Shockwave Therapy for Foot and Ankle Conditions
Shockwave therapy (SWT), also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology, (EPAT); is a non-invasive treatment for pain in the foot and ankle. It is typically used to treat painful conditions affecting the heel, including Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis.
What is ESWT?
Shockwave therapy involves targeting gentle pulses of sonic energy deep into the affected foot or ankle area. This type of therapy aims to leverage your body’s incredible ability to heal itself. With SWT, tiny shockwaves prompt the body to flood the area with oxygen, nutrients, and pain-relieving neurotransmitters. This is what occurs naturally in the body whenever you experience an injury. SWT essentially jumpstarts this natural healing process, which ultimately helps to alleviate pain.
Three primary conditions are most often treated with low-energy SWT. These include:
Plantar fasciitis
Heel spurs
Achilles tendonitis
But also include any tendon pathology (peroneal, anterior and posterior tibial tendonitis being the most common and there is new research in healing fractures and treating neuromas.
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain and pain along the bottom of the foot. It results from inflammation of the connective tissue that runs from the heel to the base of the toes. This tissue is called the plantar fascia. When this connective tissue becomes inflamed, tiny tears develop in the tissue. Plantar fasciitis may be accompanied by a heel spur, which is the development of a bony growth.
SWT may be recommended if conservative treatments such as icing, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and others do not alleviate your pain. Shockwave therapy has a high success rate for relieving pain from plantar fasciitis as it promotes healing and can break up the deposits that cause heel spurs.
Learn More About SWT for Foot and Ankle Pain
SWT is often most effective when multiple treatments are scheduled approximately one week apart. SWT does not require any incisions, injections, or other invasive procedures. It is rarely painful for patients. Each treatment is typically less than 30 minutes. If you’re dealing with persistent heel pain, contact Eugene Foot and Ankle Health Center today to schedule an appointment.
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