Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis 

When you feel pain in your heel and bottom of your foot, it may be due to plantar fasciitis. This condition can be frustrating and make it difficult to move around or perform daily activities. Although there are different treatments for plantar fasciitis, dry needling stands out. This minimally invasive and therapeutic technique can promote relaxation and improve pain without using drugs.

Kindly read further to learn more about dry needling in Okotoks and how it can help relieve pain from plantar fasciitis. 

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. It helps support the arch of your foot and absorbs shock when you walk. Unfortunately, when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it can lead to plantar fasciitis. Straining or overstretching your plantar fascia can cause small tears and inflammation, especially in your heel.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include the following;

• Heel pain when walking
• Foot stiffness
• Pain after activity
• Difficulty raising toes
• Pain that improves with exercise
• Swelling around your heel
• Pain in the arch of your foot

Causes and Risk Factors of Plantar Fasciitis

You will likely experience plantar fasciitis if you overuse your muscles by running, walking, or standing for long periods. Doing these activities on hard surfaces can strain the plantar fascia. Also, your foot structure can affect your risk of this condition. Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can put extra stress on the plantar fascia.

If you wear shoes that lack proper support, cushioning, or arch support or have an occupation requiring you to stand on your feet or walk on hard surfaces, you will likely develop plantar fasciitis. 

Obesity and age are also risk factors. Plantar fasciitis is more common in individuals between 40 and 60.

What is Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis?

Dry needling is a therapeutic physiotherapy technique for plantar fasciitis. Your physiotherapist will insert thin, sterile needles into trigger points or tight muscle bands around your plantar fascia to relieve pain and improve function. 

The insertion of these needles can cause a small injury to your tissue. This causes your body to increase blood flow to the injured area and trigger your natural healing response. This can help relieve tightness around your plantar fascia, promote healing, and relieve pain.

What Happens During A Dry Needling Session?

Before commencing dry needling, your physiotherapist will assess your condition to create a tailored treatment plan. During the dry needling session at Okotoks Physiotherapy, your physiotherapist will first evaluate your foot to identify tight areas. Then, they will insert thin, sterile needles into tight muscles.

Your therapist may manipulate the needles to achieve a twitch response, which shows that the treatment is working. After leaving the needles in for a few minutes, your therapist will remove them and massage or stretch the area. 

It is important to note that you may experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, but it should relieve you within 24 to 48 hours. Also, you may need multiple dry-needling sessions depending on the severity of your plantar fasciitis. 

Is Dry Needling Good for Plantar Fasciitis?

Dry needling works for plantar fasciitis by offering the following benefits;

Pain Relief

Dry needling can provide pain relief by targeting tight muscles and trigger points. The treatment stimulates your muscles, causing them to relax. You should notice a reduction in pain after a few treatment sessions. 

Improved Mobility

Dry needling can reduce tightness in your muscles and improve your mobility. This makes moving your foot and walking easier, helping you return to your normal activities faster.

Enhanced Healing

Dry needling stimulates blood flow and the body’s natural healing processes. This helps to release toxins, rescue inflammation, and relax your muscles, speeding up your recovery from plantar fasciitis.

Minimally Invasive Treatment

Although dry needling involves needles, it is minimally invasive compared to surgery. The treatment does not include medication or significant downtime. After resting for at least 24 hours, you should be able to return to your normal activities.

When Should You Consider Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis?

If you are seeking a complementary approach or have tried other treatments without success, consider dry needling. Before starting the treatment, consult your physiotherapist at Okotoks Acupuncture to determine if dry needling is best for you. 

How Does Physiotherapy Complement Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis?

While dry needling can be effective on its own, it often works best when combined with a comprehensive physiotherapy program. Your physiotherapist will create a customized care plan to treat your condition. The care plan may include the following;

Therapeutic Exercises

You may undergo an exercise program that includes stretching and strengthening exercises. Stretches can reduce tension and pressure in your plantar fascia to ease pain and increase flexibility in your calf muscles and plantar fascia. 

Also, strengthening exercises for your foot and ankle can support your foot arch, reducing strain on your plantar fascia. These exercises can reduce pain and the recurrence of your plantar fasciitis.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment for plantar fasciitis. Your physiotherapist may use massage, soft tissue mobilization, manipulation, and dry needling to treat your condition. This can help relieve tension, relax your muscles, and promote healing.

Gait Training

Your physiotherapist will assess your gait (how you walk) to observe how it impacts your symptoms. They can then create a gait training program to help improve your symptoms and walking ability. 

Assistive Devices

Your physiotherapist may recommend orthotics and supportive footwear to minimize abnormal foot movement. These devices can also support your foot arch and reduce stress on your plantar fascia. 

Your therapist may also recommend a night splint. This brace holds your foot with your toes pointed up and stretches your plantar fascia to reduce tension. You may need to wear a night splint every night for several months. However, you may gradually reduce use as your symptoms improve. 

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis can be challenging, making walking, standing, or performing your daily activities difficult. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with the pain. Your therapist can address your condition using dry needling and other physiotherapy techniques. 

If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis, you should schedule an appointment with a therapist at Dynamic Physiotherapy to determine whether dry needling is the best treatment for you.