Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent condition that leads to heel pain and impacts millions globally. It is the leading cause of heel discomfort in ambulatory care visits, affecting approximately 4% to 7% of the population. This condition is most commonly seen in individuals aged 40 to 60 and constitutes 15% of foot injuries across the general populace. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick tissue band on the bottom of the foot, known as the plantar fascia, becomes inflamed due to repetitive strain or mechanical stimulus. Those suffering from this condition typically experience first-step pain, particularly with the initial steps taken after waking. While conventional treatments like rest, stretching exercises, and conservative treatments like physical therapy are widely utilized, dry needling has surfaced as a promising alternative for managing plantar fasciitis. This article will delve into the nature of plantar fasciitis, the mechanism behind dry needling, and the advantages of this alternative option for treating pain associated with this condition.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the connective tissues in the plantar fascia. It results in sharp plantar heel pain, particularly with the initial steps taken in the morning. This disorder impacts millions worldwide and can significantly affect one’s health-related quality of life.
Causes and Risk Factors
Plantar fasciitis is most commonly caused by repetitive strain or overuse of the femoris muscle and skeletal muscle in the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The quadratus plantae and abductor halluces muscles are often implicated in high activity levels. Activities that place a lot of stress on your feet, such as running, dancing, or standing for long periods, can lead to inflammation. Common risk factors include having flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal walking pattern, which increases the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis. Additionally, wearing improper footwear, being overweight, or having tight muscles can further exacerbate the condition.
Symptoms
The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is sharp, stabbing foot pain in the heel, particularly during the first few steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity. The pain may decrease with movement but often returns after extended periods of standing or walking, depending on the level of activity. Some people, especially patients with plantar heel pain, may experience swelling or tenderness in the medial tubercle of the heel area. The discomfort can be severe enough to limit daily activities and affect the health-related quality of life.
What is Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis?
Dry needling plantar fasciitis is a technique that involves inserting a sterile needle into specific myofascial trigger points in the muscles, tendons, or fascia. Unlike traditional acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern Western medicine principles and targets areas of myofascial pain syndrome or muscle pain that contribute to plantar fasciitis pain and dysfunction. For plantar fasciitis, trigger point dry needling releases tension in the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles, promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation.
Is Dry Needling Effective for Plantar Fasciitis?
Dry needling has proven to be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis, mainly when used in conjunction with other adjunctive treatments like physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or lidocaine injections. Research indicates that dry needling and ultrasound therapy effectively alleviate intense heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. However, dry needling tends to be more advantageous than ultrasound therapy in reducing active pain and enhancing ankle joint range of motion among affected individuals. Numerous systematic reviews and random-effects models have demonstrated that dry-needling therapy significantly decreases pain scores and improves foot function in the ankle joint for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. It is essential to consider the methodological quality of the studies when interpreting these results.
How Does Dry Needling Work for Plantar Fasciitis?
Dry needling targets the taut bands in the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles, often relieving trigger point pain. When the dry needle is inserted into these points, it causes a local twitch response, which helps release muscle tension, increase blood circulation to the area, and improve tissue oxygen saturation. This process promotes the healing of the inflamed tissue, improves the biochemical environment, and reduces active pain. Additionally, dry needling can help reset the nervous system’s response to pain, providing long-term relief for those with chronic pain conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Benefits of Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis
Dry needling provides multiple advantages for those experiencing plantar fasciitis, including pain treatment and improved function. Primarily, it alleviates pain and discomfort by targeting specific tight muscles and trigger points contributing to the condition. By enhancing blood flow and promoting muscle relaxation, it aids in the healing process of inflamed tissues, thereby improving patterns of care and overall plantar fasciitis treatment outcomes. Moreover, dry needling may improve the overall range of motion in the ankle, enhancing mobility and functional movement. This technique is often more beneficial than other therapies, such as ultrasound treatment, making it a valuable addition to a comprehensive manual therapy plan. Additionally, dry needling can address related issues, such as hamstring pain, which can contribute to or result from altered biomechanics due to plantar fasciitis. Ultimately, dry needling not only addresses immediate reduction in pain but also supports long-term recovery and management of plantar fasciitis symptoms.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
During a dry needling procedure, a trained practitioner inserts filiform needles into specific muscle trigger points to relieve tension and pain. Patients may experience mild discomfort or a twitch sensation during the procedure. This is followed by a gradual reduction in soreness and improved mobility, especially in the upper trapezius muscle and tensor fascia. The method is similar to sham treatment effects in randomized control trials.
Is Dry Needling Painful?
Many people are concerned about the potential adverse events associated with invasive therapies like dry needling, including the risk of infection or autonomic phenomena. While the procedure involves inserting needles into the skin, most patients report only mild discomfort or a brief, sharp sensation during the insertion, akin to sham treatment effects in randomized control trials. The local twitch response, which indicates that the needle has hit a trigger point, may cause a brief needle site pain or muscle cramp, but this sensation typically subsides quickly. The overall experience is generally well-tolerated, and many patients find the relief it provides outweighs any temporary discomfort. So, if you’re wondering, does dry needling help plantar fasciitis? The answer from most patients and studies is a resounding yes.
Duration and Frequency of Treatment
The duration and frequency of dry needling treatments for plantar fasciitis vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to therapy, as seen in study protocols and weeks of intervention in clinical studies. A typical session lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, during which the therapist will target specific trigger points in the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles. Most patients require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results, with treatments scheduled once or twice weekly, typically as treatment for week six weeks. Depending on progress, the total number of sessions needed can range from 4 to 10.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following a dry needling session, patients may experience some soreness or stiffness in the treated areas, similar to having exercised recently, particularly in muscle fibers targeted during the session. Staying well-hydrated can also assist in the recovery process, as it helps flush out any toxins released during the session, thus improving energy flow and blood circulation in the treated areas. The retention time of the needles during the session can vary depending on the severity of the condition. It’s essential to allow the body to recover by gently stretching and avoiding intense physical activity for a day or two after treatment to reduce morning and activity pain. Patients are encouraged to communicate with their practitioners about any discomfort they may encounter and follow any specific aftercare instructions provided. Proper recovery and aftercare maximize the benefits of dry needling and improve outcomes for plantar fasciitis.
Dry Needling Limitations
While dry needling is an effective treatment for many people with plantar fasciitis, it may not suit everyone, such as pregnant women or dermatological diseases. Poor quality of clinical studies can sometimes lead to inconclusive evidence regarding its effectiveness. Additionally, dry needling should be performed by a licensed and trained professional to ensure safety and efficacy. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if dry needling is appropriate for your specific condition and to discuss any potential risk ratio or risk of bias in treatment outcomes. Patients with heart disease, lung, or thyroid conditions should exercise caution and consult their healthcare provider before undergoing dry needling. Medical conditions and acetylsalicylic acid use should also be considered when planning treatment.
Discover the Benefits of Dry Needling with Backcountry Physical Therapy
At Backcountry Physical Therapy, a leader in physical therapy Colorado Springs, we specialize in providing effective and personalized treatment for plantar fasciitis and other musculoskeletal pain conditions. Our experienced team uses dry needling and other evidence-based therapies, such as acupuncture treatment and corticosteroid injection, to help you recover quickly and get back to doing the activities you love. Whether dealing with plantar fasciitis skiing injuries or seeking relief from chronic heel pain, we’re here to help.
Conclusion
Dry needling is a promising treatment option for plantar fasciitis, offering significant pain relief, improved foot function, and reduced inflammation. While it may not be suitable for everyone, such as pregnant women or those with dermatological diseases, those who can benefit from it often experience faster and more effective results than other treatments. If you’re struggling with chronic plantar fasciitis, consider exploring dry needling at Backcountry Physical Therapy, mainly if traditional therapies have not provided sufficient relief. However, more research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness.
FAQs
Is Dry Needling Good for Plantar Fasciitis?
Yes, dry needling can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. It targets myofascial trigger points in the plantar fascia and surrounding muscles, helping to relieve pain, improve mobility, and support patterns of care tailored to individual needs.
How Many Sessions of Dry Needling are Needed?
The number of dry needling sessions needed varies depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment. Typically, 4 to 10 sessions are recommended, often over six weeks.
Does Dry Needling Work on Fascia?
Yes, dry needling works on fascia by releasing tension in the myofascial pain trigger points, which can help reduce pain and improve flexibility in the affected area.
