If you are suffering from heel pain, you may be wondering what your treatment options are. One option that you may not have heard of is shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy for heel spurs is an advanced modality that allows the plantar fascia to heal and regenerate. It is a better long-term solution than traditional treatments like cortisone injections. Keep reading to learn more about this revolutionary treatment.
What is a heel spur?
A heel spur is a bony growth that can develop on the heel bone. Unlike a lot of other bony growths, heel spurs don’t usually cause pain. Most people who have a heel spur don’t even know they have one. However, a heel spur can be a sign of another problem, such as plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. If you have plantar fasciitis, you may experience pain in your heel or arch. Heel spurs are often found in people with plantar fasciitis, but they are usually not the cause of pain.
Resecting (removing) a heel spur doesn’t usually relieve pain associated with plantar fasciitis. If you are experiencing heel pain, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Surgery should be reserved for cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment.
How Shockwave Therapy For Heel Spurs Works
Shockwave therapy for heel spurs works by delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected area. This helps to break up calcification and stimulate the healing process. The body’s natural healing process then takes over to repair the damaged tissue.
One of the benefits of shockwave therapy is that it is non-invasive. There is no need for surgery or injections. The procedure is quick and easy, and most patients see a significant improvement in their symptoms after just a few treatments.
Normally four treatments are needed for maximal benefits and are separated by 4-7 days. Because inflammation is desired it is important to not take NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory) medications or to ice the foot before, during and after for a few weeks after treatment. Although shockwave does not work as quickly as a cortisone injection, the effects are longer lasting because it can offer tissue repair, which cortisone does not.
Another benefit of shockwave therapy is that it can be used to treat a variety of conditions, not just heel spurs. If you are suffering from Achilles tendonitis or various other forms of tendonitis, shockwave therapy may be able to help.
If you are suffering from heel pain, don’t suffer any longer. There are options available that can help you find relief. Shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment for heel spurs and other conditions.