Yes, that is correct. Modern medicine also views plantar fasciitis not simply as an isolated foot condition, but as the outcome of a complex combination involving whole-body balance and biomechanical issues. The plantar fascia is a fibrous band that plays a vital role in maintaining the arch of the foot and absorbing impact, and plantar fasciitis occurs when repetitive microtrauma causes inflammation and pain in this band. But let us look a bit deeper into the causes.
First, structural issues of the foot and lifestyle habits are considered the most common causes. Flatfoot, pes cavus, improper gait, excessive body weight, wearing shoes that lack shock absorption, or working in professions that require prolonged standing or running all place excessive stress on the plantar fascia and trigger damage. Yet the more important question is: why do these external factors trigger pain in some people while leaving others unaffected?
This is where we see how Donguibogam's concepts of qi and blood obstruction and liver and kidney weakness connect with modern medicine. Modern medicine focuses on systemic problems in the body that induce chronic inflammation. For instance, metabolic diseases such as diabetes impair blood circulation and can cause peripheral neuropathy, worsening paresthesia or pain in the soles. This directly aligns with the impaired tissue recovery caused by obstruction in the circulation of qi and blood and deficiency of essence described in Donguibogam. When blood circulation is compromised, oxygen and nutrients are not properly delivered to the plantar fascia, slowing the recovery of damaged tissue.
Additionally, chronic stress affects the autonomic nervous system, constricting blood vessels, hindering blood circulation, and raising muscle tension, which can increase the load placed on the plantar fascia. This also connects with the Donguibogam perspective that stress leads to stagnation of liver qi, reducing the flexibility of sinews. Furthermore, a deficiency in nutrients such as vitamin C or zinc, which are essential for collagen synthesis, can diminish the regenerative capacity of connective tissue like the plantar fascia. A state of systemic inflammation caused by an unbalanced diet can also worsen the inflammatory response of the plantar fascia.
In conclusion, one must remember that plantar fasciitis is not merely pain in the sole, but a symptom comprehensively influenced by overall health, including systemic blood circulation, nutritional status, metabolism, and even stress management. Rather than dismissing the signals from your soles as a simple inconvenience, take this as an opportunity to care for your entire body. Do not feel too discouraged by the pain; we can work through it together.
