Patients suffering from the chronic pain of plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis finally have treatment options that may offer lasting pain relief. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy and platelet rich plasma injections are minimally invasive solutions that promise relief without the pain and lengthy recovery of surgery. This comes as welcome news to the many plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis sufferers who are frustrated with over-the-counter treatments but unwilling to undergo invasive surgery.
The first pain relief treatment for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis is extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or ESWT. With over a 90% success rate in symptom reduction, this form of therapy works by applying targeted concussion sound waves directly to the painful area. These sound waves help to rebuild the damaged cells, creating a faster recovery time with minimal side effects. The ESWT procedure typically lasts less than 30 minutes.
If the waves aren’t your thing, then there is the option of platelet rich plasma injection therapy, which stimulates the inflammatory response and jump starts the healing process. Platelets contain bioactive proteins and growth factors which are important for tissue repair and healing. In some cases, patients are placed in a walking boot with a heel lift for two weeks after the injection. After the procedure, patients are urged to continue a stretching therapy as soon as they can tolerate it. While the procedure can be somewhat painful, the results last up to several months.
Many plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis sufferers put off seeing a podiatrist, instead trying one over-the-counter treatment after another. The problem with this approach is that problems can worsen and become more difficult to treat over time. While primary care physicians can diagnose some common foot ailments, a podiatrist is always the best choice for an accurate diagnosis and specialized foot care.
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy and platelet rich plasma injections are just two of the innovative treatment options offered by Ankle & Foot Centers of America. Our skilled physicians are always looking for ways to keep our patients in motion. If you’ve been suffering from the pain of plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis but want to avoid surgery, make an appointment to learn which minimally invasive yet effective treatment is right for you.
