Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that comes from a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes.
Initial treatment includes rest, icing, activity modification, heel lifts, gel heel cushions, arch supports, night splints, and anti-inflammatory medications. X-rays or an MRI scan may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
SoftWave Therapy
SoftWave Therapy (or ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses patented technology to unlock the body’s innate healing potential. It involves delivering unfocused shockwaves to damaged tissues, increasing blood flow and encouraging cellular repair. This process helps reduce pain and promote long-term healing.
This is in contrast to other treatments that may only provide temporary relief, such as steroid injections. Moreover, SoftWave Therapy is a highly effective solution for those with plantar fasciitis, owing to the fact that it addresses the root cause of the condition rather than simply masking the symptoms.
The treatment’s regenerative effects also help stimulate the body’s own stem cells to migrate to the inflamed area and initiate the healing process. This in turn helps to prevent further damage and ensures that the injured tissue receives adequate nutrients.
SoftWave Therapy is a quick and convenient procedure that can be performed in the comfort of our office. The session typically lasts less than 30 minutes and does not require the use of any drugs or injections. This makes it a great option for those who are unable or unwilling to undergo more invasive surgery.
If you are interested in learning more about the regenerative effects of SoftWave therapy, please feel free to contact us today for further information or to schedule an appointment. We are committed to helping you reach your wellness goals and can’t wait to see what a difference this innovative treatment can make in your life!
Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT)
EPAT, also known as shockwave therapy, is an effective plantar fasciitis treatment Canberra and other foot and ankle injuries. This noninvasive, office-based procedure delivers acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in injured tissue. Often called EPAT, this advanced technology has undergone extensive clinical testing and offers favorable results without the risks of surgery or infection.
During a session, the healthcare provider locates the area of pain or injury, and then applies an applicator with coupling gel to the skin. The acoustic pressure waves are then delivered through the hand-held applicator, stimulating metabolism and boosting blood circulation to break up scar tissue, reducing inflammation and speeding up the healing process.
The acoustic pressure waves cause small microtraumas to the affected soft tissue. These microtraumas are similar to the way a bruise heals, and they help enhance the body’s natural ability to regenerate damaged tissue. When the scar tissue is broken up, the patient can experience significant pain relief and improved function.
Patients with chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis or other causes may benefit from a series of EPAT sessions, which are typically performed over three weeks. After a few treatments, the majority of our patients report significant pain reduction and return to their regular activities. A board-certified podiatrist has a deep understanding of how to effectively treat plantar fasciitis, including heel pain treatment Canberra. They are committed to helping you find the treatment that works best for your specific condition.
PRP Injections
Platelet rich plasma, or PRP, injections utilize the natural healing properties of your own body to stimulate the repair and regeneration of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. This regenerative treatment has been effective in reducing pain, as well as improving function and mobility for patients with conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
During the procedure, a small sample of blood is taken from your arm. The sample is then run through a centrifuge to separate out the different components of your blood, including red and white blood cells, plasma and platelets. The platelets are then concentrated to up to 8 times their normal quantity and then mixed into a liquid base of blood plasma that is then injected directly into the affected area under ultrasound guidance.
Once injected, the platelets release growth factors that promote tissue repair and increase blood flow to the area which can help to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. The treatment is highly effective, and multiple studies have shown that it can produce significant pain relief and improvement in functional mobility for up to a year or more.
PRP injections are nonsurgical, minimally invasive, and require no downtime. However, patients who receive the treatments will likely need to make some lifestyle adjustments in order to support the healing process such as incorporating more foot exercises and avoiding high-impact activities.
Tenex Procedure
Tendons are the bands of tissue that connect muscle to bones, allowing you to bend, walk and jump. When they become damaged, you may experience pain and reduced mobility in the affected joint. If other treatment options such as injection therapies and ice application do not provide adequate relief, your doctor may recommend surgery, The most common surgery for plantar fasciitis is called a “plantar fasciotomy.” During this procedure, the surgeon makes an approximately 1.5-inch incision in the heel to release the tension in the plantar fascia.
In contrast, the Tenex Procedure is a minimally invasive surgical option that uses ultrasound imaging and a patented device to break up scar tissue and stimulate healing without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. This technology allows for a quicker recovery than conventional surgery, with most patients experiencing a return to normal activity within 6-8 weeks or less.
The procedure can be performed in the office under local anesthesia or in a specialized surgical center with mild sedation, if desired. During the process, the doctors insert a small proprietary probe into the area of damage using ultrasound guidance for precise placement. This probe is able to break up and suction away the scar tissue, while ensuring no damage occurs to the healthy tendon tissue around it. The incision is then closed with a simple adhesive bandage, leaving no need for stitches.
