Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is used to treat chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis/heel spur syndrome). During this non-invasive surgical procedure, sonic waves are directed at the area of pain using a device similar to that currently used in non-surgical treatment of kidney stones."Extracorporeal" means "outside of the body," and refers to this non-invasive surgical procedure in which strong sound waves are directed at the area of heel pain.
During the usually brief procedure of about 30 minutes, performed under local anesthesia and/or "twilight" anesthesia, strong sound waves penetrate the heel area and stimulate a healing response by the body. An overnight hospital stay is not necessary since extracorporeal shock wave therapy is performed on and outpatient basis.
This therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for heel pain and only requires a very short recovery time, mainly due to the elimination of costly and invasive surgical procedures. Contact us today to receive more information or to discuss the treatment options for extracorporeal shock wave therapy.