Acupuncture for Plantar Fasciosis in the Primary Care Setting

Investigators are studying whether a specific acupuncture protocol, when added to the
standard of care treatment, can improve pain and function in adults with plantar fasciosis.
Investigators hypothesize that there will be a significant improvement in both pain and
functional outcomes, both acutely and over time, in the experimental group compared to the
control group. Investigators will measure foot pain immediately prior to treatment
(baseline), immediately after the initial treatment and at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 3 months.
The Foot Function Index Revised short form will be used during the same intervals to evaluate
foot function. At 3 months, patients in the non-acupuncture group will cross-over into the
acupuncture group if still experiencing pain.

THIS STUDY IS BEING CONDUCTED AT A MILITARY INSTALLATION. YOU MUST HAVE MILITARY INSURANCE
IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS STUDY.

Inclusion Criteria:

Male and female DoD beneficiaries, age 18 years or older, who have been diagnosed with
plantar fasciitis/fasciosis OR Patients meeting criteria of pain in the bottom of the
foot/heel with first steps in the morning & tender to palpation over the medial calcaneal
tubercle (where the plantar fascia inserts). Those with acute and chronic diagnoses will be
included.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Pregnant

- Absence of leg

- Active cellulitis of lower extremity

- Prior surgery for plantar fasciitis

- Steroid injections in the last 12 weeks for plantar fasciitis; if received in last 12
weeks subjects will be offered to be involved in the study after they have completed a
12 week wash out period.

- Any regenerative therapy to include proliferation therapy or platelet rich plasma
therapy in the last 12 weeks for plantar fasciitis; if received in last 12 weeks
subject will be offered to be involved in the study after they have completed a 12
week wash out period.

- Botox injections for plantar fasciitis injections in the last 12 weeks for plantar
fasciitis; if received in last 12 weeks subject will be offered to be involved in the
study after they have completed a 12 week wash out period.

- Use of anticoagulants

- If they have every had any prior acupuncture for plantar fasciitis using the defined
KB-2 points