An effective treatment for your chronic heel pain or other chronic orthopedic conditions…without open surgery or lengthy therapy sessions… is available.
We have several options available today, one of which is ESWT. The doctors at Podiatry Affliliates can identry the best treatment for your particlar condition.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is restoring patients with chronic heel pain syndrome (Plantar Fasciitis) to a normal, active lifestyle with a single treatment. A non-invasive procedure similar to lithotripsy used in the treatment of kidney stones, ESWT uses therapeutic pressure waves to relieve the pain and inflammation in the tendon on the bottom of the foot. With the FDA’s approval of ESWT in 2001, hundreds of thousands of Americans can now experience this effective technology that has been used internationally for a decade to treat a variety of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Shockwave therapy uses high intensity sound waves to help rid patients of severe, debilitating heel pain. The doctors practicing at Podiatry Affiliates are certified to perform this treatment using the Dornier EPOS Machine.
What is ESWT?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, or ESWT, treats chronic heel pain syndrome (Plantar Fasciitis) and other tendonitis conditions. It is a non-invasive procedure in which therapeutic pressure waves are directed at the area of pain. In the case of chronic heel pain, energy is transmitted through electro-magnetic shockwaves and are directed at the plantar fascia, the tendon running along the bottom of the foot.
The shockwaves stimulate a healing response in the affected tissue. The result is a reduction in inflammation and pain from the affected tendon.
Plantar Fascia
Patients experience a short recovery period, often with few or no side effects. Most patients experience relief from the pain right away, but in others, the full results from a single treatment may be experienced in one to three months. Results typically last forever.
Heel Spur
The technology has been used successfully to treat hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide with a variety of tendonitis conditions. Frequently asked questions.
What can be expected when a patient has ESWT?
ESWT is a non-invasive procedure and is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure lasts approximately 30 – 45 minutes. During the treatment, the physician targets and directs therapeutic pressure waves to the affected area. The treatment may take from one to three months to be fully effective. Your physician will schedule continued care visits and post-ESWT continuance therapy.
Is the ESWT procedure painful?
Prior to treatment, local anesthesia is administered to make the patient more comfortable. Afterward, there may be temporary discomfort.
What happens after the procedure?
The ESWT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Patients should be able to return to normal daily activities after a brief recuperative period. Consultation with your treating physician will clarify any post-ESWT limitations or specifics that may apply to your case. We will schedule continued care visits and post-ESWT continuance therapy.
Does insurance cover the treatment? Are there any other payment options?
Extra-corporeal shock wave therapy is gaining acceptance in the United States by major insurance carriers. Patients should request coverage for this therapy through a podiatrist’s office or by directly contacting their insurance carrier to determine reimbursement. Direct patient payment and procedure financing may also be available.
Who is eligible for ESWT?
Generally, candidates for ESWT include patients with chronic heel pain syndrome or other tendonitis conditions in which the pain has lasted for more than several months without responding to conservative therapies such as strengthening exercises, stretching, massage, splints, taping, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Make sure your feet always look and feel great – call Foot & Ankle Clinic of the Virginias today at 800-456-8637 to schedule your appointment. Don’t forget to ask about our Medicaid and insurance payment options!
