ESWT Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis[Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy]

What is ESWT Shockwave Therapy?

• ESWT stands for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is a non-invasive method that uses pressure waves to treat various musculoskeletal conditions.
• High-energy acoustic waves (shock waves) deliver a mechanical force to the body’s tissues.

PROs vs. CONs of ESWT shockwave therapy:

There have been numerous research studies validating the effectiveness of ESWT shockwave therapy. These are some of the 

Pros of ESWT therapy:

• 91% Success rate in relieving medical problems (as per clinical studies)
• Non-invasive.
• No anesthesia is required.
• No risk of infection.
• No scarring.
• No downtime.
• Over 80% patient satisfaction.
• Cost-effective.
• Faster, easier healing.

Cons of ESWT therapy:

• Some insurance plans do not cover ESWT.
• No readily available in most regions or cities.
• It can be a very costly machine to acquire for most medical practices.
• It is not 100% successful for every patient.
• Proper patient selection is needed for best results.

When should I avoid ESWT therapy?

• Complications are infrequent with ESWT shock wave therapy.
• People with poor sensation (neuropathy) or hypersensitivity in the target area should not have this procedure.
• Open sores should also be avoided. Shock wave therapy is not used in patients with heart conditions or seizures.
• It should not be used during pregnancy.
• This should be discussed with your physician before undergoing the procedure.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

• Plantar fasciitis is an excruciating condition where your heel may hurt, feel hot, or swell. The pain is a result of inflammation or microscopic tears of the plantar fascia. The fascia is a thin layer of tough tissue supporting the arch of the foot.
• Sometimes people refer to plantar fasciitis as “heel spurs,” but this is not generally accurate since the heel spurs result from plantar fasciitis. Heel spurs are a calcification that forms due to damage to the fascia.
• Often when you have plantar fasciitis, the pain is at its most intense when you first get out of bed. Sometimes it is noticeable at the beginning of an activity and gets better as the body warms up. Prolonged standing may cause pain, as well.
• Severe plantar fasciitis pain can cause loss of time from work and may lead to partial or total disability. Common surgical procedures used for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis may also lead to permanent disability.

2 Phases of Plantar Fasciitis:

There are two phases of the condition.

1)Acute Plantar Fasciitis:

• Acute fasciitis can be inflammation.  Inflammation alone can be treated with numerous conservative treatments.  Anything that addresses rest and inflammation can be helpful.
• Your podiatrist may use a steroid injection, strapping, taping, orthotics, or lasers in this phase.
• If the condition has moved on to phase 2, the tissue is damaged (micro-tearing) and needs to be repaired.

2)Chronic Plantar Fasciitis:

• For phase 2 of chronic plantar fasciitis (fasciosis), high-energy ESWT is FDA approved and shown to prevent surgery.
• Shockwave therapy can more effectively stimulate the chronic phase that results in scar tissue and disorganized tissue throughout the plantar fascia bands.
• ESWT shockwave therapy is a device proven to create this repair without surgery.

How Effective is ExtraCorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?

• The effects of ESWT are best documented in areas of changes in tissue density, such as those where a tendon attaches to a bone (enteropathies) and where a bone attaches to a ligament (neuropathies).
• For this reason, it is very effective for painful connective tissue in the heels. Additionally, ESWT gives hope by relieving pain, eliminating the risk factors associated with surgery, and allowing people to resume their normal lives.