Millions of people around the world suffer every day from chronic heel pain. Several things can cause heel pain, but one of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis. This can be extremely painful and make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods.

At Health Expressions, we take chronic pain seriously. If you suffer from heel pain or plantar fasciitis and you are searching for shockwave therapy Rochester, NY, or shockwave therapy Rockville, MD, call (301) 244-4717 to book an appointment at Health Expressions.

CAUSES OF HEEL AND FOOT PAIN

Persistent heel pain can present itself in many different ways. It can be sharp, dull, or burning. It can be constant or come and go. There are different causes of heel pain, but plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and chronic tendinopathy are the most common. 

Heel spur pain is caused by a calcium deposit that builds up on the heel bone over time. This can be extremely painful and make it difficult to walk or stand.

The plantar fascia is a ligament that extends from the heel to the toes. It supports and protects the foot by absorbing shock. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this ligament becomes irritated or inflamed. This can be caused by overuse, injury, or even wearing shoes that don’t support the foot properly. 

Chronic tendinopathy is a long-term injury or irritation of the tendons in the foot. The tendons are the tough, fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. This type of heel pain is usually caused by overuse, such as running or playing sports.

SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Plantar fasciitis has a few symptoms, but heel pain is the most common. This pain is usually worse in the morning or after sitting for long periods. The pain can also be worse after exercise because the plantar fascia is being used more than usual. 

Other symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:

• Stiffness in the heel
• Swelling in the heel
• Redness in the heel

SHOCKWAVE THERAPY FOR HEEL PAIN AND CHRONIC PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Health Expressions uses extracorporeal shock wave therapy to treat heel and foot pain. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free, pain relief treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate the healing process. If physical therapy or medications have not helped, shockwave therapy is a great alternative to invasive surgery. 

The sound waves help to increase blood supply to the area, which helps to reduce inflammation and scar tissue. Shock waves trigger the body’s natural healing process to promote the healing of inflamed and damaged tissue. Shockwave therapy also helps stimulate osteoblasts and fibroblasts, which are needed to heal connective tissues and help with bone healing.

The Procedure

Shockwave therapy is a quick and easy, non-invasive procedure that can be done in our office. A gel will be applied to your skin, and a hand-held device will deliver the acoustic sound waves deep into the foot and heel soft tissue. You may feel a tingling or throbbing sensation during the treatment, but it is generally easily tolerated. The treatment session only takes about 10 minutes and you can return to your normal activities right after treatment. 

What To Expect After the Procedure

After the treatment, you will feel increased circulation and blood flow and may feel some soreness in the treated area. This is normal and should go away within a few days. You may also have some bruising or swelling but this is rare. Again, this is normal and should resolve within a few days. 

You will likely need to have 3-6 treatments. Some patients notice a reduction in pain right after treatment. But in some cases, it may take longer before results are seen.

Am I a Good Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment for heel pain. However, it is not right for everyone. You may not be a good candidate for shockwave therapy if you are pregnant, have a history of cancer in that area, or have an active infection in the treated area.

FOOT PAIN PREVENTION

Although heel pain can be treated with shock waves and other methods, it can often be prevented with simple lifestyle changes. These include:

• Wear shoes that fit properly and support the foot. This is especially important if you are on your feet a lot or play sports. Orthotics can also help to support the foot and relieve stress on the plantar fascia.
• Stretch. Stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can help to prevent plantar fasciitis.
• Rest. If you are experiencing heel pain, it is important to rest the foot as much as possible. This will give the tissue time to heal.
• Ice. Applying ice to the affected area can help to reduce pain and inflammation after playing sports or running.
• Avoid high heels. High heels can put extra strain on the plantar fascia and lead to heel pain.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight can put extra strain on the feet and lead to heel pain. By maintaining a regular exercise schedule, you can help keep your weight under control and prevent heel issues.

BAXTER’S NERVE ENTRAPMENT

The Baxter’s nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve that runs down the back of the leg. The Baxter’s nerve can become entrapped or irritated, causing pain in the heel or ankle. Nerve entrapment can be caused by overuse, injury, or wearing shoes that are too tight. Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for heel pain caused by Baxter’s nerve entrapment. The sound waves help to increase blood flow to the area, this can help to relieve pain and promote healing. 

Symptoms of Baxter nerve entrapment include: 

• Heel pain
• Ankle pain
• Burning or tingling sensation in the foot

Alternative Treatments for Heel Pain

While shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for heel pain, other options are available; these include:

• Plantar fasciitis night splints. Night splints stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon while you sleep. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroid injections. Corticosteroid injections can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy. A physical therapist can help you strengthen the muscles and tendons around the foot, which can help to prevent heel pain.
• Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to release the plantar fascia or remove a bone spur.

HELP FOR HEEL PAIN IN ROCHESTER NY

Do you want your active life back? If you are experiencing heel pain, the team at Health Expressions can help. If you are searching for shockwave Rochester, NY, or in Rockville, MD come see us today. We offer various treatment options for heel pain, including shockwave therapy to help fix heel and foot issues.

Don’t let heel pain keep you from living your life. If you are searching for shockwave therapy near me, call today to schedule an appointment at (301) 244-4717 or complete the online booking form. We can help you get back on your feet in no time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If plantar fasciitis goes untreated, the condition can worsen and become more difficult to treat. In severe cases, plantar fasciitis can lead to chronic heel pain that interferes with daily activities.