A recent study conducted by scientists at the Guangzhou Dongsheng Hospital has revealed that acupuncture is effective in treating heel pain. Xu Xuemeng, a researcher at Guangzhou, and his team used sixty-six patients that were experiencing heel pain. They gave some patients conventional drugs as a control group and gave the rest of the patients a filiform acupuncture needle treatment.

After six months, it was discovered that patients with acupuncture treatment had an effectiveness rating of 97% while the control group had a rating of 76%. Acupuncture has also been effective in alleviating the pain of conditions such as Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.

Anyone can wind up suffering from heel pain. If your heel is hurting, see Dr. Sharon Pletcher at Pennsylvania. We will treat your heel pain symptoms in addition to other podiatric-related needs.

Causes of Heel Pain

• Heel pain is often associated with plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissues that extends along the bottom of the foot. A rip or tear in this ligament can cause inflammation of the tissue.
• Achilles tendonitis is another cause of heel pain. Inflammation of the Achilles tendon will cause pain from fractures and muscle tearing. Lack of flexibility is also another symptom.
• Heel spurs are another cause of pain. When the tissues of the plantar fascia undergo a great deal of stress, it can lead to ligament separation from the heel bone, causing heel spurs.

Why Might Heel Pain Occur?

- Wearing ill-fitting shoes                  
- Wearing non-supportive shoes
- Weight change           
- Excessive running

Treatments

Heel pain should be treated as soon as possible for immediate results. Keeping your feet in a stress free environment will help. If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis, applying ice will reduce the swelling. Stretching before an exercise like running will help the muscles. Using all these tips will help make heel pain a thing of the past.

With the advancements in technology and greater knowledge of how muscles and joints work, physical therapists can turn things around dramatically.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

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