ESWT or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is a noninvasive way to treat heel pain. This method is becoming popular in treating musculoskeletal conditions like chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis.
ESWT can promote healing and relieve pain in patients who have chronic pain. Shock wave therapy produces microtrauma or very tiny injuries to the affected area. This subsequently promotes new blood flow or vascularization on the injure site. The improved blood flow results to better tissue healing.
The intense but very short energy shock waves that are applied outside the body have been found to heal many chronic painful musculoskeletal conditions. These high pressure pulses can be especially useful in the treatment of chronic heel pain.
The advantages of ESWT over surgical procedures are numerous. Since there is no surgery involved, there are no surgical risks associated. The patient can anslo return to normal activities sooner since there is no downtime. One does not need a long time away from work. It is a noninvasive procedure since there are no incisions or cuts, just quick shock waves on the problem area. Since the treatment is simple, the patient is freed from many of the risks and expenses associated with surgery.
Patients report no pain during the procedure and only mild tenderness after and this usually lasts for 48 to 72 hours. After ESWT, most patients experience relief from heel pain. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is not only a safe procedure but it also has a very high success rate. Some patients experience instant relief while in others, it may take several weeks or months.
People who have chronic heel pain or plantar fasciitis for at least six months and have tried physical therapy, orthotics, oral anti inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections with no relief can opt for ESWT as a safe treatment alternative to surgery.
