How Shockwave Treatment Can Help Your Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition where a ligament which runs along the bottom of the foot becomes irritated and inflamed. It commonly affects patients who have problems with the arches of their feet; people with high arches or overly flat feet are particularly at risk. Spending long hours standing on a hard surface can also lead to this condition, and being overweight also increases the odds that someone will develop symptoms over time. For patients who have experienced pain for several months and have not responded to other forms of treatment, shockwave treatment can help with plantar fasciitis pain.

Shockwave Treatment Overview

Shockwave treatment is a non-invasive treatment option that is used when the plantar fasciitis pain has not responded to other conservative therapies. If you have tried two or three of the following treatment options - without success - shockwave treatment may be the right choice for you:

            •           Over-the-counter NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as Aspirin and Motrin

            •           Supportive tapings or strappings

            •           Orthotics to take pressure of painful parts of the foot

            •           Cortisone injections, which can relieve pain for up to a couple of months

            •           Physiotherapy

            •           Below knee casting

            •           Night splints to wear at night to bend the foot toward the shin and stretch the ligament

How the Shockwave Treatment Procedure is Conducted

During treatment, high-intensity shockwaves are fired into the sole of the foot. The shockwaves are fired at several times per second, and travel through the skin to the damaged ligament with much more force than would be generated through walking or running. This process jump-starts the body’s own healing process.

At Sheldon H. Nadal D.P.M.’s office, patients are given a local anesthetic before treatment begins. During the procedure, there should be very little, if any discomfort. Patients are advised to take it easy for a few days following a shock wave treatment.

If you have been living with plantar fasciitis for some time and have not experienced any relief, contact Sheldon H. Nadal D.P.M to get an assessment of your condition and to find out whether shockwave treatment may be the right choice for you.