How Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Remedies Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Plantar fasciitis is characterized by sharp heel pain when you walk. It’s one of the most common causes of foot pain, and the pain that comes with plantar fasciitis can limit your daily life.

If you have plantar fasciitis that isn’t improving with conservative treatment, you don’t have to turn to surgery. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy may be the answer. Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) is a noninvasive treatment that stimulates cell regeneration to promote healing and reduce pain. 

Your foot health is our top priority at Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates P.C., with offices in Park City and Chicago, Illinois. Led by skilled providers Bruce Bever, DPM, Sonu Joseph, DPM, and licensed massage therapist Laura Moore, LMT, our team offers top-notch treatment for plantar fasciitis, including EPAT.

Here’s what our experts want you to know about this ground-breaking treatment.

Signs of plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It develops when the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue along the bottom of your foot — gets inflamed. It can cause pain in the heel and along the bottom of your foot when you walk.

While anyone can get plantar fasciitis, certain lifestyle factors may increase the risk. Avid runners, people who spend a lot of time standing, and people who are overweight are more likely to develop this common foot condition.

Heel pain with plantar fasciitis is often worse when taking your first steps after waking up in the morning. It can feel worse after periods of inactivity, and pain generally improves with activity.

Traditional treatments for plantar fasciitis

Many cases of plantar fasciitis can improve with conservative treatment. Your podiatrist at Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates may begin by recommending specialized stretches designed to stretch the plantar fascia and strengthen your lower leg muscles.

Oral medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can minimize pain and inflammation. Supportive shoes, custom orthotics, or night splints may also help relieve plantar fasciitis pain.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy to the rescue

The term extracorporeal means “outside the body.” This type of treatment is popular because it’s completely noninvasive. With EPAT, shockwaves are directed through your skin to your plantar fascia. After you get EPAT, your body begins growing new tissue cells. You should notice reduced pain over the following weeks and months as your tissue heals.

Extracorporeal shockwave sessions normally take less than 30 minutes. Following treatment, you may experience mild tingling or numbness, light bruising, or swelling.

Some patients report almost immediate pain relief following EPAT. Most patients who get ESWT rest for a few days following their procedure, but everyone is different. 

You can find relief from your plantar fasciitis pain. To learn more about extracorporeal shockwave therapy and other treatments, book an appointment online or over the phone with 

The experts at Podiatry & Sports Medicine Associates P.C. today. Call the office or use our convenient online booking tool.