Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Introduction
Plantar fasciitis is a common and often debilitating condition that affects the feet, causing intense pain in the heel and arch. While it can be a frustrating and persistent issue, there are numerous treatment options available, one of which is shockwave therapy. This non-invasive and innovative approach has gained popularity for its effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and how it can be a game-changer for those seeking relief from this painful condition.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Before delving into the benefits of shockwave therapy, let's briefly understand what plantar fasciitis is. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes, supporting the arch of your foot. When this band of tissue becomes inflamed or overstretched, it can lead to plantar fasciitis. Common causes include overuse, poor footwear, obesity, and foot biomechanical issues.
The hallmark symptom of plantar fasciitis is a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, which is usually most severe in the morning or after periods of rest. This pain can make walking and other daily activities challenging and negatively impact your quality of life.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Non-Invasive Treatment: Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical and non-invasive approach to treating plantar fasciitis. This means that it doesn't require incisions, anesthesia, or a lengthy recovery period. Patients can often resume their normal activities shortly after a session.
High Success Rate: Numerous clinical studies have shown that shockwave therapy has a high success rate in relieving plantar fasciitis pain. It stimulates the body's natural healing processes, helping to break down scar tissue and promote tissue regeneration.
Pain Reduction: Shockwave therapy targets the source of pain by promoting blood flow to the affected area and increasing the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. This can lead to a significant reduction in pain and discomfort.
Improved Functionality: As the pain diminishes, patients often experience improved functionality in their feet. They can engage in activities they may have had to avoid due to plantar fasciitis, such as walking, running, and sports.
No Medication Dependency: Unlike some other treatments for plantar fasciitis that rely on pain medications, shockwave therapy doesn't involve the risk of medication dependency or potential side effects associated with long-term drug use.
Minimal Side Effects: Shockwave therapy typically has minimal side effects. Some patients may experience temporary discomfort or redness at the treatment site, but these effects are usually mild and short-lived.
Quick Sessions: A typical shockwave therapy session for plantar fasciitis takes only about 15-20 minutes. Most patients require multiple sessions, usually spaced a week apart, to achieve optimal results.
Long-lasting Relief: Many individuals experience long-lasting relief from plantar fasciitis symptoms after undergoing shockwave therapy. This means fewer visits to the doctor and less reliance on other forms of treatment.
Research Support
There is good research to support the use of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis (1). In 2015, a randomized controlled study was published by Gollwitzer et al., exploring the effects of shockwave therapy versus placebo on chronic plantar fascia pain. This study included almost 250 participants who had been suffering from plantar fasciitis for a period of 12 months or greater. These researchers found higher percentages of pain relief in the group receiving shockwave therapy versus the placebo. Thus, they concluded and demonstrated the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis (2).
How about the effect of shockwave therapy in long distance runners with plantar fasciitis? A study by Rompe et al. in 2003, looked at this very question. What did they find? These researchers followed 45 long distance athletes over the course of a year. At the 6 month and 1 year follow up, they found greater decreases in foot pain in the group receiving shockwave therapy compared to the control group. These researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of shockwave therapy in the treatment of long distance runners with chronic plantar fasciitis (3). A meta-analysis published in 2013 looked at the overall effect across various randomized controlled trials. From their summarized research finding across multiple various studies, they concluded shockwave therapy to be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis (4).
What Else Can Cause Plantar Fascia Pain?
There are a number of other possible causes of foot pain that can mimic plantar fasciitis. At MUV Therapy in Mississauga, we use the McKenzie Method to get to the root cause of the pain and determine which treatment options will lead to lasting, permanent changes in the problem. With the correct assessment and diagnosis, we can then determine the optimal treatment plan that treats the problem at its source.
Conclusion
Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition, but with the advancements in medical technology, there are now effective and minimally invasive treatments available. Shockwave therapy has emerged as a promising option for those seeking relief from the pain and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis. Its non-invasive nature, high success rate, and minimal side effects make it an attractive choice for many patients. If you're suffering from plantar fasciitis and looking for a treatment that can help you get back on your feet, consider discussing shockwave therapy with your healthcare provider. It could be the step towards pain-free feet that you've been searching for.
References:
Sun, J., Gao, F., Wang, Y., Sun, W., Jiang, B., & Li, Z. (2017). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is effective in treating chronic plantar fasciitis: A meta-analysis of RCTs. Medicine, 96(15).
Gollwitzer, H., Saxena, A., DiDomenico, L. A., Galli, L., Bouché, R. T., Caminear, D. S., ... & Gerdesmeyer, L. (2015). Clinically relevant effectiveness of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomized, controlled multicenter study. JBJS, 97(9), 701-708.
Rompe, J. D., Decking, J., Schoellner, C., & Nafe, B. (2003). Shock wave application for chronic plantar fasciitis in running athletes: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. The American journal of sports medicine, 31(2), 268-275.
Aqil, A., Siddiqui, M. R., Solan, M., Redfern, D. J., Gulati, V., & Cobb, J. P. (2013). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is effective in treating chronic plantar fasciitis: a meta-analysis of RCTs. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®, 471, 3645-3652.
