What
is shock wave therapy?
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy or ESWT is the non
invasive (non-surgical) therapeutic use of high intensity sound waves
for the treatment of chronic orthopedic problems.
What
problems can it treat?
1.
Heel pain due to plantar fasciitis or heel
spur syndrome
2. Achilles tendinitis
3. Non-healing fractures of the foot (and other parts of
the body)
4. Jumpers knee (infrapatellar tendonitis)
5. Tennis elbow or golfer's elbow
6. Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder
In this office we are concerned with the first three
problems.
Can
anyone with plantar fasciitis or heel spur pain be treated with ESWT?
This procedure is indicated in the treatment of chronic
plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. That is, people who have had heel pain for at least six months
and have continued to have pain after conservative treatment. Before having
ESWT, you should have been treated unsuccessfully with at least two or
three of the following conservative modalities.
1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pills (Aspirin,
Naprosyn, Ibuprofen, etc.)
2. Supportive tapings or strappings
3. Orthotics
4. Cortisone injections
5. Physiotherapy
6. Below knee casting
7. Night splints
If you have not had conservative treatment, we will
be happy to discuss it with you and provide it for you.
Who
should not have ESWT?
People with:
1. Bleeding disorders
2. Local infections
3. Malignancies
4. Pregnant women
5. Children
Does
ESWT hurt?
We use local anaesthetic before treating a patient
with ESWT so there is very little, if any, discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, some people may experience discomfort for
several days. This will lessen
over time. We will give you
a prescription for an anti-inflammatory medication in case you need it. Please reduce your activities for a few days after treatment.
Are
there potential complications with ESWT?
There are no known significant complications with ESWT.
Some people may get localized bruising.
Other people will feel discomfort for a period of time.
In very rare cases, the local anaesthetic can cause allergic reactions,
infection as well as temporary
or prolonged nerve irritation. Compared
to surgery, ESWT is a safer alternative and should be considered before
having surgery.
What
are the advantages of using local anaesthetic?
There is less discomfort during the procedure with
local anaesthetic. Without anaesthetic, even low intensity shock wave therapy can be quite painful.Local anaesthetic allows the practitioner to increase the intensity
of the shock wave therapy, which may hasten healing and reduce the number
of treatments necessary.
What
if I am feeling anxious before having the treatment?
We will give you something to relax you.
You may take the pills one half hour to one hour before the procedure.
How
soon will I notice improvement?
In most cases healing may take six weeks to three months.
However, some people will notice an improvement within three weeks,
others may take six months.
What
is the success rate of ESWT?
According to one study ("Treatment of Painful
heel syndrome with shock waves. Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research,
Number 387, pp.41-46, June 2001) as many as eighty seven percent of patients
with plantar fasciitis who were treated with shock wave therapy either
had no complaints or were significantly better after six months.
How
long has it been used?
Extracorporeal Orthopedic Shockwave Therapy has been
available in Europe for approximately 10 years and North America for 2
or 3 years.
How
many treatments will I need?
Most people will only need one treatment. Some people may benefit from a second treatment.
Is
this procedure covered by O.H.I.P.?
Shock wave therapy is not covered by O.H.I.P. but it
may be covered by some private medical, dental or drug plans. |
