Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
While several treatments are available for plantar fasciitis, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a relatively new option showing promise. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to deliver energy to the affected area. This energy stimulates healing and can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
There are two types of ESWT – radial and focused. Radial ESWT uses a hand-held device that emits sound waves in a 360-degree radius around the point of impact. Focused ESWT uses a machine that delivers sound waves directly to the affected area. Both types of therapy work by delivering energy to the tissue and stimulating the release of growth factors that promote healing. The sound waves also help break up scar tissue and encourage blood flow to the area, further speeding up the healing process.
There is some evidence that ESWT can be effective in treating plantar fasciitis. Studies reveal that a large majority of patients who underwent radial ESWT saw an improvement in their symptoms after six months. Another study found that patients who underwent focused ESWT significantly reduced pain after 12 weeks compared to those who received no treatment.
