New Option for Heel Pain Sufferers!
Studies demonstrate that 15-20% of new patients seeking care by foot and ankle specialists complain of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis, heel spur syndrome, heel bursitis, nerve entrapment, stress fracture, gout, and systemic inflammatory conditions are just some of the possible causes. The vast majority (70 - 90%) of individuals diagnosed with heel spur syndrome/plantar fasciitis respond to non-operative treatment. Until recently, the only remaining treatment option for those individuals that failed to improve was surgical intervention. ESWT (extracorporeal shock wave therapy) now offers heel pain sufferers new treatment choices.

What is ESWT?
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a non-invasive alternative to surgery. Similar technology has been used to successfully treat kidney stones since the 1980s. In this new application, the shockwave device sends sound waves aimed at the inflamed plantar fascia. While the spur is not removed, it is believed that "microtrauma to the tissue results in an effect similar to tenderizing meat" which causes the release of enzymes that reduce pain. The tissue irritation that occurs results in the ingrowth of new blood vessels to repair and heal the chronically irritated fascia.

Who Qualifies?
Generally, an individual who has failed to improve after six months of conservative management would be considered a suitable candidate. This includes stretching, shoe inserts/orthotic devices, cortisone injections, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, night splints, CAM walkers, weight loss, and rest.

Expected Results
A study by Weil, Roukis and Weil, et. al, in The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (Volume 41, No. 2) found that an average of 8.4 months following treatment, 82% of the patients treated with EWST were very satisfied or satisfied. This compares with 83% of patients that had undergone surgical release of the fascia.

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