Heel pain is often from plantar fasciitis, a reactive condition of the tendons in the sole of the foot. This is characteristically most painful with the first few steps after getting out of bed, or after prolonged rest, and the pain reduces after walking around a bit. Pulling the toes up towards the top side of the foot and the shin, or pressing around the heel pad of the sole close to the back of the foot (over the bone known as the calcaneus) may reproduce the pain.
Acupuncture is a good treatment option for plantar fasciitis, and the treatment is helped by the use of herbal foot soaks and physical therapy. [Read more…]