Revolutionary Shockwave Therapy Is Proven To Relieve Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a new state-of-the-art treatment that uses shockwave technology to treat chronic Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy. ESWT uses shockwave energy to break up scar tissue and allow healing of the inflamed fascia or tendon. Studies have reported 57-80% good or excellent results and patients experiencing complete or near complete relief of pain with 1-3 sessions of ESWT.
Our Board-Certified Podiatrists Are Experts in Pain Relief
What Is ESWT?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is used to treat various musculoskeletal pathologies and support the healing process in tendons and bones by stimulating vascular growth in these tissues. These tissues then release local growth factors and naturally occurring stem cells to allow more normal tissue healing. This means that sound waves are used to deliver energy to the affected area, which then stimulates the tissue and relieves pain. ESWT exerts a deep tissue effect that helps improve circulation and promotes the healing of chronically damaged deep soft tissue. The new blood flow stimulated by the therapy helps the tissue regenerate by increasing the breakdown and removal of chronic scar tissue that gets in the way of healing. At the Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our podiatrists use ESWT for these conditions:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Soft tissue injuries of the foot, ankle, or heel
- Bone spurs in the foot, ankle, or heel
- Calcifications in the foot or ankle area
- Bursitis located in the ankle area
- Chronic tendon pain in the ankle or foot
How Can I Qualify For ESWT?
Current indications for ESWT include proximal plantar heel pain (pain close to the heel) that has lasted longer than 3 months and has been recalcitrant to at least three conservative therapies, such as cortisone injections, strapping, custom orthotics, Achilles tendon stretching, NSAIDS, and/or physical therapy.
For patients suffering from Achilles tendonitis, treatment is available for many of our patients who have chronic scar tissue or have not experienced relief from early conservative treatment options. Many Achilles tendinitis sufferers experience complete symptom relief in just 1-3 treatment sessions. This nonoperative treatment is the best way to quickly reduce your pain, improve mobility and function, heal your tendon, and return to your life as soon as possible.
What Are The Benefits Of ESWT?
You may eliminate your heel pain and the problems it causes without surgery. ESWT is a safe, effective, and non-operative treatment for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. Boot bracing, in addition to ESWT, should be offered to all patients prior to surgery because this treatment has minimal side effects. Depending on the severity of the patient's condition, your physician might allow for a more aggressive post-ESWT rehabilitation protocol.
ESWT has been found to promote improved blood flow to your tendons and muscles, which helps increase the production of collagen and break down scar tissue that has built up over time. This allows your damaged and weak tendons to heal faster and for you to return to your normal life sooner.
ESWT is generally well-tolerated and can be used to reduce pain, improve function, and promote healing in patients with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Schedule your appointment today with one of our podiatrists at the Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney.