heel pain

Brief Description

Heel pain is a frequent issue, often characterized by sharp or dull pain in the bottom or back of the heel. It can be particularly painful in the morning or after long periods of standing. The most common causes include plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the connective tissue under the foot, Achilles tendonitis, or excessive strain from activities like running or improper footwear. This condition is commonly seen in middle-aged or elderly individuals with Qi deficiency, those who stand for long periods, and people with sports injuries.

Common Misconceptions

  • Relying Solely on Painkillers: Many people believe that taking over-the-counter painkillers is enough to treat heel pain. However, painkillers only mask the symptoms and do not address the underlying cause, leading to recurring pain.
  • Rest Alone Is Enough: While resting can help reduce heel pain, many think that rest alone will resolve the issue. In reality, without proper treatment to improve Qi and blood circulation, the pain may persist or worsen over time.
  • Overlooking the Root Cause of Kidney Qi Deficiency: Many people fail to recognize that heel pain can stem from internal imbalances, particularly Kidney Qi deficiency. Solely focusing on local treatments without addressing this underlying issue often leads to limited or temporary relief, as the root cause remains untreated.

TCM Diagnosis

Typical Tongue

Typical Pulse

If heel pain is caused by Kidney Qi deficiency, the pulse may present as deep and weak, or there may be an insufficiency in the Chi pulse.

TCM Pathogenesis

Most heel pain is associated with the Bladder Meridian (Foot Taiyang) and the Kidney Meridian (Foot Shaoyin). On one hand, the pain may be due to meridian blockage or a deficiency in Kidney Qi, commonly seen in the elderly or middle-aged individuals with weak constitutions. Another common cause is local blood stasis and Qi stagnation, which impairs circulation and leads to pain.

TCM Treatment

General Principle

Based on the pathogenesis, if heel pain is due to acute injury, local meridian rebalancing with acupuncture can provide effective relief. For cases caused by Qi deficiency, especially in the elderly, treatment should focus on the overall condition, using tonifying methods such as stimulating the Taixi point (Kidney 3). If blood stasis is the cause, treatment should focus on promoting Qi circulation and removing blood stasis to resolve the pain. Some cases of heel pain are related to being overweight. In such instances, weight loss should be considered, along with addressing the issue of phlegm-dampness obstructing the meridians, which requires holistic treatment for improvement.

Unique Therapies We Apply

  • One-Needle Therapy with Dynamic Qi Needle Technique: This method provides rapid pain relief and helps reduce swelling by promoting the smooth flow of Qi and unblocking meridians quickly.
  • Classical Herbal Formula: This method can help with cases due to kidney Qi deficiency and blood stasis
  • Classical Acupuncture: The meridian-based treatment in traditional acupuncture is highly effective in alleviating pain caused by local tendon and bone misalignment resulting from walking habits and other related issues.

Treatment Plan

  • Acute Stage: 1-4 times
  • Chronic Stage: If it is due to the kidney deficiency/blood stasis, we recommend acupuncture treatment once per week plus herbal medicine treatment.

Precaution

  • Prolonged Standing Weakens the Kidneys: Standing for long periods can damage the bones and kidneys. Heel pain sufferers should avoid extended standing.
  • Patience is Key for Kidney Deficiency: If the heel pain is due to Kidney deficiency, results will only appear after the Kidney Qi is replenished. Patients must have patience during the treatment process.
  • Avoid Over-Reliance on Supportive Devices: While some may use aids to reduce pressure on the heel, this is not a long-term solution and can weaken the area further, delaying full recovery.

Summary

Heel pain is a common condition that can result from various factors such as acute injury, Qi deficiency, or blood stasis. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers effective treatments by addressing both the local symptoms and underlying imbalances, especially when related to the Kidney and Bladder meridians. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent chronic issues. In cases of Kidney deficiency, tonifying treatments are needed for lasting results, while blood stasis requires promoting circulation. It's important to avoid common mistakes, such as prolonged standing or over-relying on supportive devices, as these can hinder recovery. With timely and appropriate treatment, TCM can provide significant relief and promote long-term healing.

TCM Dr. Ma

The Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment approaches outlined above are derived from my clinical experience, and I acknowledge there may be areas not fully covered or that require further refinement over time.

This content is intended to provide a learning reference for professionals and enthusiasts in Traditional Chinese Medicine and to help patients gain a better understanding of their conditions and common misconceptions.

However, I must emphasize that this information does not constitute specific treatment guidance. All TCM treatments must be tailored to the individual through thorough diagnosis by a qualified practitioner. Non-professionals should not attempt self-treatment based on this information, as any treatment conducted without professional supervision may carry potential safety risks.