Electroacupuncture for Plantar Fasciopathy: A Multisite Randomized Clinical Trial.

Plantar fasciitis, also called plantar fasciopathy, causes stabbing heel pain that affects millions of people and can make walking extremely difficult. This multisite randomized clinical trial studied whether adding electroacupuncture (acupuncture with mild electrical stimulation) to standard stretching and strengthening exercises would help patients more than exercise alone.

Researchers enrolled 72 patients at multiple locations and assigned them to either receive electroacupuncture plus home exercises or exercises alone. The acupuncture group received treatments every two weeks for six weeks, then were followed for an additional six weeks. Both groups performed a five-week home exercise program of stretching and strengthening.

The results showed that patients who received electroacupuncture plus exercise experienced significantly greater pain reduction and improved foot function compared to those who did exercise alone. At the 12-week mark, the acupuncture group reported a pain decrease of 2.17 points versus 1.62 points in the exercise-only group on a standard pain scale. Foot function scores also improved more dramatically in the acupuncture group. Perhaps most notably, 23 out of 25 patients in the acupuncture group reported satisfaction with their treatment.

This study provides solid evidence that electroacupuncture can be an effective addition to standard care for plantar heel pain. The improvements lasted beyond the treatment period, suggesting long-term benefits. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, electroacupuncture combined with appropriate exercises may offer better relief than exercises alone. To explore this treatment option, seek a qualified, licensed acupuncturist experienced in treating musculoskeletal conditions.

This multisite randomized controlled trial (n=72, 117 affected feet) compared electroacupuncture plus home exercise versus exercise alone for plantar fasciopathy. The intervention group (n=37, 58 feet) received local electroacupuncture biweekly for six weeks with six-week follow-up; both groups completed a five-week home exercise protocol.

Primary outcome (DVPRS pain scores) showed significantly greater reduction in the intervention group at 12 weeks (2.17-point decline vs. 1.62, interaction coefficient -0.07, 95% CI: -0.13, -0.01). Secondary outcome (FFI-R scores) demonstrated superior improvement (19.5-point decline vs. 12.9, interaction coefficient -0.65, 95% CI: -1.20, -0.10). Treatment satisfaction was high (92%).

Clinical significance: Electroacupuncture provided statistically significant additive benefit to standard exercise therapy with sustained improvements at follow-up. This evidence supports electroacupuncture as an effective adjunctive treatment for plantar fasciopathy in outpatient settings, offering both short-term and long-term functional improvements beyond exercise alone.