SHOCKWAVE THERAPY

Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave Therapy treatment is the latest breakthrough technology for Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis. Shockwave Therapy is a non invasive treatment that offers patients more mobility and less pain in their feet.

Patients need to be examined to determine suitability for treatment.

How It Works:

This therapy involves a series of Shockwaves (physical not electrical) that are applied to the injured heel area.

The machine delivers a series of light radial sound waves into the damaged foot tissue.

Shockwave therapy is proven to

Reduce pain without invasive and expensive surgery.
Promote healthy cell growth (Angiogenesis) which is the formation of healthy cells, including collagen around the heel pain.
Quick recovery times.
High success rates of treating heel pain.

Soft tissue inflammation and calcified bone that receive these pulses heal stronger and no harm is caused to the surrounding tissue.

The shockwaves also break down calcification and injured tissue enabling the body to regenerate new tissue and heal itself.

Suitable candidates for Radial Shockwave Therapy treatment:

Patients with chronic pain who have not responded well to other conservative methods of treatment such as orthotics, medications, injections and physiotherapy would benefit most. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, muscle or joint pain and injury, heel or arch pain, achilles tendonitis, and knee or patella tendinitis you would be considered a candidate for this Therapy.

Shockwave therapy also has a healing effect on bone so can be used to treat stress fractures, avascular necrosis (dead bone) and slow healing bone. Depending on the condition and the severity healing can take weeks up to months.

Are there any side effects with Radial Shockwave Therapy?

As no medication, injections, surgery or anaesthesia is required for the treatment, there are virtually no side effects. In some cases, patients may experience a small amount of tingling, warmth or numbness after the treatment.

What conditions can be treated with RSWT?

Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain
Achilles tendonitis
Shin splints
Knee pain
Hip pain
Hamstring Tendinopathy

Advantages of Shockwave Therapy Treatment

Non-surgical
Non-invasive
No anaesthesia or medication
Fast results
High success rate (70-80%)

6 - 8 Shockwave Therapy treatments are required depending on the severity of the foot pain and chronicity of the problem. Treatments are given at 7 – 10 day intervals.

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Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a slow onset of pain beneath the ball of the big toe.

There are 2 sesamoid bones that are found under the foot near the big toe. The sesamoids assist with weight-bearing and provide a smooth surface over which the tendons slide. This condition mostly occurs with overuse, such as runners, dancers, or athletes.

Some conditions associated with the sesamoid include:

Sesamoiditis (inflammation of the tendons surrounding the sesamoids)
Fracture of sesamoid

It is important to get treatment with a clinical podiatrist as X-rays will assist in diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Sesamoiditis include:

Immobilisation / stiff soled shoe or brace
Rest and ice
Cushioning pad or other orthotic devices are also helpful as the fracture heals.

Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis (Heel Pain).

Pain felt under the heel is most frequently caused by Plantar Fasciitis.

Plantar Fasciitis is caused by an inflamation or excessive pull of the Plantar Fascia - the tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot which connects your heel bone to your toes.

Plantar Fasciitis pain is usually felt first thing in the morning with with heel pain, but can progress to constant heel pain so it is important to get your condition seen to early.

The condition is more common in a pronated foot (a foot that leans inwards) and men are generally more susceptible than women.

Shockwave Therapy Treatment can be recommended for Plantar Fasciitis to reduce heel pain and promote healthy cell growth around the heel pain. It is a non surgical or invasive treatment that has a quick recovery time.

Shockwave Therapy may also go hand in hand with strapping, padding, exercises and orthotics.

Plantar Fasciitist can occur with and without a “calcaneal spur”.

Flat Feet / Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

Flat feet are a common finding in the general population. This foot shape is often caused by a dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon which leads to a deformity in the structure of the foot. Painful progressive flat foot with involvement of the tibialis posterior tendon produces inflammation and if left untreated may lead to severe disability and chronic pain. People are predisposed to posterior tibial tendonitis if they have flat feet and abnormal attachment of the tendon to the bones in the midfoot.

Common treatment involves: