Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis manifests as a sharp pain at the bottom of your foot, often making your first steps out of bed a dreaded experience. This pain results from constant micro-tearing of the tissue on the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia. This band of tissue acts as your foot’s shock absorber.
Over time, this band contracts and begins to pull itself away from the heel. This action has two major consequences. First, it pulls away the protective tissue from the bone, leaving an open space. The body, disliking open spaces, lays down bone to fill it, leading to what appears like a spur. However, these spurs do not cause pain.
More importantly, pulling the tissue off the bone tears the little arteries feeding the band its nutrients. Over time, this leads to the band drying up and calcifying. This calcification causes micro-tearing, which is what’s causing all of your discomfort.
Limitations of Traditional Treatment Methods
Suffering from chronic foot pain can be debilitating, and it’s natural to seek relief through various methods. You might have tried physical therapy, stretching exercises, shoe inserts, orthotics, or even steroid injections, all in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort.
But despite these efforts, you may still find yourself in pain, leading you to consider more drastic measures such as surgery. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand the implications of such a decision. Foot surgery, although potentially effective, can significantly weaken the structure and function of your foot.
Post-surgery, you may find yourself reliant on hard, rigid inserts for daily movement – a requirement that could last a lifetime. These inserts are necessary to prevent the collapse of your foot arch, a common complication following foot surgery. Therefore, it is essential to explore all options and consider surgery as a last resort after exhausting non-invasive treatments.
The Power of High-Intensity Ultrasonic Wave Therapy
At Mid-Ohio Foot and Ankle, we take pride in being specialists in the application of high-intensity ultrasonic wave therapy, a groundbreaking medical treatment that has transformed lives over the past four decades.
Originating as a non-invasive, incision-free method to disintegrate kidney stones and gallstones, this therapy has evolved significantly since its inception. In 1998, it achieved FDA approval for the treatment of various conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and tennis elbow, marking a significant milestone in its clinical application.
When it comes to plantar fasciitis, high-intensity ultrasonic wave therapy works by using focused waves to break up the calcification that causes the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. This process restores the much-needed flexibility to the plantar fascia, which acts as your foot’s shock absorber.
But the benefits don’t stop there. The therapy also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in the tissue, facilitating the delivery of essential nutrients that promote healing and recovery.
Patients who have undergone this treatment report impressive results. Typically, within just a few days post-treatment, patients experience a 50 to 70% improvement in their symptoms. This improvement continues over a 16-week period, offering long-term relief from the chronic pain of plantar fasciitis.
This therapy is not just about treating symptoms; it is about enhancing the quality of life. It’s about enabling our patients to walk, run, and live their lives pain-free once again. And the best part? All it takes is one treatment session!
Rejuvenating Your Foot Shock Absorber
High-intensity ultrasonic wave therapy essentially rejuvenates your foot shock absorber. As the smallest of the blood vessels begin to infiltrate the band of tissue, they keep everything flexible and healthy. And the best part? You only need one treatment!
We are committed to keeping you off drugs, out of surgery, and on your feet, living a pain-free life. To learn more about this revolutionary treatment, visit our website at midohiofootandankle.com and read about extracorporeal shock wave therapy treatment, also known as Orthotripsy.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about this groundbreaking approach to treating plantar fasciitis. We look forward to helping you take the next step towards a pain-free life.
Dr. Staschiak,
Mid-Ohio Foot and Ankle
