Many people feel a sharp pain in the bottom of their heel when they touch the floor for the first time in the morning, and this is a sign of a condition known as plantar fasciitis. If this sounds all too familiar, you may not be aware of a special 'shockwave' therapy that can now relieve the symptoms and help improve your quality of life. What is involved in shockwave therapy treatment and is it right for you?

Newly Approved Procedure

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a relatively new and approved treatment for plantar fasciitis and can probably be performed by your local podiatrist. They can help deliver treatment to the affected area, which can increase blood flow and thus stimulate healing.

Delivering Sound Waves

The procedure relies on mechanical shock waves, which are sound waves that directly deliver energy impulses to the damaged tissues. When the blood flow increases to the injured area, cell regeneration is stimulated, which can help to accelerate healing and reduce factors that would typically cause pain.

Minimally Invasive

There are certainly other forms of treatment for this condition, including ice therapy and steroid injection. However, you may want to consider ESWT, as it is a minimally invasive treatment that your podiatrist can perform on an outpatient basis.

Clinical Assessment

To find out if you are suitable for this type of shockwave therapy, you need to undergo a full clinical assessment. For example, you may not be able to go forward with shockwave therapy treatment if you are on certain medications, have a blood clotting issue or are pregnant.

How the Procedure Works

When you present for treatment, the clinician will smear some ultrasound gel on the injured area before placing the ESWT handpiece on top of the gel. The equipment will then deliver pulses of compressed air through the gel for a few minutes at a time to administer the treatment. You may feel a small amount of discomfort, but you'll be able to walk right after the treatment has been finished. You should avoid any high impact exercise for some time after the procedure to allow everything to return to normal.

Assessing Suitability

To find out if you are suitable for extracorporeal shock wave therapy, call your podiatrist today and schedule a consultation. You may be able to say goodbye to those sharp and unwanted pains that can easily ruin your morning.