Plantar fasciitis is a kind of heel pain that impacts roughly 10% of the population. It happens when the tissue at the bottom of your foot (plantar fascia) gets injured or overused.
The discomfort is often substantial when you wake up or after sleeping. Rest, stretching, and over-the-counter medications can all help ease pain. However, pain could last for years or months.
If your heel pain doesn’t go away, you can try shockwave therapy, an advanced treatment option.
Shockwave therapy can help in treating plantar fasciitis in santa cruz by using sound waves to stimulate healing. It reduces pain and inflammation, promoting recovery for this common foot condition.
Let’s discuss Plantar Fasciitis with Shockwave Therapy in detail.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses strong sound waves to treat muscle and joint problems like plantar fasciitis. It’s a non-invasive treatment where a chiropractor places a device over the painful area.
Shockwaves are sent to the skin by this gadget. They cause minor injuries that lead to better blood flow and more oxygen to the injured area assisting tissues in the affected area to heal.
Shockwave therapy for Plantar Fasciitis reduces calcium deposits and scar tissue and relaxes tight muscles and tendons. Additionally, it blocks pain signals to the brain, providing long-lasting pain relief.
When Should You Consider Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?
If you’ve had foot pain for more than 6 months and regular treatments haven’t helped, doctors may suggest shockwave therapy. It is especially true if your job or activities greatly stress your feet.
Shockwave therapy isn’t a standalone solution. It works best with other treatments like rest, pain medications, stretches, and supportive shoe inserts.
It’s not just for severe cases – some people may try it earlier if their daily activities strain their feet. Remember, shockwave therapy enhances the effects of other treatments, not replace them.
Preparation for Shockwave Therapy
Before your shockwave therapy sessions in santa cruz, it’s essential to prepare by doing a few things:
1. Share Your Medical History
Tell your provider about past heel issues, injuries, surgeries, or health problems. Also, inform them about your prescriptions and supplements.
2. Stop Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Your doctor may tell you to avoid medications like aspirin that thin the blood or reduce inflammation for 1-2 weeks before the therapy. It helps minimize the risk of bruising and bleeding.
3. Give Written Consent
Read and comprehend the technique thoroughly. Make sure to sign a consent form that covers the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives to shockwave therapy. Your clear understanding and agreement are necessary.
Procedure of Plantar Fasciitis with Shockwave Therapy
Expect these things throughout your shockwave therapy session:
Step 1
The chiropractor will get you into the treatment area and place you on a table. Then, he will clean your foot, and a gel will be applied to the skin overlying the inflamed plantar fascia area. It allows the smooth transmission of shockwaves through tissue.
Step 2
Chiropractors inject local anesthesia (numbing medication) around the heel based on your comfort level. Or, you might opt for oral sedation instead. Numbing isn’t usually essential but can reduce pain, especially if extensive skin repair is needed.
Step 3
Your chiropractor will send sound waves into your heel using a handheld probe. The device sends energy pulses, making clicking and thumping sounds. You might feel some mild soreness, but it might not be painful. It depends on pain tolerance.
Step 4
According to Complete Physio, chiropractors administer approximately 2500-3000 shocks during a 5-10-minute session. A numbing sensation usually sets in after the first few shocks. Your provider will change the shockwave intensity and location based on your response.
Step 5
At the end of the session, experts remove the gel on your foot, and you can resume normal activities immediately. Often, 2-3 weekly treatment sessions are required before the cumulative effects kick in. Maintaining an existing self-care regimen (stretches, orthotics, etc.) is still encouraged.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis santa cruz releases chemicals that numb nerves, which helps ease pain. Here’s how,
It targets inflammation in the plantar fascia, reducing swelling.
- The treatment boosts blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients for natural healing.
- Shockwaves prompt the release of growth factors, promoting cell regeneration in damaged tissue.
- It encourages collagen production, which is crucial for tissue strength and flexibility.
- Shockwave therapy is non-intrusive and safer than surgery.
- It speeds up healing, providing relief from symptoms sooner.
The Efficiency of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is being revealed to be an effective and safe treatment for persistent plantar fasciitis pain. Research shows that around three months after treatment, patients experience significant improvement.
Shockwave therapy helped over 60% of patients. Meanwhile, 30% of those who had other treatments felt better.
Shockwave therapy helps heel pain sufferers avoid surgery and return to normal. It performs better and lasts longer (up to a year) than steroid injections (1-6 weeks).
Combining shockwave treatment with physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments yields the best outcomes.
Safety and Side Effects
- You might see swelling, redness, or bruising around your treated heel and foot.
- You could feel temporary numbness or tingling.
- You might have some minor pain for a day or two.
- Very rarely, there might be metatarsal stress fractures.
- Stay away from high-impact activities for 72 hours.
- Don’t bend or point your toes too much for a week.
- Keep the region tidy and dry to avoid infections
- You might use prescription painkillers if necessary.
- Follow your clinician’s advice to help your heel heal without causing more stress.
Shockwave Therapy Pricing
Shockwave therapy is inexpensive, efficient, and durable, unlike cortisone shots. It saves both time and cash without sacrificing your job or other interests.
At Aloha Sports Chiropractor, we understand the needs and budget of our worthy patients. Our shockwave therapy costs just $500 for 4 sessions one week apart.
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Get AppointmentWrapping Up
Chiropractors can treat Plantar fasciitis heel pain using shockwave therapy. It’s supported by solid evidence and positive feedback from patients. It heals your body without surgery, making it more successful than other treatments.
If your plantar fasciitis pain lasts beyond 6 months, shockwave therapy may help before surgery. Make an appointment with Aloha Sports Chiropractor to determine if the procedure is right for you.
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