2026 Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Acupuncture, especially high-intensity acupuncture, noticeably reduces pain in patients with chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
Acupuncture for Foot, Ankle and Heel Pain
Foot, ankle, and heel pain are common complaints that can stem from a variety of causes, including injuries, overuse, or underlying medical conditions.
Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, affecting mobility and quality of life.
What is our clinical experience?
Based on feedback collected from over 2,820 initial appointments for Leg, Knee & Foot Pain, 80% of our surveyed patients reported improved quality of life after their first 4 appointments. See our detailed benchmarking statistics.
InitialConsults
2,820
AverageAppointments
4
ImprovedQuality of Life
80%
Refer Family &Friends
89%
Who have we treated with this condition?
The age groups and genders we see most frequently with this condition. Note: this chart only represents the people who seek treatment at Ping Ming Health clinics for this condition.
- Female (55%)
- Male (45%)
| Age | Female % | Male % |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0 | 0.03 |
| 9 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| 10 | 0.03 | 0 |
| 11 | 0.1 | 0 |
| 12 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| 13 | 0 | 0.1 |
| 14 | 0 | 0.03 |
| 15 | 0.07 | 0.13 |
| 17 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| 18 | 0.17 | 0.17 |
| 19 | 0.07 | 0.07 |
| 20 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| 21 | 0.2 | 0.07 |
| 22 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| 23 | 0.13 | 0.1 |
| 24 | 0.17 | 0.1 |
| 25 | 0.13 | 0.27 |
| 26 | 0.23 | 0.53 |
| 27 | 0.37 | 0.2 |
| 28 | 0.3 | 0.33 |
| 29 | 0.27 | 0.33 |
| 30 | 0.37 | 0.37 |
| 31 | 0.5 | 0.53 |
| 32 | 0.6 | 0.4 |
| 33 | 0.43 | 0.4 |
| 34 | 0.57 | 0.5 |
| 35 | 0.6 | 0.77 |
| 36 | 0.6 | 0.73 |
| 37 | 0.67 | 0.83 |
| 38 | 0.7 | 0.93 |
| 39 | 0.83 | 0.7 |
| 40 | 0.63 | 1 |
| 41 | 0.83 | 0.8 |
| 42 | 0.87 | 0.7 |
| 43 | 0.67 | 1.23 |
| 44 | 1.07 | 0.73 |
| 45 | 0.77 | 0.57 |
| 46 | 0.63 | 1.43 |
| 47 | 0.63 | 0.77 |
| 48 | 0.83 | 0.77 |
| 49 | 0.77 | 0.67 |
| 50 | 0.93 | 1.1 |
| 51 | 0.87 | 0.73 |
| 52 | 1.1 | 1.03 |
| 53 | 0.83 | 0.9 |
| 54 | 1.03 | 0.93 |
| 55 | 1.33 | 1.1 |
| 56 | 0.93 | 0.83 |
| 57 | 0.97 | 0.63 |
| 58 | 0.9 | 0.83 |
| 59 | 1.6 | 0.73 |
| 60 | 1.3 | 0.63 |
| 61 | 1.03 | 0.73 |
| 62 | 1.33 | 0.73 |
| 63 | 1.2 | 1.27 |
| 64 | 1.4 | 0.7 |
| 65 | 1.7 | 0.87 |
| 66 | 1.37 | 0.67 |
| 67 | 1.43 | 1 |
| 68 | 1.1 | 0.7 |
| 69 | 1.2 | 0.77 |
| 70 | 1.47 | 0.67 |
| 71 | 0.97 | 1.17 |
| 72 | 1.1 | 0.73 |
| 73 | 1.1 | 0.9 |
| 74 | 1.23 | 0.2 |
| 75 | 1.03 | 0.83 |
| 76 | 0.8 | 0.7 |
| 77 | 0.97 | 0.63 |
| 78 | 0.67 | 0.3 |
| 79 | 0.83 | 0.53 |
| 80 | 0.6 | 0.53 |
| 81 | 0.73 | 0.47 |
| 82 | 0.57 | 0.4 |
| 83 | 0.43 | 0.27 |
| 84 | 0.17 | 0.2 |
| 85 | 0.33 | 0.27 |
| 86 | 0.43 | 0.23 |
| 87 | 0.37 | 0.13 |
| 88 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| 89 | 0.23 | 0.17 |
| 90 | 0.27 | 0.07 |
| 91 | 0.27 | 0.17 |
| 92 | 0.23 | 0.07 |
| 93 | 0.2 | 0.07 |
| 94 | 0.1 | 0.03 |
| 95 | 0.1 | 0.07 |
| 96 | 0.13 | 0.03 |
| 97 | 0.1 | 0 |
| 98 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| 99 | 0.03 | 0 |
How many sessions of treatment?
The average number of appointments that patients attend for this condition. Some conditions respond quickly while others may require ongoing treatment.
Which types of treatments?
The types of treatments that are most frequently provided for this condition. Some treatments may be used in combination at the same time.
What does the research say?
The following insights are obtained from systematic reviews and analysis of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for foot, ankle and heel pain.
2025 Journal of Pain Research
Electroacupuncture with surround needling is being tested against sham treatment and ice-rest care using ultrasound to assess acute ankle sprain recovery.
2025 Medicine
Combining traditional Chinese medicine fumigation with acupotomy showed improved effectiveness in treating heel pain compared to medicinal treatment alone.
2025 Medical Acupuncture
Adding an acupuncture protocol with electrostimulation to standard exercises enhances pain relief and function in adults with plantar fasciopathy more than exercise alone.
2024 Cureus Journal of Medical Science
Acupuncture has proven efficient as a second-line treatment for plantar fasciitis, demonstrating strong effectiveness in pain reduction at a one-month interval.
2023 World Journal of Clinical Cases
Combined traditional Chinese medicine approaches were associated with substantial pain relief, restored mobility, and resolution of foot swelling and discoloration in complex regional pain syndrome.
2021 Trials
Adding Dangguixu-san to acupuncture may provide sustained pain relief and symptom improvement after acute lateral ankle sprains, particularly for more severe injuries.
2021 Medical Acupuncture
Acupuncture displays potential as a safe and effective treatment for foot and ankle pain, providing pain relief and functional improvement.
2020 Trials
Adding kinesiotape to acupuncture did not improve pain, swelling, function, quality of life, or repeat sprains after acute lateral ankle sprain.
2020 Acupuncture in Medicine
Electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture show similar effectiveness in relieving plantar heel pain syndrome with no significant difference between the two modalities.
2020 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture could significantly relieve pain and increase cure rate for acute ankle sprain, even producing improved results when combined with other therapies.
2018 Trials
This trial tests whether adding elastic therapeutic tape to acupuncture improves recovery from recent outer ankle sprains compared with acupuncture alone.
2016 Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy
Acupuncture, specifically needle-based and electroacupuncture, can potentially provide therapeutic benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy, and shoulder injuries.
2013 BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Acupuncture has shown potential in alleviating symptoms and improving overall quality of life for patients suffering from ankle sprains.
2012 Acupuncture in Medicine
There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for plantar heel pain comparable to that available for conventionally used interventions, such as stretching, night splints or dexamethasone.
2011 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture can provide pain relief to patients with plantar fasciitis.
Seek personalised healthcare and advice
Although well-conducted clinical research can help members of the public to make better-informed decisions about their healthcare, we cannot claim that any particular treatment may be effective for any individual person.
When you consult with our Chinese medicine practitioners, you’ll receive personalised advice and treatment based on your symptoms and Chinese medicine diagnosis.
Research papers
Browse our collection of scientific clinical research on acupuncture for foot, ankle and heel pain.
It includes recent and reputable papers published by peer-reviewed journals within the last 10 years.
2026, May
Efficacy of acupuncture for chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis: A randomized trial
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Among patients with chronic recalcitrant plantar fasciitis, acupuncture, particularly high-intensity acupuncture, notably reduced pain compared with the waitlist control, with lasting effects up to week 16.
Wang W, Kang J, Wang X, Zhu L, Zhou K, Zang Z, Jiao R, Zhang W, Shi J, Liu Y, Liu Z Full Article
2025, May
The Clinical Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with Surround Needling in the Treatment of Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain Based on Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging Technology: A Protocol for a Single-Centre, Randomized, Controlled Trial
Journal of Pain Research American Society of Pain & Neuroscience
The study protocol describes a planned comparison of electroacupuncture combined with surround needling, sham electroacupuncture, and ice combined with brake rest for acute lateral ankle sprain, with efficacy assessed using Kofoed scores, musculoskeletal ultrasound quantitative measurements, and ankle circumference.
Chen L, Hu Q, Gao H, Tang D Full Article
2025, Aug 22
The curative effect of traditional Chinese medicine fumigation combined with acupotomy in the treatment of heel pain: A meta-analysis
Medicine
The curative effect of TCM fumigation combined with acupotomy in the treatment of heel pain was better than that of medicine alone, although the evidence quality level was rated as low according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.
Li C, Sun ZW, Ma JX, Gao X, Lou HJ, Li CY Full Article
2025, May 15
Electroacupuncture for Plantar Fasciopathy: A Multisite Randomized Clinical Trial
Medical Acupuncture American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
Acupuncture with electrostimulation plus prescribed exercise decreases pain and improves function in both the short and long term in adult patients with plantar fasciopathy, more than exercise alone.
Moss D, Rasmussen B, Williams W, Crawford P Full Article
2024, Sept 08
Comparative Effectiveness of Acupuncture Versus Non-surgical Modalities for Treating Plantar Fasciitis: A Network Meta-Analysis
Cureus Journal of Medical Science
Acupuncture treatment was found to be more effective than other treatments at one month in reducing pain based on VAS scores, suggesting it can be considered as a second-line treatment option for plantar fasciitis alongside other standard treatments.
Asokumaran I, Verasamy BS, Hasan MIB, Wong DKC, Ong SS, Ng SC Full Article
2023, Oct 26
Traditional Chinese medicine for foot pain in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome: A case report
World Journal of Clinical Cases
Combined traditional Chinese medicine treatment may be a reasonable and safe option for alleviating symptoms and improving function in patients with complex regional pain syndrome.
Shin WC, Kim H, Chung WS Full Article
2021, Mar 04
Effects of Dangguixu-san in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain: a randomized controlled trial
Trials
Dangguixu-san combined with acupuncture is a safe treatment that produces positive long-term effects on pain reduction and symptom alleviation in patients with grade I or II acute lateral ankle sprain.
Kim JH, Lee CK, Lee EY, Cho MR, Lee YS, Lee JS Full Article
2021, Dec 01
The Efficacy of Acupuncture on Foot and Ankle for Pain Intensity, Functional Status, and General Quality of Life in Adults: A Systematic Review
Medical Acupuncture American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
There is some evidence to suggest acupuncture to be a safe and efficacious treatment for relieving pain and improving functional status for the foot and ankle.
Trinh K, Belski N, Zhou F, Kuhad A, Luk D, Youn E Full Article
2020, Feb 12
Add-on effect of kinesiotape in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain: a randomized controlled trial
Trials
AcuKT did not show a positive add-on effect of kinesiotape with acupuncture for pain reduction, edema, functional recovery, activities of daily living, quality of life, or recurrence of acute lateral ankle sprain.
Shin JC, Kim JH, Nam D, Park GC, Lee JS Full Article
2020, Aug 18
Comparison of electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture for patients with plantar heel pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society
Among patients with PHPS, EA did not have a better effect with respect to relieving pain intensity than MA at week 4, although both EA and MA appeared to have positive temporal effects, with decreased heel pain and improved plantar function.
Wang W, Liu Y, Jiao R, Liu S, Zhao J, Liu Z Full Article
2020, Oct 16
Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture Therapy for Patients with Acute Ankle Sprain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
This study has indicated that acupuncture is effective in relieving acute ankle sprains.
Liu AF, Gong SW, Chen JX, Zhai JB Full Article
2018, Feb 20
The effects of Kinesiotape on acute lateral ankle sprain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Trials
This study will provide data on the efficacy and usefulness of Kinesiotape for treating acute lateral ankle sprains.
Kim JH, Cho MR, Park JH, Shin JC, Cho JH, Park GC, Nam D Full Article
2016, May 31
Effectiveness of Acupuncture Therapies to Manage Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Extremities: A Systematic Review
Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy
This article showcase the efficacy of acupuncture for carpel tunnel syndrome, piriformis, shoulder pain, plantar fasciitis and patellofemoral pain. The systematic reviews on randomised controlled trials research have showed that patients respond significantly better after treatments compared to the control group.
Cox, J., Varatharajan, S., Côté, P., & Optima Collaboration Full Article
2013, Mar 04
Acupuncture for ankle sprain: systematic review and meta-analysis
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Acupuncture was found to be more effective than various controls in relieving pain, facilitating return to normal activity and improving quality of life, however, the available evidence is insufficient to recommend it as an evidence-based treatment option.
Park J, Hahn S, Park JY, Park HJ, Lee H Full Article
2012, Dec 12
The Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Plantar Heel Pain: A Systematic Review
Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society
Five randomised controlled trials and three non-randomised comparative studies were included. There is evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for plantar heel pain (PHP). This is comparable to the evidence available for conventionally used interventions, such as stretching, night splints or dexamethasone. Therefore acupuncture should be considered in recommendations for the management of patients with PHP.
Clark RJ, Tighe M Full Article
2011, Jan 15
Acupuncture treatment for plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial with six months follow-up
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. The results indicate that acupuncture can provide pain relief to patient with plantar fasciitis, and that PC 7 is a relatively specific acupoint for heel pain.
Shi Ping Zhang , Tsui-Pik Yip, Qiu-Shi Li Full Article
It is by virtue of the twelve channels that human life exists, that disease arises, that human beings can be treated and illness cured. The twelve channels are where beginners start and masters end.