Plantar fasciitis is a common problem that causes pain under the heel bone and in the arch of the foot. Patients with plantar fasciitis complain of pain under the heel with lengthy walks and prolonged standing. Most patients with plantar fasciitis are effectively treated with some simple measures such as anti-inflammatory medications, ice applications, shoe inserts, and stretching exercises. In some situations, patients may not find relief from their symptoms and require more aggressive treatment. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) has emerged as a possible treatment option for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. During this non-invasive procedure, sonic waves are directed at the area of pain using a device similar to what is currently used in nonsurgical treatments of kidney stones. ESWT is prescribed for patients who have experienced plantar fasciitis for an extended period of time and have not benefited from other conservative treatments. What is Plantar Fasciitis? Located on the bottom of the foot, the plantar fascia is a dense band of tissue that covers the bones. This band of tissue acts like a bowstring on a bow. When you are off of your feet, your foot is not tight and when you step down it becomes tight. Over time a person can develop a strain or inflammation of the fascia into the heel bone. This can become a chronic and repetitive condition because no one really rests their feet enough to heal and get better. Plantar fasciitis is typically described as a shooting pain in the heel, which feels the worst first thing in the morning. It also worsens when you stand up after sitting down for a prolonged period of time. Swelling in the heel can also be present in plantar fasciitis and, although it is extremely painful after rest, plantar fasciitis usually eases during the day. Plantar fasciitis may reappear after exercise or long periods on your feet. A number of factors that can lead to plantar fasciitis include: Obesity or sudden weight gain Too much pressure on the heels Foot abnormalities Diabetes and arthritis Wearing the wrong shoes Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is used to treat chronic heel pain, otherwise known as plantar fasciitis. The brief, non-invasive, procedure lasts about 30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia, and/or "twilight" anesthesia. Strong sound waves are directed at and penetrate the heel area to stimulate a healing response by the body. ESWT is performed on an outpatient basis and, although there are no bandages, someone will need to drive you home. Those who are not candidates for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy include pregnant women and patients who have: neurological foot disease vascular foot disease pacemakers people taking medications that interfere with blood clotting Shock Wave Therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for heel pain and only requires a short recovery time. Clinical studies show that there is a 70 percent success rate for treatment or plantar fasciitis using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. Contact your Quincy podiatrist today if you are experiencing heel pain that has not gone away with conservative treatments. Your podiatrist will be able to assess your pain and successfully eliminate your ailments with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy.
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