Heel pain is a common symptom of podiatric conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and Achilles tendonitis. Heel pain is one of the most common conditions that podiatrists across the United States treat daily.
While there are many treatments available for heel pain, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a relatively new option that has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving function.
What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy involves the use of sound waves to generate energy that is then transmitted to a treatment area. This energy helps break up calcified tissue, which can help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. In addition, ESWT has been shown to stimulate the release of growth factors that promote healing.
A number of studies have looked at the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for treating heel pain. Overall, these studies have found that ESWT can significantly reduce both pain and disability related to heel problems. In one study involving patients with plantar fasciitis, over 80% reported significant improvements in symptoms after treatment with ESWT. Another study found similar results in patients with Achilles tendonitis.
If you are suffering from heel pain, talk to your doctor about whether extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be right for you.
Benefits of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain
Using extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) as a method for treating heel pain has several benefits:
- ESWT is non-invasive. There is no need for needles or surgery with ESWT – only a device that moves across the skin of the foot. This makes it a non-invasive treatment option, unlike corticosteroid injections or surgery, which can be painful and require a recovery period.
- ESWT is effective. There have been numerous studies that demonstrate ESWT as an effective treatment for heel pain, offering significant relief for many patients. Additionally, pain relief often begins after just one or two sessions of treatment.
- ESWT has few side effects. Unlike other treatments, the side effects of ESWT are typically minor and temporary, such as skin reddening or bruising at the site of treatment. Serious side effects are rare.
- ESWT allows you to return to normal activities quickly. Because it’s a non-invasive procedure with minimal side effects, you can usually resume your normal activities within 24 hours after treatment. There is no downtime or recovery period involved with extracorporeal shockwave therapy.
- ESWT may save you money on long-term healthcare costs. ESWT helps you save money on healthcare costs in the long run, because it helps your body heal from within and eliminates the potentially expensive trial-and-error period of different treatments and techniques that may not work. It is also more affordable than surgery.
Treatment for Heel Pain in San Antonio, Boerne, Hondo, Floresville, Kenedy, Uvalde, Live Oak, TX
The Podiatry Group of South Texas offers the latest, non-invasive extracorporeal shockwave therapy as a treatment for heel pain. This, along with other non-surgical techniques, are often very effective in treating heel pain and providing much-needed relief for our patients.
To find out if extracorporeal shockwave therapy is right for you, consult one of our podiatrists. Call our location nearest you, or use our convenient online request form.
