Did you hear about the new, non-invasive, regenerative solution for plantar fasciitis called Shockwave Therapy?
Plantar fasciitis – the most common cause of heel pain – affects 1 in 10 people at some point in their lifetime. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. When it becomes inflamed due to overuse, it can cause a stabbing pain in the heel, especially when you step out of bed in the morning or stand after extended periods of sitting. Chronic inflammation can cause a buildup of scar tissue. The pain can make walking difficult and athletic activities almost impossible. If the condition goes untreated, it can often result in knee, hip and low back injuries due to irregular gaits to avoid the heel pain.
Typically, when a patient with plantar fasciitis goes to their doctor, the only treatment option they are given is to rest – sometimes for up to six months! If you’re a runner training for a marathon or a nurse who spends most of her 12-hour shift on their feet, taking six months off is not a reasonable request. Fortunately, the FDA recently approved of a therapy for plantar fasciitis we offer at Joy Wellness Partners that will get you back on your feet in a matter of weeks, if not after just one session!
Shockwave Therapy is a noninvasive, inexpensive solution to many injuries. Used to treat both acute and chronic damage to the soft tissues of the body – muscle, tendon, ligament and fascia – research studies have shown Shockwave Therapy to be an effective treatment for joint pain, arthritis and plantar fasciitis. Since it is also capable of breaking up scar tissue, Shockwave Therapy can both restore range of motion in joints and relieve pain.
How does such a versatile treatment work? Shockwave Therapy employs an accelerated projectile within a handheld device to generate mechanical waves. When applied to the human body via an applicator head, they become pressure waves, which radiate out into the surrounding soft tissue. These waves stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, including the break up of adhesions and calcific deposits as well the release of growth factors and signaling molecules. Metabolic activity increases in the tissues near to the applicator head as well, which improves blood flow and lymphatic drainage. One session of Shockwave Therapy takes 15-30 minutes and requires no downtime from daily or athletic activities. The number of sessions needed depends on the length and severity of the injury. Because the treatment reactivates the healing cascades within the body, it can take 2-3 months to see the full range of benefits. For optimal results, we recommend avoiding NSAIDS, like Advil and Aleve, during this healing time.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5403108/
http://www.amolsaxena.com/pdf/ESWT-use-in-foot-and-ankle.pdf
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354846
