Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain in Melbourne
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It can be particularly frustrating when something as ordinary as getting out of bed, standing after sitting or walking around at work becomes uncomfortable.
At Coburg Chinese Medicine, plantar fasciitis and persistent heel pain are areas of particular clinical interest to me. I enjoy working with people experiencing these problems because there is often more to consider than simply where the pain occurs. Changes in physical activity, footwear, work demands and the way the foot is being loaded can all play a part.
As a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, I offer acupuncture consultations for people experiencing foot pain associated with plantar fasciitis, including heel pain and discomfort through the arch of the foot. My approach is to understand your symptoms, discuss your treatment options and consider other factors that may be contributing to the problem.
My clinic is located in Coburg, welcoming people from Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Preston, Thornbury and across Melbourne's northern suburbs.
What is plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue running underneath the foot, from the heel towards the toes. It helps support the arch and plays an important role in walking, running and standing.
Plantar fasciitis describes pain associated with this tissue, particularly where it attaches to the heel bone. Despite the name, it isn't always a straightforward inflammatory condition. Research suggests that persistent heel pain can involve changes in the structure of the plantar fascia associated with repeated mechanical loading and tissue degeneration. For this reason, you may also hear the term plantar fasciopathy. [1]
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis
One of the most recognisable symptoms is pain underneath the heel during the first few steps in the morning. Some people describe it as sharp or stabbing, while others experience a deep ache or tenderness.
The pain may ease after walking around, only to return after prolonged standing, walking or exercise. It can also become noticeable after sitting or resting.
Other symptoms include discomfort towards the inside of the heel, tenderness extending into the arch, and difficulty with activities that involve spending long periods on your feet.
Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Conditions involving nerves, tendons, bones and the tissues that cushion the heel can cause similar symptoms, so understanding the pattern of pain is important.
Why does plantar fasciitis develop?
Plantar fasciitis generally involves a combination of factors rather than one single cause. The plantar fascia experiences considerable forces during ordinary movement, and symptoms can develop when those demands exceed the tissues' ability to adapt.
Heel pain might begin after increasing walking or running, starting a new exercise routine, returning to activity after a break or taking on work involving prolonged standing. Footwear, reduced ankle mobility, calf tightness and individual foot mechanics may also contribute.
Current clinical guidelines emphasise individual assessment, with attention to physical demands, plantar fascia and calf stretching, strengthening exercises and other appropriate physical treatments. [2]
The important thing is understanding which factors may be relevant to you, rather than assuming everyone with heel pain has the same problem.
Are heel spurs the same as plantar fasciitis?
No. A heel spur is a bony growth that may be visible on an X-ray. Although heel spurs and plantar fasciitis can occur together, spurs are also found in people without heel pain.
Finding a heel spur doesn't automatically establish that it is responsible for someone's symptoms. The location and pattern of pain, medical history and other findings are important considerations.
Acupuncture for plantar fasciitis and heel pain
People sometimes seek acupuncture for persistent heel pain or plantar fasciitis, particularly when exploring different approaches to managing their symptoms.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile, single-use needles as part of an individualised treatment. It can be considered alongside other approaches, including appropriate exercise, footwear changes, physiotherapy and podiatry.
When someone comes to see me, I'm interested in understanding how the problem developed, how it affects their daily activities and what they may have already tried. I think it's useful to look at the wider picture rather than concentrating solely on the painful area.
What does the research say about acupuncture for heel pain?
Acupuncture has been investigated in clinical studies involving plantar fasciitis and persistent heel pain.
A 2024 systematic review and network meta-analysis reported some potentially favourable short-term findings, although the studies varied in quality and methods. The available research remains limited, particularly regarding longer-term outcomes, so there is still uncertainty about how effective acupuncture may be for plantar fasciitis. [3]
I think it's useful for patients to understand what the research has found and where its limitations lie, so we can discuss acupuncture as one of the options they may wish to consider.
Considering acupuncture for plantar fasciitis?
If heel pain is affecting your walking, work, exercise or everyday activities, you're welcome to arrange a consultation.
We can discuss your symptoms, what may be contributing to them, what you've already tried and how I approach acupuncture. We'll also consider other practical steps that may be useful for your circumstances.
What happens during an acupuncture consultation?
I begin by discussing your heel pain in some detail, including when it started, where you experience it and whether it's worse in the morning or after activity.
We might talk about your work, exercise habits, footwear, previous injuries and any medical investigations. I'm also interested in what you've already tried, whether that's stretching, strengthening exercises, orthotics, podiatry, physiotherapy or other treatment.
An important part of the consultation is explaining the proposed acupuncture treatment, what you might experience, any relevant risks and what to consider afterwards. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your preferences before deciding whether to proceed.
I also think it's important to consider the wider management of heel pain. This might involve discussing appropriate activity levels, footwear or further assessment with a GP, podiatrist or physiotherapist when needed.
Sudden severe heel pain after an injury, an inability to bear weight, significant swelling, fever or new numbness or weakness warrants prompt medical assessment.
Acupuncture for heel pain in Coburg and Melbourne's northern suburbs
Coburg Chinese Medicine is a community focused single-practitioner clinic located at 197 Sydney Road, Coburg.
I welcome people from Coburg, Coburg North, Brunswick, Brunswick West, Pascoe Vale, Pascoe Vale South, Preston, Thornbury, Northcote, Fawkner, Glenroy, Reservoir and surrounding suburbs.
My approach is to provide clear information, take time to understand individual circumstances and help people make informed decisions about their care.
Keeping appointments affordable is also important to me. Operating as a single-practitioner clinic helps keep overheads lower, with current prices available on my Fees & Opening Hours page.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my heel pain worse in the morning?
Pain during the first few steps after getting out of bed is characteristic of plantar fasciitis. Symptoms can become noticeable when the plantar fascia is loaded again after rest.
Can plantar fasciitis cause pain in the arch of my foot?
Yes. Although pain is often concentrated around the heel, some people experience discomfort extending into the arch.
Are heel spurs responsible for heel pain?
Not necessarily. Heel spurs can exist without pain, and plantar fasciitis can occur without a visible heel spur.
Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Acupuncture may be considered alongside other appropriate care, including exercise, footwear changes, physiotherapy or podiatry.
How many treatments will I need, and how often?
You may encounter persuasive claims elsewhere. My professional obligations as a registered practitioner, under Ahpra and Chinese Medicine Board requirements, mean I need to assess your circumstances before recommending an acupuncture treatment schedule. During your acupuncture consultation, we’ll discuss an individual treatment plan.
Questions before booking? You’re welcome to call me on 03 9041 6569. Book an acupuncture consultation in Coburg
Coburg Chinese Medicine
197 Sydney Road, Coburg VIC 3058
Phone: (03) 9041 6569
References
Tseng, W.-C., Chen, Y.-C., Lee, T.-M., & Chen, W.-S. (2023). Plantar Fasciitis: An Updated Review. Journal of Medical Ultrasound, 31(4), 268–274.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10802877/Martin, R. L., et al. (2023). Heel Pain—Plantar Fasciitis: Revision 2023. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 53(12), CPG1–CPG39.
https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2023.0303Asokumaran, I., et al. (2024). Comparative Effectiveness of Acupuncture Versus Non-surgical Modalities for Treating Plantar Fasciitis: A Network Meta-Analysis. Cureus, 16(9), e68959.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39385864/