Acupuncture of Different Treatment Frequency in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis

With the patient in a prone position, the local skin will be routinely sterilized, Ashi points will be perpendicularly inserted into the plantar fascia layer with a depth of approximately 15-20 mm depending on the location. BL57, KI3, and BL60 will be punched perpendicularly 10-15 mm deep into the skin. All needles except the Ashi points will be manually stimulated with small, equal manipulations of lifting, thrusting, twirling, and rotating to achieve De qi (a sensation including soreness, numbness, distention, and heaviness), and the practitioner has a feeling of needle sinking and tightness. The electroacupuncture instrument is connected to the needle handle of BL57 and BL60 respectively. During the needle retention period, except for BL57 and BL60, which are connected to the electroacupuncture instrument, Ashi points and KI3 perform a small and uniform twisting technique three times every 10 min, and a total of 3 times within 30min.

"The intervention is the same as Group M except that the frequency of acupuncture will be once per week acupuncture. During the treatment period, in addition to acupuncture, patients will be visited twice a week for a total of 8 visits by telephone or in person. If the content of the visit aligns with the established efficacy evaluation visit in the program, it will be carried out as planned. If not, the patient will be inquired about the progress of their condition since the previous treatment, any rescue medication taken, and other relevant information. Visits that do not involve improvement in relevant indicators of study concern do not need to be recorded.~The electroacupuncture will last for 30 min and will be performed three sessions per week or one session per week for a total of 12 or 4 sessions in four consecutive weeks. Participants in both groups will be treated and (or) evaluated separately."