Does Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis Really Work?
Have you ever felt intense pain in your foot while taking out the trash? That could be a sign of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis refers to a condition that causes pain in the heel of your foot. Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is a common form of treatment for this condition. Getting the right amount of treatments can help to ease the pain that comes with this condition.
In this blog, we’ll review everything you need to know about shockwave therapy and plantar fasciitis. We’ll cover the potential causes and symptoms for this condition, and the most effective treatments available.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive form of treatment that delivers acoustic waves to promote healing to an injury. During treatment, a clinician places a therapeutic device onto a patient’s skin to send shockwaves to the affected area. Shockwave therapy can provide patients with immediate pain relief, promote cell regeneration and healing of tissues as well as stimulating blood flow to the inflamed area of the body.
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is a common treatment for people experincing pain in their soft tissues. The benefits of shockwave therapy include little to no side effects and no aesthesia is involved.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the tissues found on the bottom of your foot and connects to the heel to your toes. It’s often caused by factors like being overweight, having a high arch or a flat foot and being on your feet for long hours.
Those suffering from plantar fasciitis feel pain on the heel of their foot. One foot or both feet can be affected.
The pain from plantar fasciitis can flare up if you have been inactive for some time. Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is usually recommended for patients suffering from this condition.
Can Shockwave Therapy Make Plantar Fasciitis Worse
You might be wondering, “is shockwave therapy good for plantar fasciitis?” Multiple studies have demonstrated that this form of therapy is effective in treating this condition and reducing pain.
Men and women with an active lifestyle, between the ages of 40 and 70 are at high risk for developing plantar fasciitis. Women are slightly more likely to develop this condition than men. Women during late stages of pregnancy are more likely to experience plantar fasciitis. If you like to run long distances, suffer from a tight Achilles tendons, or wear shoes with very little support, you are also at risk of developing this condition.
Treatment Options for Plantar Fasciitis
You can treat plantar fasciitis in many ways. Home remedies include applying ice to your feet for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day to decrease the swellilng. It’s important to remain off your feet while completing this treatment.
Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can also help to relieve pain.
Make sure to place arch supports in your shoes and replace any old or worn-out footwear immediately.
Shockwave for plantar fasciitis is an effective and long-term solution for those suffering with this painful condition.
How Many Sessions of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Many patients require somewhere between three to six sessions of shockwave therapy, however more sessions may be required depending on the condition’s severity. Local research conducted found shockwave therapy to be most beneficial after the first six months following treatment.
Within the first two weeks of treatment, patients were experiencing the positive results of this therapy. A 48% to 88% success rate among all patients was reported during this treatment.
Other Conditions Treated by Shockwave Therapy
Many people can benefit from using shockwave therapy. Other than shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, this form of therapy can also treat other common conditions including:
Final Thoughts
If you want to lead a pain-free life again, shockwave for plantar fasciitis is a great treatment option. The pain associated with this condition can be alleviated with shockwave therapy as we’ve seen in many studies. When you need an experienced team that specializes in superior shockwave therapy services, contact our team at Knead Wellness. Contact us to book an appointment for our exclusive shockwave therapy services.