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Walking and running abnormalities can cause inflammation of the ligaments, tendons, and plantar fascia that surround the hind foot. This is normally the cause of most heel pain in adults today. Complaints of heel pain most commonly occur in adults over the age of 40 and extremely active adolescents 8 to 13 years old. There are many treatments available for heel pain today ranging from rest and ice compresses to Extra Corporeal Shockwave Therapy to surgery in some extreme cases. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) has emerged as a possible treatment option for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. During this non-invasive procedure, sonic waves are directed at the area of pain using a device similar to what is currently used in nonsurgical treatments of kidney stones. ESWT is prescribed for patients who have experienced plantar fasciitis for an extended period of time and have not benefited from other conservative treatments. What is Plantar Fasciitis? Commonly referred to as heel and arch pain, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the connective tissue, called the plantar fascia, which stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Over-pronation is the most common cause of plantar fasciitis. As the foot rolls inward excessively when walking, it flattens your foot, lengthens the arch, and puts added tension on the plantar fascia. Over time, this repetition causes inflammation of your heel and arch. Flat feet, high arches, poor fitting footwear, weight gain and running can also contribute to plantar fasciitis, and this condition is especially common among athletes who run and jump frequently. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include a shooting pain in the heel, with pain being worse in the morning or after long periods of resting. Pain generally decreases during the course of the day as the foot becomes more limber, but returns once activities are completed. ESWT for Relief With a breakthrough in technology, heel pain can now be treated with EWST, also known as Extra Corporeal Shock Wave Therapy. The brief, non-invasive, procedure lasts about 30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia, and/or "twilight" anesthesia. Strong sound waves are directed at and penetrate the heel area to stimulate a healing response by the body. ESWT is performed on an outpatient basis and, although there are no bandages, someone will need to drive you home. Those who are not candidates for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy include pregnant women and patients who have: * neurological foot disease
* vascular foot disease
* pacemakers
* people taking medications that interfere with blood clotting Shock Wave Therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for heel pain and only requires a short recovery time. Clinical studies show that there is a 70 percent success rate for treatment or plantar fasciitis using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. Contact your Chicago podiatrist today if you are experiencing heel pain that has not gone away with conservative treatments. Your podiatrist will be able to assess your pain and successfully eliminate your ailments with Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy.
Sean Hartmen writes for Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., the first providers of PinPointe FootLaser in Chicago. Offering an array of specialized treatments for foot and ankle conditions, such as treating nail fungus, this podiatrist in Chicago at Six Corners Medical Center is equipped to handle any podiatric need.
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