65 on affected side and SI3 on opposite side. These points correlate to the TaiYang (Urinary Bladder) region of the calf.
~~KD7&8 Jing river and xi-cleft point of YangQiao mai. Xi-cleft points are typically indicated for acute pain within a meridian. The YangQiao mai is an 'eight extra' category of meridian and passes directly through the heel.
~~KD4&5 a Luo and xi cleft combo of KD. The use of electrical stimulation between the two points at about 4-6 Hz for pain. Electrical stimulation can be a very powerful tool in accelerating the healing process in the body as well as providing more immediate analgesic effects.
~~UB56&57 use these points liberally and be sure to hit both heads of the Gastrocnemius as u will hit one or both of the motor/trigger points.
~~'lateral' shi mian and 'medial' shi mian on the heel are also effective. These points lie directly above the medial and lateral plantar fascia as they originate from the calcaneous.
As always, stop by our Denver Office anytime or call us at 303.863.8330
I am available for free 15 minute consultations to answer any questions you might have!
- Pain on the plantar surface of the heel.
- Heel pain that radiates to the toes.
- Stiffness of the plantar aspect of the foot.
- Pain early in the morning with initial steps or pain with walking after prolonged sitting.
- Pain is alleviated with activity but quickly returns.
When one thinks of this condition, it sounds like only one group of tissues is involved. In actuality, plantar fasciitis can have a number of possible etiologies. There are three specific structures in the plantar aspect of the foot that are most commonly diagnosed as plantar fasciitis: the muscles of flexor digitorum brevis, and the quadratus plantae along with the plantar aponeurosis. This grouping of tissues lies more centrally in the foot, whereas the plantar fascia actually lies medial and lateral. Occasionally, the muscle abductor digiti minimi can be indicated due to it's calcaneal origin and the fact that the quadratus plantae lie just beneath it. Similarly, the abductor hallucis lies ontop of the medial plantar fascia and any adhesion of these two muscles can create symptoms like plantar fasciitis. Less frequently, the hallicus brevis is involved. This deep, strong muscle can be differentiated by testing gait mechanics and looking for hyperpronation during push off.
Plantar Fasciitis is also closely related to the working order of the lower leg, more specifically, gastrocnemius, soleus, flexor hallicus longus, and the achillies tendon. Trauma in this are can easily refer to the foot. The best way I have found to ensure that there are no fascia adhesions or nerve entrapments ( medial plantar nerve) in this area is through combined treatments of Active Release Technique® (ART) and acupuncture. Through ART the muscle condition and gate mechanics of the injury area can be assessed for tissue texture, tension, movement, and function. There are easily two dozen specific protocols for treating the foot alone. This should be done by someone that is ART® certified. Some massage therapists or PT's may claim to 'know some' ART® but do not actually know the protocols and techniques.
So what can be done through acupuncture and to alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis? Usually the standard measures of acute care are applied such as: RICE protocol, anti-inflammatories, and stretching. Acupuncture treatments should be twice a week for at least three weeks. Treatments should focus on Kidney and Bladder meridian pathologies due to the location of the pain. Systemically there is likely qi and blood stagnation with the possibility of heat. Work to nourish blood, move qi and clear any local heat.
Whitfield Reaves has spent a lifetime applying classical acupuncture theory along with western pathology and kinesiology to create applicable protocols for injuries like plantar fasciitis. I have found that in combination with ART® and acupuncture, plantar fasciitis can be resolved with a high amount of success and longevity. Here are some classical protocols from Mr. Reaves that I have found useful in practice.
~~Bleeding the alternate KD 1 location on the medial aspect of the fifth digit. Many classical acupuncture treatments of trauma involve bleeding of the meridian to dredge out the stagnation and create movement in the channel.
~~A Shu-stream combo of UB65 on affected side and SI3 on opposite side. These points correlate to the TaiYang (Urinary Bladder) region of the calf.
~~KD7&8 Jing river and xi-cleft point of YangQiao mai. Xi-cleft points are typically indicated for acute pain within a meridian. The YangQiao mai is an 'eight extra' category of meridian and passes directly through the heel.
~~KD4&5 a Luo and xi cleft combo of KD. The use of electrical stimulation between the two points at about 4-6 Hz for pain. Electrical stimulation can be a very powerful tool in accelerating the healing process in the body as well as providing more immediate analgesic effects.
~~UB56&57 use these points liberally and be sure to hit both heads of the Gastrocnemius as u will hit one or both of the motor/trigger points.
~~'lateral' shi mian and 'medial' shi mian on the heel are also effective. These points lie directly above the medial and lateral plantar fascia as they originate from the calcaneous.
As always, stop by our Denver Office anytime or call us at 303.863.8330
I am available for free 15 minute consultations to answer any questions you might have!
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