Foot Pain? Try Acupuncture!
- Felicity Burnell
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
Our feet work hard every day, carrying us through thousands of steps and supporting our entire body weight. It’s no surprise that foot pain and related conditions are incredibly common. From plantar fasciitis and heel pain to arthritis and nerve-related discomfort, these issues can have a real impact on mobility and quality of life.
Alongside conventional podiatric care, acupuncture is gaining recognition as an effective complementary therapy for many foot and ankle problems. Here’s how it works—and how it might help you find relief.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been practised for thousands of years. It involves the gentle insertion of very fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points correspond to pathways called “meridians,” believed to influence the flow of energy—or qi—through the body.
From a modern medical perspective, acupuncture is thought to work by stimulating the nervous system, releasing natural pain-relieving chemicals such as endorphins and serotonin, improving blood circulation, and reducing inflammation.
Common Foot Problems That May Benefit from Acupuncture
Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most frequent causes of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, occurs when the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed and irritated. Acupuncture can help reduce local inflammation, promote tissue healing, and relax the muscles and fascia surrounding the heel and arch.
Patients often report a noticeable decrease in pain and stiffness after a few sessions.
2. Acupuncture for Neuropathy and Nerve Pain
People with diabetes or nerve problems (such as tarsal tunnel syndrome and Morton's neuroma) may experience burning, tingling, or numbness in the feet. Acupuncture can help by stimulating nerve pathways, improving blood flow, and promoting nerve repair. It may also help regulate nerve signals, reducing sensations of pain or hypersensitivity.
3. Acupuncture for Arthritis and Joint Pain
Acupuncture has been shown to reduce inflammation and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For those with painful toe joints or ankle discomfort, it can be an effective adjunct to conventional treatments, improving both comfort and mobility.
4. Acupuncture for Achilles Tendinopathy
Inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon can be stubborn to treat. Acupuncture may accelerate healing by improving local blood circulation and reducing muscle tension in the calf, helping restore flexibility and strength.
5. Acupuncture for General Foot Fatigue and Poor Circulation
For those who stand for long hours or suffer from cold, tired feet, acupuncture can help stimulate circulation, reduce swelling, and restore a sense of balance and vitality to the lower limbs.
Can Acupuncture be used treat Verrucas?
Possibly! This is an area currently under investigation.
Anecdotally, difficult-to-treat verrucas in adults appear to have a strong link to stress. Acupuncture has been shown to be helpful in alleviating symptoms of stress and anxiety - so there could also be an indirect role for acupuncture in the treatment of recalcitrant verrucas (plantar warts).
The Role of Stress in Foot Problems
It may surprise many people to learn that stress can play a significant role in foot pain. When we’re under stress, our bodies release stress hormones such as cortisol, which can increase inflammation and muscle tension throughout the body—including the feet and legs.
Over time, chronic stress can slow the body’s natural healing processes, making foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or tendon pain more persistent and difficult to manage.
How Acupuncture Can Help with Stress-Related Foot Pain
Acupuncture is well known for its calming effects on the nervous system. By helping to regulate stress hormones and encouraging the release of endorphins and serotonin, it promotes deep relaxation and reduces muscle tension.
Many patients find that acupuncture not only eases physical pain but also helps improve sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing. By addressing both the physical and emotional components of pain, acupuncture can support more complete and lasting relief from foot problems.
How Acupuncture Complements Podiatric Care
Acupuncture doesn’t replace conventional podiatric treatments such as orthotics, stretching, footwear advice, or physiotherapy—but it can enhance their effectiveness.
By addressing underlying inflammation, pain, and muscle tension, acupuncture supports faster recovery and provides natural pain relief without medication.
Interested in acupuncture? This now offered by Claudia Burnell (Jing Acupuncture) at Aelfric Court Clinic, Eynsham. Claudia understands both the anatomical and traditional Chinese medicine perspectives of foot pain. Treatments are tailored to your specific diagnosis and comfort level, ensuring a safe and holistic approach to care.
What to Expect During Treatment
A typical acupuncture session lasts around 30–45 minutes. Very fine needles are placed in carefully selected points—sometimes near the site of pain, sometimes elsewhere on the body to address deeper imbalances. Most patients find the process relaxing, and many notice improvements after just a few sessions.
Because acupuncture is minimally invasive and drug-free, it’s suitable for most people and can be safely combined with other podiatric treatments.
In Summary
Acupuncture offers a gentle yet powerful way to relieve foot pain, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing processes. Whether you’re struggling with plantar fasciitis, nerve pain, arthritis, or chronic tension in your feet, it may be worth exploring acupuncture as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
If you’re curious about how acupuncture could help your specific condition, speak with your podiatrist or acupuncturist. We’ll be happy to assess your needs and develop a personalised care plan to help get you comfortably back on your feet.
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