In Asian countries, natural healing has always been the go-to approach for achieving physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Drugs and more invasive treatments are only used when natural and traditional interventions don’t seem to work.

One of the most popular medical techniques is acupuncture, an alternative medicine practised for over 2,500 years. It is often used to help manage chronic conditions and their symptoms for which there are no definitive cures. These include allergy symptoms, nausea caused by cancer treatments, and arthritis.

What is arthritis, and how does it affect foot health?

Characterised by swollen joints, arthritis is common among older adults. While it can impact any of the joints in the body, it usually develops in the feet.

In foot arthritis, the joints become tender and swollen, which can cause the entire foot to feel painful and stiff. Most of the time, the impacted joints are positioned at the base of the big toe, heel, and inner or outer mid-foot bone.

When any of these joints are inflamed, the patient feels pain. They may be unable to support their body’s weight as the condition worsens. In terms of daily activities, the patient may face mobility challenges. They will have to limit using their foot to minimise their discomfort. This means avoiding walks and standing less often. When reduced to minimal mobility for a long time, they may find walking, standing, or doing any activity involving their feet harder.

Role of acupuncture in arthritis management

The primary role of acupuncture in managing arthritis is to help divert the pain caused by the swollen joints. Though it won’t reverse or completely cure arthritis, it can help patients manage and react to pain better.

The good thing about this traditional Chinese treatment is it can be done regardless of the stage of one’s condition. It will alter the painful sensations transmitted to the brain by the damaged tissues and promote the production of the body’s natural pain relievers—encephalins and endorphins.

With continuous and repeated acupuncture treatments, the immune system can become more regulated, and the body will produce more cortisol, a hormone that helps manage inflammation.

Benefits of acupuncture in arthritis

With more people turning to traditional healing methods, acupuncture has become a viable pain management option for people seeking relief. Aside from curbing pain and helping patients manage it, there are other notable benefits of using acupuncture among arthritic patients.

1. It is drug-free.

Most of the time, people who try acupuncture are already at their wit’s end. They may also want to avoid or minimise conventional treatments.

Unlike drugs that can eventually damage your liver, acupuncture is 100% drug-free, so there’s zero chance of addiction and other adverse side effects.

2. It boosts emotional and mental well-being.

Repeated acupuncture usually allows the patient to feel less pain in their feet while improving function. But this healing procedure also relaxes the body and calms the mind. It can lower stress and boost one’s emotional and mental well-being.

3. It promotes circulation and better sleep.

One known benefit of acupuncture is its ability to promote better sleep and blood circulation. Getting both is non-negotiable when your body is recovering and healing from any condition.

A well-rested body with good circulation will manage pain better and be more resilient to other symptoms of arthritis.

Considerations and Side Effects

The effects of acupuncture are unique for every person. Some don’t feel any pain during and after the procedure aside from a slight pressure when the thin needles are inserted in the pressure points. Others experience nausea and bouts of dizziness after the treatment. Still, some feel sore in the areas where the needles were inserted.

This is why you should talk to your doctor before undergoing acupuncture. Similarly, you must tell your acupuncturist if you have other health conditions besides arthritis. Like all treatments, acupuncture has its share of risks, but the overall advantages still outweigh them in most cases.

FAQs

How do I find a qualified acupuncturist for arthritis-related foot pain?

The UK has a database of accredited and registered acupuncturists with their contact information. These practitioners are all approved by the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), a self-regulatory body that practices traditional acupuncture in the UK and is 100% Professional Standard Authority accredited.

Is acupuncture a standalone treatment, or should it be integrated with conventional arthritis therapies?

Acupuncture is considered a complementary therapy, so it is best to have and diligently follow a traditional medical plan. This enables you to have a two-pronged approach to managing arthritis.

Are there any lifestyle or dietary recommendations that complement acupuncture for arthritis management?

Acupuncture is a complementary treatment, so lifestyle changes are highly recommended. For instance, losing weight when dealing with arthritis is necessary to reduce the stress and pressure on your joints. This involves watching what you eat and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Does insurance cover acupuncture for arthritis patients seeking foot pain relief?

Most of the time, acupuncture for arthritis is covered by insurance since it is considered complementary medicine. The National Health Service (NHS) is sometimes available through physiotherapists, general practitioners, and pain clinics, although the coverage is limited. It’s best to check the extent of your coverage with your insurance company or the NHS.

Conclusion

Studies have found that acupuncture, whether on its own or combined with other therapies, can benefit rheumatoid arthritis. It calms inflammation, combats toxins, and regulates the immune system while improving one’s quality of life without any adverse effects.

Hence, acupuncture is a proven and viable complementary treatment for arthritis, whether you’re experiencing inflammation in your foot or elsewhere in your body. This ancient Chinese methodology is an excellent option if you want to explore alternative treatments to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Although it will not cure your arthritis, alleviating the symptoms and receiving additional therapy for pain management can still do wonders for your overall health and quality of life.

If you want to become a trained Acupuncturist, we offer a range of courses to help you get there. Get in touch with Steve Bailey Acupuncture today!