Foot Acupuncture
Podiatric Acupuncture
Podiatric acupuncture is the therapeutic use of acupuncture by appropriately qualified podiatrists. Here at Essentials our podiatrists are trained in the use of acupuncture as a form of treatment for a variety of different injuries and disorders affecting the foot and lower limb.
Single use, sterile acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points and left for a duration of 20 minutes – to alleviate pain.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the term used to describe a treatment method which involves stimulating specific anatomical points over the body using sterile acupuncture needles. This stimulation of anatomical “trigger points” across areas of the body including the foot and lower limb, can work to reduce the painful symptoms associated with a variety of different podiatry related conditions.
How does acupuncture work?
There are two main systems of belief which are typically considered regarding the way in which acupuncture works. They are:
Chinese Approach – this uses a theory based on the flow of energy through the body. Using various methods to stimulate specific points across the body acupuncture works to regulate this flow of energy allowing equilibrium to be restored, helping to alleviate pain and reduce muscle spasms.
Western Approach – this uses knowledge based on scientific evidence of the body in relation to anatomy and neuro-physiology. Specific trigger points are selected across various anatomical sites in order to stimulate the release of substances within the body that are effective at blocking pain and relieving muscle spams. Both of these approaches can be interlinked to enable the body to self-regulate and reduce the unwanted symptoms of a condition.
Podiatrist mainly use the Western Approach.
- Metatarsalgia / Forefoot pain
- Bunion pain
- Hallux limitus/ rigidus
- Heel pain / planter fasciitis
- Painful arches
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Knee pain – patella femoral
- Painful scars to the feet / legs
- Morton’s neuroma
- Painful calves
- Shin splints
- By stimulating the release of endorphins which are the body’s own natural pain relieving hormones
- By causing a localised vasodilation of blood vessels which increases the circulation around the affected area. An increased blood supply encourages the removal of waste products which have accumulated in the area, these waste products are what causes the pain and discomfort associated with abnormally functioning tissues
- By relaxing stiff muscles and tendons and encouraging the growth of bone and tissues
- Eliminates the need for pharmaceutical and/or surgical intervention
- It is a safe and effective form of treatment when carried out correctly
- It can be used to effectively reduce pain levels
- It can sometimes be considered for patients who haven’t responded to medications for pain
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Taping mechanisms
- Foot mobilisation techniques
- Orthoses intervention
- Acupuncture is safe & virtually painless.
- Acupuncture works naturally with little or no side effects.
- Acupuncture stimulates the body to help itself
- Podiatrists work closely with your GP.
- To compliment podiatrists wide scope of practice many podiatrists now use acupuncture.
- Podiatrists use single use, sterile disposable needles.