Foot pain can be an annoying and sometimes debilitating experience. It can be caused by many health conditions including poor posture, uncomfortable footwear, and abnormal pronation where the foot doesn’t land or lift off the ground properly. Though foot pain can be tough to deal with, studies have shown that acupuncture for foot pain can relieve symptoms and even restore proper foot function.

Acupuncture is a medical practice in which needles penetrate strategic points on the body to alleviate pain. The electrical stimulation of acupoints on the feet increases blood flow to the foot and lower leg, relieving pain and helping you become more comfortable on your feet again.

Methods of Acupuncture

There are a few methods of acupuncture that can have restorative effects on your feet. Acupuncture is one of the most common practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) at present, says Michael Forman, a miami acupuncture clinician. Acupuncture uses the yin and yang structure which informs the places in which needles penetrate acupoints, creating an overall balance in the body. This can be great for foot pain because feet are what maintain balance when we’re in movement.

Another common method of acupuncture that has become increasingly popular is electro acupuncture. This form of acupuncture combines the traditional method of nerve penetration using needles and adds a low electrical current through those needles. The needles themselves are attached to a device that’s secured by small clips that are inserted at specific points on the body. They generate electrical impulses that relieve intense pain which is why electro acupuncture is recommended for foot pain, especially severe foot pain.

Maintaining the Restorative Effects

There are a few ways you should tend to your feet after an acupuncture procedure. The first thing to do is to rest your feet. It’s important to take it easy and avoid doing anything physically laborious. You should try not to do heavy exercise.

Keeping yourself hydrated after an acupuncture session is also helpful to maintain the restorative effects the treatment has on your feet. Hydration is why avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages is also essential.

Put potentially stressful work to the side and turn off the TV. Keeping your mind relaxed is a good way to maintain the balance that acupuncture restores to your feet and body as a whole.

Prevention

Acupuncture has restorative effects on your feet, but it can also help prevent future foot pain. Wearing comfortable shoes will also help prevent foot pain. Wearing high heeled shoes less often will also help decrease your foot pain. Keeping your feet hydrated by wearing socks with shoes or sneakers, especially when working out, can prevent foot dysfunction as well. You should also try to avoid wearing shoes that are too narrow or too wide.

Stretching and yoga are other ways to prevent foot pain, particularly foot pain associated with standing. Varying sitting and standing throughout your day will also improve the health of your feet. Try not to stand for long periods of time. Give your feet a break by sitting down every once in awhile when you get the chance. It’s important to improve your posture to maintain the balance restored through acupuncture.