Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

 

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy or ESWT, as it is commonly referred to, is a non-invasive, non-surgical option for the treatment of intense and relentless heel pain associated with the chronic condition known as Plantar Fasciitis.

 

The Plantar Fascia is a strong ligament structure (tensile strength of 4000 lb/sq. inch) that helps to maintain the structure and arch of the foot. It extends from the base of the toes to the heel bone or calcaneus bone.

 

The Plantar Fascia is almost as wide as the foot and plays an important role in the support of the foot.

 

Plantar Fasciitis is the condition caused by overuse or injury. When the Plantar Fascia is strained due to overuse, improper shoes, or poor foot structure it gets irritated and tender. The resulting inflammation causes the symptoms of pain that include: a burning sensation on the sole of the foot, and recurring foot pain especially after getting out of bed in the morning or sitting.

 

Plantar Fasciitis is diagnosed by a Podiatrist, based on patient history and examination.

 

Research in ESWT that began in the 1980's has evolved into a treatment best suited for heel pain sufferers who have been unsuccessful in managing pain through the use of stretching, icing, orthotics, cortisone injections and conventional over-the-counter pain relievers. ESWT using the DolorClast® Method offers a high rate of success.

 

The treatment releases high intensity sound waves in the tissue being treated around the fascia nerve, near the heel. The chronic inflammation that was causing the pain becomes an acute inflammation and the body responds by increasing circulation and cellular metabolism around the affected soft tissue.

 

ESWT stimulates the body's own healing processes, by treating the source of the pain. ESWT using the Swiss DolorClast® Method, does more than mask the pain, it offers a successful, long term solution in eliminating the pain.

 

Prior to being treated with ESWT, patients must have been diagnosed with chronic Plantar Fasciitis for at least 6 months. Only after a patient's symptoms fail to respond to at least three conservative treatments should ESWT be administered. These conservative treatments can include cortisone injections, night splints, heal cushions, orthotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and casting. In the past, surgery was the only option available when conservative measures didn't work. Today, non-invasive ESWT offers an alternative to surgery and successful relief from chronic pain.

 

The Swiss DolorClast® Method is intended to be used by patients who are 18 years of age or older who have symptoms of chronic Plantar Fasciitis that have lasted for 6 months or more and who have tried other conservative therapies without success.

 

How shockwave therapy works

 

If your doctor determines that treatment with the Swiss DolorClast® Method is appropriate for you, your doctor will palpate your heel to locate the area of greatest pain.  It is there that the ESWT will be applied. Your feedback to your doctor will be important to locate the center of your heel pain. Coupling gel will be applied to your heel and treatment applicator will be held in contact with your heel. When the treatment begins, the shockwave impulses will be delivered at a low pressure, and then slowly increased to the target treatment pressure. This Method will allow you to adjust to any discomfort so that you will not need anesthesia to complete the treatment.

 

Application of the treatment protocol takes less than 5 minutes to complete.

 

Treatment with the Swiss DolorClast® Method requires you to undergo a total of 3 treatment sessions spaced 7-10 days apart in order to realize the maximum benefits of the treatment. Your doctor may also want you to return for a short follow-up visit to asses your response to the treatment. You should notice a gradual improvement in your heel pain over time. Significant improvement occurs over a period of 3 months, after your final treatment.