The main goal of this study is to determine if a specific acupuncture technique-targeting a "heel pain point" located on the hand-is an effective and safe way to treat heel pain. Specifically, the researchers want to:
Measure Pain Relief: Evaluate how effectively the treatment reduces pain levels.
Check Physical Function: Determine if the treatment helps patients walk and move more comfortably.
Ensure Safety: Track any side effects or adverse reactions to confirm the treatment is safe for patients.
Target Population
The study is looking for participants who meet the following criteria:
Age: Adults between 40 and 70 years old. Diagnosis: Individuals diagnosed with heel pain (plantar fasciitis). Duration: People who have had the pain for less than two months and have not recently received other related treatments.
Typical Symptoms: Individuals who experience significant pain during their first few steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
Exclusions: The study excludes people with recent foot injuries, gout, or serious underlying health conditions such as severe diabetes or heart disease.
Primary Research Endpoint
The "Primary Endpoint" is the specific result the researchers use to decide if the treatment was successful:
The 50% Reduction Goal: The study measures the "response rate," which is the percentage of patients whose pain score decreases by at least 50% compared to their starting pain level.
Evaluation Timing: This success measure is evaluated after the patient completes one full course of treatment, which consists of 10 sessions given over approximately 20 days.
Meeting the aforementioned Western medicine diagnostic criteria for heel pain.
Aged 40-70 years with a disease duration of less than two months and no prior relevant treatments.
Voluntary provision of informed consent and willingness to receive the corresponding treatments.
Presence of calcaneal spurs on X-ray radiography is permitted.
Presence of gout, trauma, osteomyelitis, or purulent inflammation in the affected area.
Concomitant history of heel trauma with localized redness, swelling, heat, and inflammatory reactions.
Chronic conditions that may confound treatment efficacy or outcome interpretation (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia, epilepsy, or other disqualifying conditions).
Radicular pain accompanied by lower extremity muscle weakness, sensory loss, diminished reflexes, progressive neurological deficits, or severe neurological symptoms.