Acupuncture of Different Treatment Frequency in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common causes of heel pain, typically characterized by a sharp pain in the plantar aponeurosis, specifically near the insertion site close to the medial process of the calcaneal tuberosity. It has been reported that 1 in 10 people are expected to be affected by PF in their lifetime. A comprehensive internet-panel survey conducted among the adult United States population revealed the population-based prevalence of self-reported PF with pain in the last month was 0.85 percent. Approximately 1 million patients are diagnosed with this disease each year in the United States. PF was believed to be an acute inflammatory disease, but patient samples show it is actually a chronic degenerative process caused by various factors such as repetitive stresses, vascular and metabolic disorders, excess free radicals, high temperatures, genetic factors, and conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathies. PF may be associated with impaired health-related quality of life, including reduced life functioning, poor perceived health status and social isolation. Additionally, a recent study indicates that the annual cost associated with PF is $284 million. The first-line treatments recommended by guidelines for PF encompass physical therapy (including manual therapy, stretching, and others), pharmacological therapy (involving corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma), and surgical treatment. However, the definite effects of physical therapy still require confirmation. Pharmacological treatments, such as local corticosteroid injections, exhibit a short maintenance period. Some studies indicate that the relief provided by corticosteroid injections lasts up to one month, yet its efficacy diminishes after 6 months. Surgical treatment is generally advised 6 to 12 months after unsuccessful conservative treatment, albeit with the drawback of higher costs, post-surgery recovery time, and patient apprehension. Acupuncture is one of the most