Approximately 2 million Americans suffer from plantar fasciitis. Extracorporeal Shock wave Therapy (ESWT) is a plantar fasciitis treatment option for about 5 to 10 percent of those cases. The remainder can be adequately addressed with more conservative therapies including rest, physical therapy, heel cushions, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc), cortisone injections, taping, orthotics, shoe modifications, night splinting and casting. Livingston podiatry specialists will work with you to determine which course of treatment is best for your case.
ESWT uses shockwaves generated from a special ESWT device focused onto the targeted tissue. The shockwaves are delivered outside the body to trigger an individual's own repair mechanisms. The concept behind shockwave therapy in orthopedic disorders is that the shockwave stimulates and reactivates healing to encourage revascularization and other elements necessary to advance normal tissue healing. Additionally, shockwaves help to over-stimulate pain transmission nerves, which can lead to a reduction in sensitivity and pain.
Benefits of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
- Stimulates your body's own healing
- Compared to surgery, ESWT has fewer side effects
- Shorter recovery time
- Risks associated with surgery and general anesthesia are eliminated
