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Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the ligaments that attach the front of the foot to the heel. When it occurs, it commonly causes pain in the heel while taking the first few steps in the morning, after exercising, or after sitting for an extended period. Today, our podiatrists Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC are sharing two highly-effective, state-of-the-art options for treating this condition.
While the pain associated with plantar fasciitis may initially be mild, it can become quite troublesome if left untreated. Following is information regarding two progressive and highly-effective treatment options.
Treatment Option: Extracorporeal Sound Wave Treatment (ESWT)
ESWT is a non-invasive procedure frequently used to treat soft tissue and bone disorders in the ankle and foot.
When treating plantar fasciitis, an ESWT device sends shockwaves to the affected tendons in the foot. These shockwaves activate natural repair mechanisms by boosting blood flow to the area, thereby speeding up the healing process.
It is also believed that this procedure is beneficial in disbanding the scar tissue that can accumulate around ligaments in the foot and aggravate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Depending on how severe your plantar fasciitis is, your podiatrist may recommend one of two different kinds of ESWT treatment. One option performed is a high-energy shockwave treatment as a one-time procedure under anesthesia; the other uses several, low-energy shockwaves without administering anesthesia.
ESWT has fewer side effects and considerably shorter recovery time than surgical treatments for this condition. When using low-energy shockwave treatments, patients can typically return to normal activities immediately following the procedure.
When administering high-energy treatments, patients are asked to stay off their feet just for the rest of the day of the procedure. And approximately 90% of patients reported substantial pain relief within a week of having the procedure, making it a great, safe option for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
ESWT is a highly-effective, minimally invasive treatments for plantar fasciitis. If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, contact the offices of Dr. Joel Segalman and Dr. Stephen Lazaroff at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC so we can determine the best treatment option for you. You can contact our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724.