Acupuncture

Podiatric Acupuncture is the use of acupuncture as a therapeutic tool, by podiatrists , to treat problems of the lower limbs. Acupuncture needles are placed along specific pathways or meridians at acupoints, or at trigger points. The needles stimulate the release of natural painkillers which help relieves the discomfort associated with painful conditions.

Acupuncture is used to treat many foot problems, but is particularly useful for pain. It can help with painful joints and is also used to treat problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel pain, Morton's neuroma and forefoot pain. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, but is frequently used in conjunction with other podiatry treatments.

In this procedure, needles are inserted at individually determined points of the body where they are left for a while whilst you sit and relax. You should find acupuncture quite relaxing during, or after your treatment. You may experience other sensations, such as feeling hot or cold. Acupuncture is only undertaken following a full assessment to ensure that acupuncture is a suitable treatment for you.

Pain in the foot and ankle can frequently respond to acupuncture. In general it is a painless process but when discomfort does occur it is far less than an ordinary injection and usually lasts only a moment.

The number of treatments varies from person to person for complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several weeks may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary. Most people need between 3 to 8 treatments, and some people need to return for regular "top up" treatments every few months.

Acupuncture is effective for the following:

plantar fasciitis
heel pain
first metatarsal pain
metatarsalgia
mortons neuroma
digital neuritis
achilles tendonitis
ankle pain
ankle and knee instability
shin splints
cramps