Podiatrist Toronto, ON
Sheldon H. Nadal D.P.M.
586 Eglinton Avenue E. Suite 501
Toronto, Ontario M4P1P2
Local: 416-486-9917
Toll free: (877) 456-3338

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Posts for tag: shockwave

By Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M.
August 08, 2012

According to www.utsandiego.com San Diego Chargers Antonio Gates, has lost some weight, is able to practice, and hopes not to lose anymore time with  Plantar Fasciitis with which he suffered during the previous two seasons.

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the plantar or bottom surface of the heel bone or calcaneous and goes forward in the foot and attaches to the toe bones.  It helps to support the arch.

The plantar fascia can become injured or irritated due to excessive wear and tear, overuse, or injury.  This can cause heel/ or arch pain which is noticeable with the first few steps in the morning, particularly if you've been active the day before.  If you've been standing and walking for a period of time and then you sit down for a while, you will often experience heel and arch pain when you start walking again.

The keys to relieving plantar fasciitis are:

1) You must relieve the forces that are causing the plantar fascia to pull away from the heel bone.  This can be accomplished temporarily, by applying a supportive taping to the foot.  You can get more long lasting relief by using orthotics in your shoes.  They help to support your feet and improve the mechanics and reieve the pull of the plantar fascia.  You can try off the shelf inserts from the drug store.  If this is not helpful you may need made to measure custom foot orthotics from your podiatrist or foot specialist.

2) You must relieve the inflammation and irritation at the plantar fascia.  This can be accomplished with antiinflammatory medication.  However this is not a good idea for people who have sensitive stomachs, a history of ulcers, high blood pressure or heart disease.  Your podiatrist can also perform a cortisone injection but this can be painful and repeated injections are not a good idea.  In my Toronto podiatry office I am utilizing therapeutic modalities that do not have these effects.  For people who have had plantar fasciitis for less than two or three months, I use a combination of a sound wave treatment called radial wave or pressure wave or radial shockwave.  This is combined with a super pulsed Laser Pain Treatment.  In many cases this combination of treatments can help patients start feeling better immediately.  Many people will need three to four treatments spaced one week apart. 

For someone who has been suffering for more than three to six months, I use a stronger modality called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Heel Spur Pain, Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis.  This is a stronger sound wave and is often performed with a local anesthetic.  We have found that seventy-five percent of people with chronic or long term plantar fasciitis will experience anywhere from a fifty to a hundred percent improvement following one treatment.  Some people will experience the effects of the shockwave quickly, others will take up to three months to notice a significant improvement.

If you have heel pain or arch pain or plantar fasciitis or any other foot problems please call Our Office  at 416-486-9917 to set up a private consultation.  I will tell you how we can help you to achieve painless feet.

It is my hope that Antonio Gates has a great season and does not experience anymore symptoms of plantar fasciitis. 

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