SHOCKWAVE FOR HEEL PAIN
Diagnoses treated: Plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome, Achilles heel spur
When other therapies including rest, physical therapy, cushions, medications, orthotics and splint do not give relief, then shockwave therapy is often recommended. This is usually considered when heel pain has existed for about six months in spite of at least three other treatments.
Advantages
Non-invasive, one time treatment taking 40 minutes, it is performed under local anesthesia.
Benefits of Shockwave
- stimulates your body’s own healing
- no side effects
- very quick recovery time; no wound; not surgery
- 70-90% effective
Some minor pain or discomfort is felt afterwards but return to daily activities is quick.
Procedure information
On the day of the procedure, you should arrive at the ttreatment location, usually our office, about thirty minutes before the scheduled appointment. A brief registration and history is taken in the exam room.
Anesthesia is given by local anesthetic to numb the heel. Once the foot is numb, you will lie on your side with your foot on the water filled cushion. It is through this water balloon that the sound waves or shockwaves go to your foot. This takes about 20 minutes. After the procedure you can walk on your foot. There is no dressing. The numbness wears off in a couple hours, similar to the dentist.
You should not take anti-inflammatory medication just before or for about three weeks after the treatment. At that time, we will see you again in the office to see how your symptoms are resolving. Now that the tissues have been treated with shockwave therapy, your body’s own healing can successfully resolve your pain. Sometimes we will give some physical therapy to complete the process.
