Shockwave therapy for chronic heel pain

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
(ESWT) for heel pain

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the long band of connective tissue running from the heel to the ball of the foot, resulting in arch and heel pain. It is a common problem that causes pain under the heel bone and in the arch of the foot. People who have plantar fasciitis often complain of pain under the heel from lengthy walks and long periods of standing.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or ESWT, is a new treatment option for patients with chronic heel pain. It is a fast, gentle non-surgical method of reducing heel pain. It is similar to the technique that is used to disintegrate kidney stones without invasive surgery.

How does ESWT work?
ESWT delivers focused shock waves to the body. At Central Park Chiropractic, we use the Storz Medical MP 100 equipment designed specifically for orthopedic use. It ensures a gentle and efficient treatment with pneumatically (compressed) generated shockwaves, which are transmitted into the area of pain through a hand piece.

Chronically inflamed soft tissue and bone calcifications heal stronger without any harm to the surrounding tissue by stimulating the body’s natural self-healing process. Shock wave therapy is thought to work by inducing microtrauma to the tissue that is affected by plantar fasciitis. This microtrauma initiates a healing response by the body. This healing response causes blood vessel formation and increases delivery of nutrients to the affected ares. It stimulates the body’s own repair process and can relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

Following the procedure, we ask patients to take it easy the remainder of the day. The next day, most patients can take part in their normal, daily activities. Significant pain relief was noted by 80% of the patients within a week following the procedure. No immobilization is required.