shock wave therapy for heel pain - southwest foot & … · heel pain is most often caused by...

SHOCK WAVETHERAPY FORHEEL PAIN

Heel pain is most often causedby plantar fasciitis—a conditionthat is sometimes also called heel spursyndrome when a spur is present.Heel pain may also be due to othercauses, such as a stress fracture,tendonitis, arthritis, nerve irritation,or, rarely, a cyst.

Because there are several potentialcauses, it is important to have heelpain properly diagnosed. A podiatricfoot and ankle surgeon is besttrained to distinguish between allthe possibilities and determine theunderlying source of your heel pain.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?Plantar fasciitis is an inflammationof the band of tissue (the plantarfascia) that extends from the heel tothe toes. In this condition, the fasciafirst becomes irritated and theninflamed—resulting in heel pain.The symptoms of plantar fasciitis are:

• Pain on the bottom of the heel• Pain that is usually worse upon arising• Pain that increases over a period of months

People with plantar fasciitis oftendescribe the pain as worse whenthey get up in the morning or afterthey’ve been sitting for long periods oftime. After a few minutes of walkingthe pain decreases, because walkingstretches the fascia. For some peoplethe pain subsides but returns afterspending long periods of time ontheir feet.

What is Shock Wave Therapy

Shock wave therapy, also known asorthotripsy is the newest treatment forchronic heel pain. The device sends high-energy shock waves through the foot tojumpstart the healing process by regeneratingblood vessels in the injured area, as well asproviding an analgesic effect.

This noninvasive, outpatient procedure oftenrequires only a single 30-minute session.Many insurance carriers are already coveringthe costs. For more information call for anappointment with Dr. Cain or Dr. Cauthon at357-8720.