For many people, plantar fasciitis can be fixed with some new orthotics or some minor adjustments. But for some, the pain persists and does not respond to initial treatment options. If you fall into the latter category, you may want to consider shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis.
Shockwave therapy is a new treatment option that is becoming increasingly popular for treating various issues, including plantar fasciitis. Excessive heel pain can have you sitting on the sidelines, so we've outlined all you need to know about shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis so you can get back on your feet.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results in heel pain. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel to your toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed, it can cause heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is most common in runners, but it can also affect people who are overweight or have high arches or flat feet.
Some common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Heel pain that is worse in the morning or after standing for long periods.
- Pain that improves with walking or stretching.
- Swelling or tenderness in the heel.
- Pain in the arch of the foot.
- Pain that continues for months.
- A dull or stabbing pain.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, you should visit your podiatrist to be evaluated for plantar fasciitis. There is no specific cause of plantar fasciitis, but you are at risk of developing the condition if:
- You are an athlete or participate in high-impact activities.
- You have flat feet or high arches.
- You are overweight or obese.
- You have tight calf muscles or exercise without stretching your calves.
- You wear shoes that do not support your feet properly.
- You stand for prolonged periods.
Plantar fasciitis can often heal on its own and symptoms can be managed with physical therapy and custom orthotics. But, if your symptoms are severe or your flare-ups become chronic, you may need to consider alternative treatments.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a new treatment option for various conditions, including plantar fasciitis. This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate the healing process. The sound waves cause tiny amounts of damage to the tissue, triggering the body’s healing response. They then work to increase blood flow and promote the growth of new blood vessels. This can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Shockwave therapy has been shown to be effective in providing relief from plantar fasciitis, especially when other methods have failed. Some of the benefits patients love about shockwave therapy include:
- It’s non-invasive - Shock wave therapy is completely non-invasive, which means you won’t have to undergo any type of surgery, nor will there be any needles involved. You don’t run the risk of complications or downtime that are typically associated with surgery.
- High success rate - Shockwave therapy is widely praised for its effectiveness, as many studies(opens in a new tab) have shown that it is the ideal alternative option for treating chronic plantar fasciitis, successfully relieving pain in over 80% of patients.
- Minimal side effects - There are minimal side effects from the procedure, with the most common only being temporary tenderness.
This therapy is widely used and recommended due to its noninvasive nature, fast recovery time, and convenience for the daily life of patients. Shockwave therapy is typically done as a series of treatments, with each treatment lasting for about 5-10 minutes. The number of treatments you need will depend on the severity of your condition. Your San Antonio Podiatrist can help you to determine how many treatments you will need.
If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, or experiencing other foot problems, there are treatment options available. San Antonio Podiatry provides shock wave therapy for plantar fasciitis, as well as many other treatments. No one should have to live with heel and foot pain. Let the experts at San Antonio Podiatry relieve your pain and get you moving comfortably again.
Are you looking for a podiatrist near you? If you need relief from foot pain, the podiatry specialists at San Antonio Podiatry Associates are here to help. With more than 145 years of combined experience, our team is equipped to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and the efficient, personalized treatment you need. Schedule an appointment today, or call 210-405-7672 for more information.
