Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a painful and frustrating condition that can get in the way of your daily movement. It occurs when the plantar fascia becomes inflamed – a tough, fibrous band of tissue that runs along the sole of the foot. The plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus) and the base of the toes. It helps support the arch of the foot and has an important role in normal foot mechanics during walking.
Tension or stress in the plantar fascia increases when you place weight on the foot. With overuse or over time, the fascia loses some of its elasticity and can become irritated with routine daily activities. This is a common condition and can affect people of all ages, however, it is more prevalent between the ages of 40-60 years. Whilst it’s hard to pinpoint an exact cause, risk factors include prolonged standing, biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches, inadequate footwear, reduced ankle mobility, and activities that place repetitive stress on the heel.
Usually, the pain is worse after getting out of bed or after sitting for a while. As the condition progresses, the pain can become sharp and cause you to limp.
Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in conditions like plantar fasciitis. It uses acoustic waves to deliver energy to damaged tissues, encouraging regeneration and repair. The treatment helps your body heal by improving blood flow, reducing pain signals, and encouraging the repair of damaged tissue.
Typically, three to five shockwave therapy sessions are required for a significant resolution of pain. Sessions normally take place weekly, and the number of sessions will depend on how quickly you respond, how long you have had the symptoms, and how severe the pain is.
Let Us Help You Relieve Pain
Our team of experts delivers shockwave therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. In your initial assessment, our physiotherapists will assess your condition, determine if Shockwave Therapy is right for you, and form a treatment plan that can help you get back to living pain-free. Alongside shockwave therapy, your physiotherapist will guide you through a progressive strengthening and stretching programme, which is vital to long-term recovery.
Plantar fasciitis should not keep you from living your best life. We understand that pain can be very frustrating to experience, so we want to help improve your condition the moment you step into our clinic. Our physiotherapists are highly qualified and can recommend the best type of treatments that will provide long-term relief.
