Shock wave therapy - a new painless treatment for heel pain

Approximately 2 million Americans suffer from plantar fasciitis. Treatment using Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is an option in about 5 to 10 percent of those cases. Previously, surgical intervention for chronic heel pain was required when conservative treatments failed. Today, ESWT is available as an alternative, non-invasive treatment option. We have been performing ESWT at the Sarasota Foot Care Center for the past 5 years with excellent results.
ESWT uses acoustic energy (similar to lithotripsy used to treat kidney stones) from a special ESWT device focused onto the targeted tissue. The shock waves are delivered outside the body to trigger an individuals own repair mechanisms. The concept behind shock wave therapy in foot disorders is to stimulate and reactivate healing to encourage revascularization and other elements necessary to advance normal tissue healing. Additionally, shock waves help to over-stimulate pain transmitting nerve fibers which leads to reduction in sensitivity and pain.
ESWT stimulates your body's own healing and compared to traditional surgical techniques, ESWT has fewer side effects. There is shorter recovery time and risks associated with surgery and general anesthesia are eliminated. The most common patient complaint is some tenderness after treatment which may last a few days. Other side effects might include skin bruising, reddening, or swelling of the treated area. These rare occurrences usually resolve within a few days.
ESWT is not recommended for patients with pacemakers and those taking blood thinners. Also, children and pregnant women are not considered appropriate candidates for ESWT.
There are two types of shock wave units currently in use, low energy and high energy. Studies have shown similar success rates with both therapies. High energy shock wave requires administration of local anesthesia and involves one 20 minute treatment while low energy shock wave is performed without anesthesia and typically requires three treatments.

Dedicated to your foot health,
Dr. Paul G. Yungst, DPM, DABPS