Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis - A Complete Guide

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent cause of plantar heel pain in many individuals. This is an excruciating disorder characterized by inflammation, thickening, and irritation of the plantar fascia ligament. Linking the heel bone to the toes at the ball of the foot is the plantar fascia, a robust and fibrous ligament that runs along the base of the foot. Its functions include supporting the foot's arch and helping to distribute weight and force when walking equally.

Excessive use or continual stress on the plantar fascia ligament is typically the cause of plantar fasciitis. Females, middle-aged adults, those whose jobs require them to stand for extended periods, people with flat feet or elevated arches, and people who run and walk a lot are the groups most likely to experience it.

A distinctive, burning, piercing ache at the plantar region of the heel where the ligament connects to the heel bone results from plantar fasciitis. Patients most frequently say that the pain gets worse when they wake up in the morning or after taking a nap.

Heel discomfort is most commonly caused by plantar fasciitis. Other typical reasons for heel discomfort include:

• A stress fracture in the calcaneus, the heel bone.

• Osteoarthritis in the subtalar joint or ankle.

• Soft tissue atrophy across the heel.

• Irritation of the smaller nerves in the heel area.

• Tendon inflammation beneath the foot.

What Is Shock Wave Therapy?

Shock wave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic waves to the location of an injury using a therapeutic device. The device employs kinetic energy through a tiny applicator at the shock wave treatment handle's head to reach the target area. With the greatest pressure experienced at the skin's surface, this energy permeates the skin and sends a wave that goes as far as seven centimeters into the body.

Three variables determine the machine's operation: frequency, bars, and quantity of shocks. The total quantity of pulses per second, or frequency, is expressed in Hertz (Hz) and varies from 1 to 15 Hz. The strength that each pulse delivers to the body is measured in bars, which can range from 1.5 to 5 and indicate how deeply a pulse enters the body. A number of internal and environmental parameters, including the water level in the body, transmitter head size, and skin contact quality, affect this depth.

What Is the Mechanism of Action of Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

A medical practitioner using shock wave therapy will administer penetrating ultrasound waves to a part of the body that is inflamed, causing microtrauma in that location. The human body goes into healing mode in reaction to this microtrauma.

The body's reaction to shock wave therapy can be:

• Make extra blood vessels to provide the inflammation with nutrients and more blood.

• Get rapid pain relief by hyperstimulating the nerve endings.

• Eliminate calcifications.

• To promote healing and enhance the permeability of cells.

Pain and other symptoms of plantar fasciitis can be significantly reduced using shock wave treatment. For some who may choose not to take medicine or undergo invasive surgical procedures, this makes it a great substitute.

Shock wave therapy is a successful therapy for plantar fasciitis, according to a small clinical trial. The researchers observed that the overall thickness of the plantar fascia was reduced after four shock wave therapy sessions. Additionally, it lessened the area's inflammatory symptoms.

What Are the Steps Involved in Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Here is what to generally anticipate from the operation once someone gets to the treatment facility:

• Individuals will be required to take off their shoes and socks.

• On a padded table, one will lie flat with the legs propped up by pillows and the stomach down.

• Either a sedative or local anesthetic will be injected into the heels to make sure one does not experience any pain throughout the process.

• Ultrasound gel will be placed on the heels.

• Using a specialized probe, a technician will apply compressed air shock waves to your heels.

• Each foot requires between 10 and 20 minutes to complete.

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Shock Wave Treatment?

Although shock wave therapy has a lot of potential advantages, it is not always the ideal option.

Shock wave therapy offers several advantages, such as:

• It is a non-invasive procedure that requires little time for preparation or recuperation.

• It alleviates pain rapidly.

• It is seen as a secure procedure.

• It has a lesser chance of side effects than prescription drugs or surgical procedures.

• It can assist those suffering from plantar fasciitis in avoiding needless surgery.

The following are some drawbacks of shock wave therapy to take into account:

• Not everyone finds it to be effective.

• Shock wave therapy may require multiple sessions before a noticeable improvement is shown based on its signs and diagnosis. There could be a five to ten-day interval between each treatment.

• Insurance providers do not often cover shock wave therapy.

• In the absence of insurance, treatments might be costly.

• Temporary discomfort, bruising, swelling, and numbness are examples of complications.

• Those who are pregnant, have cancer, are ill or feverish, have musculoskeletal ailments, or suffer from different autoimmune diseases are frequently not candidates for shock wave therapy (ESWT).

What Additional Options Are There for Treating Plantar Fasciitis?

There are more treatment options for plantar fasciitis besides shock wave therapy.

• Ice: Cooling the irritated region with ice might help lessen pain and swelling.

• Medication: To help with pain relief and swelling reduction, a doctor may suggest nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can assist patients in developing the muscle strength and flexibility necessary to lessen discomfort and accelerate healing.

• Splints: To support your toes and lessen mobility that could exacerbate swelling or pain, a physician or physical therapist might recommend that one wears a splint during sleep.

• Arch Supports: Plantar fasciitis discomfort can be reduced by placing arch supports in the footwear.

• Surgery: If plantar fasciitis is severe, surgery may be required.

Conclusion:

It is critical to recognize that shock wave therapy (ESWT) is simply a preliminary treatment. Following the relief of pain, other physiotherapies and exercises that aid in restoring the feet should be used to treat the underlying reasons or circumstances that led to the development of plantar fasciitis. Preventive care and measures would be the best action before any pain manifests. One can prevent plantar fasciitis by regularly stretching exercises, wearing broad, flat shoes with soft soles, and avoiding placing much weight on the foot.