Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive, non-surgical method commonly used by podiatrists to reduce heel pain. Contrary to its somewhat intimidating name, ESWT does not send any electricity into the body (you can breathe a sigh of relief now); it actually uses a device that delivers high-energy pulses via pneumatics (air pressure) into the body’s tissues. ESWT is commonly used to treat various foot problems including plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and Achilles tendonitis.
Who would benefit from ESWT?
ESWT is often used on patients who have chronic heel pain and have tried various traditional forms of therapy such as pain medications, orthotics, physiotherapy, or injections, but with little success. The great thing about ESWT is that it requires no medication, no anesthesia, no surgery, and no injections, so it can be used on a wide range of patients with virtually no side effects or complications. In fact, the only thing that could possibly be considered a “side effect” of ESWT is a little warmth, tingling or slight numbness in the treated area, but this goes away within minutes after being treated.
ESWT: The Procedure
In a typical ESWT procedure, a non-invasive probe is placed on the skin (over a layer of gel) in order to “target” the affected area. An electrical charge is then created that sends low- or high-energy waves to the area of concern. This stimulates the tissue in the affected area, improving blood flow and essentially encouraging the body to heal itself. The procedure is typically more effective when the patient is actively involved, letting the therapist know whether they’re hitting the target or not.
Does ESWT Really Work?
Thousands of patients have reported positive results from ESWT, but as can be expected, not everyone’s experience will be the same. Every person’s medical condition is different, and while one person may only need one or two ESWT sessions to see significant results, another person may require several sessions to receive the full benefit from this treatment. If you’re experiencing heel pain due to plantar fasciitis or bone spurs, or if you have other debilitating foot problems, talk to your podiatrist to find out the best treatment path for your particular situation.