Picture this – you have plans to start your weekend with a wholesome morning jog, but as soon as you awaken and try to take the first steps out of bed, an agonizing pain shoots through your heel. This may be indicative of plantar fasciitis.

Millions of people suffer from plantar fasciitis every year, which can be intensely uncomfortable and make daily activities nearly impossible. Fortunately, there is a viable treatment option available to help reduce the associated pain: extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). Keep reading to find out more about ESWT and how it can provide relief for those with heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a prevalent source of heel agony. It is caused by the irritation of your plantar fascia – a fibrous band that stretches from your heel bone (calcaneus) to the base of your toes. This structure has key roles in keeping up the arch support and normal foot mechanics when you walk; however, it can be vulnerable to inflammation if not taken care of properly.

When weight is placed on the foot during activities that involve withstanding or pushing off of the ball and toes, your plantar fascia can become tense. Over time, this tension may lead to irritation in even simple daily tasks due to a decrease in elasticity. This occurs not only when running or walking normally but also with any movement that puts pressure on your feet.

Related article about Plantar Fasciitis.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

The fascia can become inflamed and painful due to various causes, including:

• An increase in activity level (like starting a walking or running program)
• The shape or structure of the foot
• The surface or ground on which you are standing, walking or running
• The type of shoes you wear
• The weight you bear
• Rarely, plantar fasciitis might be caused by underlying medical conditions including lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis causes an insidious and gradual pain that is often concentrated near the heel. However, it can occasionally come on suddenly after stepping wrong or jumping from a height. This type of discomfort has earned its title due to the habit of being most severe when you first get out of bed in the morning or have been stationary for some time; however, activity during the day may ease this sensation temporarily before it revs up again following lengthy activities. Additionally, those with plantar fasciitis will find their symptoms worse without supportive shoes or while going barefoot.

Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosis

A variety of issues may be causing your heel pain, with plantar fasciitis being one such ailment. You might want to investigate the following possible causes as well:

• Nerve compression in the foot or in the back
• Stress fracture of the calcaneus
• Loss of the fatty tissue pad under the heel

By assessing your medical history and undergoing a physical examination, physicians can accurately diagnose plantar fasciitis amidst other conditions.

Despite being frequently assumed, heel spurs are not the only source of heel pain. They are common, but simply a reaction to tension and strain from muscles in your foot such as the plantar fascia. Most times they don’t even cause any discomfort at all! It is incredibly unusual for an enlarged or troublesome spur to require surgery.

Related: Take Control of Your Heel Pain: A Guide to Treating Plantar Fasciitis with ESWT

What is Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)? 

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses sound waves to stimulate healing in the injured area. It works by delivering sound waves through a hand-held device that targets the affected area and penetrates deep into the tissues to promote healing. The sound waves cause microtrauma which stimulates the body’s natural healing process, leading to increased blood flow and tissue regeneration. 

Why Choose ESWT for Plantar Fasciitis? 

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is an excellent choice for treating plantar fasciitis heel pain because it is non-invasive, relatively quick, and has been proven to reduce pain and improve healing times in clinical studies.

High-energy extracorporeal shock wave therapy on bones can be a painful process and requires the use of anesthesia. The good news is that after treatment, almost all patients have no complaints at all, meaning there’s usually no need for postoperative analgesia. That being said, it’s best to opt for short-duration anesthetic techniques or agents in order to avoid any potential complications down the line.

It also doesn’t require any downtime after each session so you can resume your normal activities immediately afterward if desired. Furthermore, many insurance plans cover ESWT treatments which makes this an affordable option for those suffering from plantar fasciitis heel pain. 

Benefits of ESWT for Heel Pain 

ESWT offers an unparalleled benefit for heel pain sufferers because it provides relief without the need to rely on surgery or long-term medications. Multiple studies have revealed that ESWT is effective in reducing inflammation and increasing mobility, allowing patients with plantar fasciitis to return quickly to their regular activities. Furthermore, since this treatment has minimal invasiveness and requires no downtime, it can be completed rapidly and without fear of side effects or complications.

Another great thing about ESWT for plantar fasciitis is that it can help stop further harm or decline of the affected area by fortifying weak muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the heel. Consequently, individuals may encounter less regular bouts of heel pain in addition to improved general foot health over time.

Conclusion

If you are enduring the lasting effects of plantar fasciitis-induced heel pain, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) could be a viable treatment solution worth exploring. This nonsurgical option has been clinically demonstrated to reduce inflammation and promote mobility without necessitating any post-treatment downtime or long-term medication use – making it an ideal choice for those desiring relief.

Not only could this form of treatment help ease current symptoms, but it may also improve the stability and strength around your heel, limiting any potential future pain. If you think these advantages might be beneficial for you, make sure to consult with your doctor today on how best to proceed!