Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
This involves the use of shockwaves to decrease inflammation and therefore pain. It was used originally to help clear kidney stones (and still sometimes is) This method doesn’t invade the body and uses sound waves to help injured tissues to heal. It offers a good option compared to other more invasive treatments like steroid injections.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy sends strong sound waves into the inflamed / painful area. These waves help new blood vessels grow and improve blood flow, which makes healing faster. This therapy can also break up calcium deposits and tissues, lower swelling, and reduce pain by numbing nerve endings.
Effectiveness for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis, which often causes heel pain, frustrates both patients and podiatrists because it can be difficult to treat. We like to explain the treatments in tiers.
- Tier 1 – Stretches and exercises
- Tier 2 – Insoles / orthotics
- Tier 3 – Shockwave therapy or Corticosteroid injection
ESWT Impact on Patients
Research shows that about 75% of people see their symptoms improve after ESWT, while only 65% improve with steroid injections. This better success rate, plus the fact that ESWT isn’t invasive is part of the reason we suggest shockwave for these ailments.
Wider Uses
ESWT works well for more than just plantar fasciitis. It helps with other foot problems like
– Achilles tendon pain,
– Mortons neuroma
– ball of foot pain (Metatarsalgia)
– plantar fasciitis
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy is a very useful tool in the treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies. The appointments are quick, with improvements in pain felt by patients rapidly
If you have ongoing pain or long term plantar fasciitis ( over 2 months) then Shockwave could work well for you, why not call or contact us here to book an appointment today or have a chat about it with one of our reception team.
