Plantar fasciitis can become a chronic condition and may be the cause of the ongoing heel and foot pain you’ve been unable to tame. In Manhattan, NYC, you can find relief with shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis. This article explores plantar fasciitis, other causes of heel pain, and shockwave therapy as a treatment for such conditions. The skilled podiatry team at Best Foot Doctor NY offers this cutting-edge treatment to address your persistent heel pain.
Plantar Fasciitis Defined
The plantar fascia is a long and thin—yet strong—fibrous ligament extending from the heel along the bottom of the foot to the toes, acting like a bowstring. Its role is to help maintain the foot arch and provide shock absorption and force distribution in walking and standing. It’s common for the fascia to become irritated and inflamed with repetitive overuse activity or prolonged standing. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in middle-aged men and women. It typically produces a sharp, stabbing pain on the plantar surface (bottom) of the calcaneus (heel bone) where the ligament attaches. Pain is the worst in the first few steps when getting out of bed in the morning or after an extended period of sitting or rest.
You can treat plantar fasciitis conservatively with a stretching program and massage at home. However, due to its often chronic nature, it is best managed with the addition of shockwave therapy provided by your podiatrist at Best Foot Dr NY. Prolonging treatment of plantar fasciitis leads to chronic inflammation and stress at the insertion point of the ligament, which can then progress to a heel spur, further complicating the resolution of your heel pain.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT). ESWT uses a handheld device to deliver high-energy sound waves to a focused point of injury or problem area, whereas EPAT is a less intense type of ESWT that also uses a handheld device to send lower-energy acoustic waves targeting a broader tissue region. Both ESWT and EPAT trigger the body’s healing response via slightly different pathways.
ESWT is believed to facilitate healing by stimulating the release of various growth factors, thereby improving blood circulation and tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. EPAT generates kinetic energy transmitted into the tissues, increasing blood circulation to the affected area, stimulating cellular metabolism, and breaking up calcifications or fibrosis. These treatments can be used together or separately.
Why Choose Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?
Research has shown shockwave therapy to be a highly effective, non-invasive treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions, including the nagging heel pain keeping you from activities you enjoy. Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis can produce long-term pain reduction, elimination of the pain source, reduction of muscle tension, improved function, and activation of healing processes. , Additional reasons to consider shockwave treatment:
- Other treatments were ineffective
- Safe, FDA-approved; used in podiatry since the 1990s
- Non-invasive; surgical complications such as infection and incisional scarring are absent
- Pain/inflammation is often reduced quickly
- Minimal downtime
- Possible alternative to foot surgery
- Use with other treatments like physical therapy and orthotics
Other Causes of Heel Pain Treated With Shockwave Therapy
Not only is shockwave therapy helpful for plantar fasciitis, but our premier podiatrists may recommend it if you’re experiencing heel pain from:
Achilles Tendonitis
Weekend warriors may suffer from inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Shockwave therapy has anti-inflammatory effects in this instance.
Heel Spurs
Bony growths that develop on the heel bone in areas of stress, as in chronic plantar fasciitis or chronic Achilles tendonitis. Shockwave therapy may break down these growths.
Haglund’s Deformity
These bony enlargements on the back of the heel can be irritated by the back of shoes rubbing on the “pump bump” and cause retrocalcaneal bursitis (inflammation of the bursa between the Achilles tendon and calcaneus). Shockwave therapy can decrease the inflammation and stimulate healing.
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: What To Expect
A patient receives shockwave treatment in-office, and returns home following the procedure. It is common for plantar fasciitis to require a few treatments of shockwave therapy.
During treatment:
- Legs are supported with pillows while lying on your stomach.
- Sedation or local anesthesia can ensure your comfort.
- Ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area and sound waves are transmitted using a handheld device.
- Some discomfort may be felt during treatment.
After treatment:
- Return to usual activity—except strenuous activities, running, and high-impact exercise.
- Rest and elevation may be required if swelling is significant.
- Gentle stretching may be prescribed.
- Schedule follow-up appointments as advised by your podiatrist.
- Possible complications may include pain, swelling, redness, and bruising.
Best Foot Dr NY Can Help You Find Relief From Plantar Fasciitis
We are committed to providing the exceptional podiatric care you deserve with the most effective treatments to relieve your heel pain. Contact us today for an appointment to discuss how shockwave therapy may fit into your treatment plan.