Plantar fasciitis (adjunctive care)
Also known as: plantar fasciitis, plantar heel pain, heel spur pain, plantar fasciopathy
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults. Stretching, load management and footwear are first-line care; acupuncture is a reasonable adjunct for pain, and Chinese medicine sees it as local Qi and Blood stagnation on a background of Kidney or Damp patterns.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Stretch the calf and plantar fascia before getting out of bed.
- •Wear supportive, cushioned shoes and avoid going barefoot on hard floors.
- •Reduce running or standing load for a while rather than stopping all activity.
- •Most cases settle within 6–12 months with consistent self-care.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Avoid steroid-site needling immediately after a corticosteroid injection.[]
- •Use clean technique on the foot, especially in diabetic patients.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Track first-step pain (0–10) and walking tolerance every 4 weeks. Refer if no improvement after 3 months.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- NICE · 2023
- JAMA Internal Medicine · 2012
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.