Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Shockwave therapy is a highly effective treatment modality for various heel pain conditions such as plantar fasciitis. During this treatment, shockwaves are directed through the heel to stimulate healing in the inflamed plantar fascia tissues. By utilizing mechanical sound waves, shockwave treatment enhances blood flow to the affected area, expediting the healing process. It is a conservative approach that effectively addresses plantar fasciitis and promotes tissue recovery.
Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain, refers to the inflammation of the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. It often presents as a sharp, stabbing pain experienced during the first steps in the morning. As you get up and move, the pain typically diminishes, but it may resurface after prolonged standing or when transitioning from a seated position.
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis：
Heel pain: The most common symptom is a sharp or stabbing pain in the heel, typically felt at the bottom or underside.
Morning pain: The pain is often most intense when taking the first steps in the morning or after a period of rest.
Pain with activity: Engaging in activities that involve standing, walking, or running can exacerbate the pain.
Stiffness: Stiffness and limited mobility in the foot, particularly in the morning or after long periods of rest.
Tenderness: The affected area may be tender to touch.
Gradual onset: The symptoms usually develop gradually over time rather than appearing suddenly.
Increased pain with certain movements: Pain may worsen when climbing stairs, standing on tiptoes, or walking on uneven surfaces.
What are the treatment options for plantar fasciitis?
Rest and activity modification: Giving the foot time to rest and avoiding activities that worsen the pain.
Medications: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Stretching exercises: Specific stretching exercises for the plantar fascia can improve flexibility and alleviate symptoms.
Physical therapy: manual therapy and other techniques can relieve pain.
Orthotic devices: Shoe inserts or custom orthotics can provide support, cushioning, and proper alignment to reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Night splints: Wearing a splint or brace at night keeps the foot and calf muscles in a stretched position, reducing morning pain and stiffness.
Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to provide short-term relief from severe pain.
Surgery: Surgery is usually considered a last resort when all other conservative treatments have failed. It may involve releasing the plantar fascia or removing bone spurs.
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: It is a non-invasive approach that uses acoustic waves to promote the healing process and provide significant relief, eliminating the need for medications or surgeries. This innovative therapy has proven to be a valuable option in managing and resolving heel pain issues.
How does shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis work?
During shockwave therapy, a healthcare professional administers focused shockwaves to an inflamed area, causing microtrauma in that area. This stimulates a healing response in the body, leading to several beneficial effects:
Neovascularization: The therapy promotes the growth of new blood vessels, improving blood flow and delivering more nutrients to the inflamed area.
Pain reduction: The stimulation of nerve endings during therapy can provide immediate pain relief.
Calcification breakdown: Shockwave therapy helps break down calcifications, reducing their size and improving tissue function.
Enhanced healing: The therapy increases cell permeability, facilitating better absorption of nutrients and enhancing the healing process.
According to a recent study in 2021, shockwave therapy has shown effectiveness in treating plantar fasciitis. The study revealed that four shockwave therapy sessions led to a reduction in the thickness of the plantar fascia and alleviated symptoms of inflammation in the affected area. This suggests that shockwave therapy can be a beneficial treatment option for individuals with plantar fasciitis.
“As a podiatrist, I have successfully treated my patients with shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis. After just five treatment sessions, significant relief from pain has been achieved. Witnessing the gratitude of my patients, I highly recommend utilizing shockwave therapy as an effective treatment option. Experience the transformative power of this non-invasive approach in restoring comfort and functionality to your feet.”
Scientific Support
Abstracts Worth Recommending
[1] Haake, M., Buch, M., Schoellner, C., Goebel, F., Vogel, M., Mueller, I., … & Mueller, H. H. (2003). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis: randomised controlled multicentre trial. Bmj, 327(7406), 75.
[2] Roerdink, R. L., Dietvorst, M., Van der Zwaard, B., Van der Worp, H., & Zwerver, J. (2017). Complications of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in plantar fasciitis: Systematic review. International Journal of Surgery, 46, 133-145.
[3] Speed, C. A., Nichols, D., Wies, J., Humphreys, H., Richards, C., Burnet, S., & Hazleman, B. L. (2003). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis. A double blind randomised controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 21(5), 937-940.
[4] Chang, K. V., Chen, S. Y., Chen, W. S., Tu, Y. K., & Chien, K. L. (2012). Comparative effectiveness of focused shockwave therapy of different intensity levels and radial shockwave therapy for treating plantar fasciitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 93(7), 1259-1268.
[5] Buchbinder, R., Ptasznik, R., Gordon, J., Buchanan, J., Prabaharan, V., & Forbes, A. (2002). Ultrasound-guided extracorporeal shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial. Jama, 288(11), 1364-1372.
[6] Wang, C. J., Chen, H. S., & Huang, T. W. (2002). Shockwave therapy for patients with plantar fasciitis: a one-year follow-up study. Foot & ankle international, 23(3), 204-207.
[7] Ogden, J. A., Alvarez, R., Levitt, R., Cross, G. L., & Marlow, M. (2001). Shockwave therapy for chronic proximal plantar fasciitis. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®, 387, 47-59.
The Scientific Research behind It
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Is Effective in Treating Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Meta-analysis of RCTs
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11999-013-3132-2
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/107110070402500503
A Comparison of the Acute Effects of Radial Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, Ultrasound Therapy, and Exercise Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis