Heel Pain Syndrome and Shock Wave Therapy

Shock wave therapy uses high intensity sound waves to rid our patients of severe debilitating heel pain. Finally, there's effective treatment for your chronic heel pain or other chronic orthopedic conditions...without open surgery or lengthy therapy sessions. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is restoring patients with chronic heel pain syndrome (Plantar Fasciitis) to a normal, active lifestyle with a single treatment. A non-invasive procedure similar to lithotripsy used in the treatment of kidney stones, ESWT uses therapeutic pressure waves to relieve the pain and inflammation in the tendon on the bottom of the foot. With the FDA's approval of ESWT in 2001, hundreds of thousands of Americans can now experience this effective technology that has been used internationally for a decade to treat a variety of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. What is ESWT? Frequently Asked Questions

What is ESWT?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or ESWT, treats chronic heel pain syndrome (plantar fasciitis) and other tendonitis conditions. It is a non-invasive procedure in which therapeutic pressure waves are directed at the area of pain. In the case of chronic heel pain, energy is transmitted through electro-magnetic shock waves and are directed at the plantar fascia, the tendon running along the bottom of the foot. The shock waves stimulate a healing response in the affected tissue. The result is a reduction in inflammation and pain from the affected tendon. Patients experience a short recovery period, often with few or no side effects. Most patients experience relief from the pain right away, but in others, the full results from a single treatment may take three months. A second treatment isn't usually done until 6 months have elapsed. Results are usually permanent as long as the patient continues to wear their foot orthoses to protect the area. The technology has been used successfully to treat hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide with a variety of tendonitis conditions.

Plantar Fascia Heel Spur

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or ESWT?

ESWT is a new procedure used to treat chronic heel pain syndrome and other tendonitis conditions. It is a non-invasive procedure in which therapeutic pressure waves are directed at the area of pain. The technology has been used in the successful treatment of hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. One of the advantages of ESWT is that the risks associated with open surgery may be avoided.

What can be expected when a patient has ESWT?

ESWT is a non-invasive procedure and is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure lasts approximately 30 - 45 minutes. During the treatment, the physician targets and directs therapeutic pressure waves to the affected area. The treatment may take from one to three months to be fully effective. Your physician will schedule continued care visits and post-ESWT continuance therapy.

Is the ESWT procedure painful?

Prior to treatment, local anesthesia is administered to make the patient more comfortable. Afterward, there may be temporary discomfort.

What happens after the procedure?

The ESWT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Each patient is required to have a designated driver or guardian. Patients should be able to return to normal daily activities after a brief recuperative period. Consultation with your treating physician will clarify any post-ESWT limitations or specifics that may apply to your case. Dr. Stilwell will schedule continued care visits and post-ESWT continuance therapy.

Does insurance cover the treatment? Are there any other payment options?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is gaining acceptance in the United States by major insurance carriers. Patients should request coverage for this therapy through a physician's office or by directly contacting their insurance carrier to determine reimbursement. Direct patient payment and procedure financing may also be available.

Who is eligible for ESWT?

Generally, candidates for ESWT include patients with chronic heel pain syndrome or other tendonitis conditions in which the pain has lasted for more than several months without responding to conservative therapies such as strengthening exercises, stretching, massage, splints, taping, and anti-inflammatory medications.