?Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy are two common conditions that can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. These conditions often cause chronic heel pain and can be challenging to treat using conventional methods. However, Active Podiatry has a...
?Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy are two common conditions that can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. These conditions often cause chronic heel pain and can be challenging to treat using conventional methods. However, Active Podiatry has a new non-invasive treatment option known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) that is effective in assisting to resolve these two conditions.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy:
Before diving into the benefits of ESWT, lets briefly understand the conditions it aims to treat. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It commonly causes stabbing pain in the heel or arch, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.
Achilles tendinopathy refers to the degeneration of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It typically results in pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, making walking, running or your favourite sport very challenging.
The Role of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy:
ESWT involves the application of high-frequency sound waves to the affected area. These shockwaves stimulate the body's natural healing process by promoting blood flow to the region. This promotes tissue regeneration within the plantar fascia and achilles tendon whilst reducing pain. ESWT is a non-invasive procedure that leads to long term healing and regeneration of the chronic injured tissue.
Benefits of ESWT for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy:
1. Pain Reduction: ESWT has been shown to effectively alleviate pain associated with plantar fasciitis and achilles tendinopathy. The shockwaves target the inflamed tissue, increasing blood flow and triggering the release of natural pain-relieving substances.
2. Enhanced Healing: ESWT stimulates the production of collagen, a crucial component for tissue repair. By promoting tissue regeneration, this therapy helps strengthen the plantar fascia and achilles tendon and accelerate the healing process. ESWT can help to reverse the degenerative process and promote healing.
3. Non-invasive and Safe: Unlike surgical interventions, ESWT is a non-invasive treatment option that does not require any incisions or anesthesia. It is safe and is associated with minimal side effects when performed by a trained Podiatrist
Conclusion:
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy offers a promising solution for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. By promoting tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation, and providing pain relief, ESWT can effectively alleviate the symptoms associated with these conditions. If you are experiencing chronic heel pain or Achilles tendon issues, it is worth considering ESWT.
At Active Podiatry we usually recommend ESWT for chronic conditions (>6 weeks) or when other conservative treatments have only been partially effective. Our Podiatrist’s have found that ESWT works best when combined with a comprehensive rehabilitation program. We do expect our clients to carry out specific strengthening exercises. Usually 1-6 treatments are required, and these treatments are usually space 7-days apart. Full benefit is usually seen 6-8 weeks following the final treatment.
If you think you may benefit from ESWT, call or book an appointment online with one of our trained Podiatrist so we can tailor a treatment plan for you!
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy:
Before diving into the benefits of ESWT, lets briefly understand the conditions it aims to treat. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes. It commonly causes stabbing pain in the heel or arch, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.
Achilles tendinopathy refers to the degeneration of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It typically results in pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, making walking, running or your favourite sport very challenging.
The Role of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy:
ESWT involves the application of high-frequency sound waves to the affected area. These shockwaves stimulate the body's natural healing process by promoting blood flow to the region. This promotes tissue regeneration within the plantar fascia and achilles tendon whilst reducing pain. ESWT is a non-invasive procedure that leads to long term healing and regeneration of the chronic injured tissue.
Benefits of ESWT for Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendinopathy:
1. Pain Reduction: ESWT has been shown to effectively alleviate pain associated with plantar fasciitis and achilles tendinopathy. The shockwaves target the inflamed tissue, increasing blood flow and triggering the release of natural pain-relieving substances.
2. Enhanced Healing: ESWT stimulates the production of collagen, a crucial component for tissue repair. By promoting tissue regeneration, this therapy helps strengthen the plantar fascia and achilles tendon and accelerate the healing process. ESWT can help to reverse the degenerative process and promote healing.
3. Non-invasive and Safe: Unlike surgical interventions, ESWT is a non-invasive treatment option that does not require any incisions or anesthesia. It is safe and is associated with minimal side effects when performed by a trained Podiatrist
Conclusion:
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy offers a promising solution for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. By promoting tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation, and providing pain relief, ESWT can effectively alleviate the symptoms associated with these conditions. If you are experiencing chronic heel pain or Achilles tendon issues, it is worth considering ESWT.
At Active Podiatry we usually recommend ESWT for chronic conditions (>6 weeks) or when other conservative treatments have only been partially effective. Our Podiatrist’s have found that ESWT works best when combined with a comprehensive rehabilitation program. We do expect our clients to carry out specific strengthening exercises. Usually 1-6 treatments are required, and these treatments are usually space 7-days apart. Full benefit is usually seen 6-8 weeks following the final treatment.
If you think you may benefit from ESWT, call or book an appointment online with one of our trained Podiatrist so we can tailor a treatment plan for you!