One in ten people will develop plantar fasciitis in their lifetime. Two million Americans are treated for plantar fasciitis every year.
The search for an effective treatment has landed some podiatrists on shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is gaining popularity due to its ability to treat a rather persistent condition.
We’ll explain more about what causes plantar fasciitis, how podiatrists treat plantar fasciitis with shockwave therapy and its benefits. Continue reading to learn how you can relieve pain!
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a fan-shaped tissue in the heel. The tissue runs the length of the foot. It connects your heel bone to your toes and shapes your arch.
Some people notice the pain when they take their first steps in the morning. It eases as the day continues.
Others notice the pain with heightened activity. Plantar fasciitis can be developed periodically at any age.
Common causes of plantar fasciitis include:
- Improper shoes
- Being overweight
- Overuse from exercise
- Standing or walking all day
- Standing on hard surfaces for long periods
- Naturally having a high foot arch
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can turn chronic. This means any activities done standing, walking, or running will be painful.
Common recommendations for plantar fasciitis are stretching of the affected foot and calf muscles. Elevation, ice, and rest are also recommended. Patients are also told to modify or reduce activity temporarily as well as invest in better footwear.
In extreme cases, dry needling of the foot is recommended. These therapies can be effective for acute or new cases of plantar fasciitis. If all of these have failed you, it’s time to learn about shockwave therapy.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a quick, non-surgical treatment that encourages the body’s natural healing of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is prone to injury because it doesn’t receive much blood flow, which is how the body supplies materials for healing.
Shockwave therapy stimulates the healing of the plantar fascia with a simple anti-inflammatory, painless, zap.
The Process
A podiatrist will locate the inflamed area of the foot. They will then apply a gel to the area that helps the waves move properly through the heel. They will run the shockwave probe for 20 minutes, and then you’re done.
To treat plantar fasciitis with shockwave therapy, most patients need about four sessions. It is possible for plantar fasciitis to return though if a patient reverts to habits that caused it in the first place.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
A shockwave probe delivers pressurized air or electromagnetic pulses through the gel to the inflamed fascia. These impulses cause a microtrauma that onsets the formation of new blood vessels. The result is increased collagen, oxygen, and blood supply in the area.
These three benefits of shockwave therapy improve the health of the plantar fascia and reduce or eliminate pain for patients.
Eliminate Heel Pain for Good!
Plantar fasciitis is more than heel pain. It is a burden on quality of life. If you’ve tried everything for your patients and have yet to find a solution, it’s time to try shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis. Click here to learn more about the variety of ways to apply our shockwave therapy.