Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis and Foot Pain in Denver
Foot pain I treat
Heel pain that is worst with the first steps out of bed
Pain that returns after a long day on your feet
Runners building mileage
Hikers after a big weekend
People who stand all day
Foot pain after switching to flat shoes or adding walking
Morning pain that stretching, insoles and rest have not fixed
How acupuncture treats plantar fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a thick band that runs from the heel to the toes, irritated where it attaches to the heel bone. It does not work alone: a tight calf and Achilles pull on the heel with every step, and trigger points in the calf and arch refer pain into the heel. Acupuncture treats the whole chain, and it works best alongside the stretching and loading you are already doing, not instead of it.
Releases the calf and arch
I needle the calf and the muscles of the arch to release the pull, and around the heel attachment itself, which is tender for a moment and then eases.
Electroacupuncture
A gentle current between needles at the heel and arch for about 20 minutes increases blood flow to the fascia, a tissue with a poor blood supply, and reduces pain faster than needles alone. Cupping on the calf can do similar work.
Backed by two trials
A 2011 trial of 53 people found morning heel pain fell about twice as much in the group needled at a specific wrist point as in a comparison group. A 2014 trial of 84 people found real trigger point needling reduced first-step pain at six weeks compared with sham. Both found the average effect moderate.
Honest about what it does
Acupuncture reduces heel pain and speeds recovery for most patients I see. It does not shorten a tight calf by itself, so I will give you the stretching and loading work to pair with it.
Your treatment plan
Your first visit
We go over how the pain started, your shoes, your training or your work day, and what you have already tried. I check your calf length, the heel attachment and the arch, and you get a full treatment the same day.
How many visits to expect
A case that has lasted a few weeks usually takes three to five visits. One that has been there for months usually takes six to eight, weekly at first, then every two weeks as the morning pain fades. Most patients notice the first-step pain ease within two or three visits.
Between visits
A daily calf stretch and loaded heel raise, ice after long days, and steady mileage or standing time rather than cutting it to zero, because the fascia heals under moderate load.
When imaging is needed
I will send you to a physician or podiatrist first if the pain began with a snap or a fall, the heel is swollen or warm, the pain is in the middle of the heel bone or worse at rest or at night, you have numbness or tingling in the foot, or there has been no change after six visits.
Foot pain patients from across southeast Denver
Easy to reach
The clinic is at 3600 South Beeler Street, Suite 150, in Hampden Town Center at Hampden Avenue and I-25, with free parking at the door. It is about five minutes from the Denver Tech Center and Greenwood Village.
Who comes in
Foot pain brings in runners, hikers and people who stand all day. Many also see me for sports injuries and cupping.
Bring your shoes
Bring the shoes you run or work in.
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124 Five Star Reviews
Mike at subtle point is a pro! He has helped me numerous times deal with musculoskeletal pain in my back, legs, shoulder, neck and hands! He’s great at what he does and is very personable so I gladly give him five stars!
—Moe El Ali
247 Five Star Reviews
Michael was PERFECT! He asked a lot of questions about my pain and went to work on relieving it. The pain in my side that would wake me up every night for years has been gone for 4 days now thanks to the acupuncture. I also received such an amazing neck and head rub it made my toes tingle! I also noticed that I can go much deeper in my yoga poses after one treatment. Michael knows his work!
—Becky
146 Five Star Reviews
“Mike is so thorough and knowledgeable. Best acupuncture experience I have ever had. I will definitely be going back!”
“The owner Michael was super nice and very knowledgeable! I had a great experience!”
“This is the first time I’ve ever had acupuncture and cupping, and it was great. Definitely recommend.”
Prices
Payment
We accept cash, check, all major credit cards, and HSA/FSA cards. We don’t bill insurance directly, but we can provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It helps most patients I see with it. Two randomized trials found meaningful reductions in morning and first-step heel pain compared with control needling, and in my clinic the morning pain is usually the first thing to improve, often within two or three visits.
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In the calf and the arch to release the muscles that pull on the heel, around the heel attachment itself, and at distal points including one on the wrist that a trial found specifically helpful for heel pain. The heel needles are tender for a moment and then ease.
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Three to five visits for a recent case. Six to eight for one that has lasted months, weekly at first and then every two weeks. If nothing has changed after six visits, I send you for imaging.
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Usually at a reduced volume. The fascia heals under moderate load, so I would rather you keep moving on flatter ground and shorter distances than stop entirely. We adjust week by week based on the morning pain.
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Usually not. Plantar fasciitis is diagnosed by the exam. I refer for imaging first if the pain started with a snap or a fall, if the heel is swollen or warm, if the pain is in the center of the heel bone or worse at night, if you have numbness, or if six visits change nothing.
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At The Subtle Point a 90-minute first visit is $150 and follow-ups are $60 for 30 minutes, $95 for 60 minutes, or $130 for 90 minutes with cupping or Tuina. HSA and FSA cards work, and you receive a superbill for your insurer.
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Rarely, and never the way an injection does. Acupuncture needles are about the width of a human hair. Most people feel a brief tap, then a dull, heavy or warm sensation that fades in a few seconds. If any point feels sharp, tell me and I will adjust or remove it.