Plantar fasciitis and Heel Spurs are common conditions successfully treated with ESWT. Plantar heel pain is generated when excessive strain is exerted at the insertion of the plantar fascia.
The precise etiology of plantar fasciitis has not been elucidated. It has been suggested that it may have a multifactorial etiology, resulting from repetitive, mechanical overstraining at the source of the plantar aponeurosis. This leads to repeated micro-trauma to the plantar fascia with subsequent tissue inflammation.
Patients complain of intermittent pain which gradually increases over time, strongly affecting the heel’s load bearing capacity. Characteristically, pain is greatest immediately on getting up in the morning or may appear after a longer period with no pressure exerted on the heel; this pain typically decreases or disappears after taking a few steps. The pain has been described as strong, sharp and stabbing. But patients may also have a pain that occurs during physical activity and abates when the foot is at rest.
Treatment with focused piezo shockwaves has shown a high potential for reducing the pain associated with chronic plantar fasciitis and increasing patient mobility. Studies have shown that its effects can be rapid and sustained in selected patients.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a popular treatment method used to combat common concerns including heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendonitis, lateral epicondylitis, and more.
Extracorpeal Shock Wave Therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving areas where major connective tissues attach to bones.
Most patients treated with shockwave experience a marked improvement within several weeks. Range of motion increases and freedom from symptoms is usually achieved after a single treatment.