Pain Laser & Shockwave

The Power of Shockwave Therapy: a Highly Effective Treatment for Pain 

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, a foot problem characterized by progressive pain, inflammation and microtears within the most powerful ligament of your body, you know the discomfort and the limitations this stubborn condition may cause. The affected ligament causes pain right under the heel bone and sometimes within the arch. Pain is worse especially at the very first steps following a prolonged period of rest (sleeping or sitting). Standing, walking or running for a few hours often worsen the symptoms. When conventional treatments are ineffective at minimizing symptoms and healing the plantar fascia, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) can be an excellent and powerful solution.

ESWT delivers waves of energy deep into the rigid plantar ligament. The energy will literally melt the scar tissue, remove the adherence sand restore flexibility. The shockwave therapy prompts the body’s natural healing response, replacing the damaged plantar fascia tissue with new, healthy tissue. As a result, the shock wave  treatment can reduce or eliminate the pain and symptoms associated with a plantar fasciitis or Achilles’ tendonitis conditions thus significantly improving the foot’s functioning.

Reasons for ESWT

Generally speaking, ESWT is recommended for individuals with plantar fasciitis or calcaneal tendonitis whose symptoms have become unmanageable. It is also recommended when the patient does not respond to custom-made orthotic devices as the first-line treatment to restore proper force transfer and to reduce the tension within the affected structures.  Many patients choose ESWT as a less-invasive alternative to cortisone injection or cryosurgery.

The ESWT Procedure

ESWT is first administered at a low level of intensity to anesthetize the irritated and inflamed nerve endings. The power is gradually increased – with the consent of the patient – until the optimal therapeutic level is reached. Five thousand impulses is to be delivered into the affected ligament or tendon.

If you have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis or Achilles’ tendonitis or are suffering from chronic arch or heel pain, contact your foot specialist to obtain more information on your treatment options, including extracorporeal shock wave therapy. With the help of a skilled Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Ottawa Foot Practice, you can enjoy improved foot functionality.

Laser Therapy: How it Works

Our pain and repair laser delivers complementary wavelengths and frequencies of light into areas of primary and secondary pain to encourage faster healing of injured or affected issues. This treatment has several effects:

• Repolarizing inflamed nerve endings to alleviate foot pain, often quickly after the first pain and repair laser session.
• Flooding damaged cells with energy and opening up arterial vessels to deliver more oxygen and nutrients, accelerating the repair process
• Activating venous and lymphatic circulation for a faster elimination of acidic, inflammatory by-products.

Our pain and repair laser protocol consists of four sessions delivered two times per week for two weeks. Most patients feel a noticeable improvement in their condition right after the very first session. This form of treatment is often prescribed as a stand-alone foot pain reduction procedure in cases of plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis that have been occurring for less than 3 months and are being or have just been starting to be addressed by orthotics.

If heel or foot pain has been affecting your mobility and/or quality of life, contact Ottawa Foot Clinic. Our team will conduct a full examination to discover the roots of your discomfort and recommend the right protocols to help you find comfort and regain confidence in your steps.

To schedule an appointment at our Deakin Street office, call us at 613-595-9700.