EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY (ESWT)

1 EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK WAVE THERAPY (ESWT)What Is ESWT? EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCK Wave THERAPY (ESWT) is a noninvasive surgicalprocedure that uses sound waves tostimulate healing in some physicaldisorders, including plantar fasciitis. EXTRACORPOREAL means outside ofthe body and refers to the way thetherapy is applied. Because there isno incision, ESWT offers two mainadvantages over traditional surgicalmethods: fewer potential complicationsand a faster return to normal has been used extensively forseveral years to treat plantar fasciitisand other Is Plantar Fasciitis?Plantar fasciitis is the most commonform of heel pain. This painful condition results from inflammationof the plantar fascia the connectivetissue that stretches from the heelbone, across the arch, and to the base of the toes.

2 Plantar fasciitis is sometimes also called heel spursyndrome when a spur (bony protrusion) is Is a Candidate for ESWT?ESWT may be considered as a therapeutic option for the patientwhose heel pain has not resolvedwith conservative measures include useof anti-inflammatory medications,steroid injections, ice packs, stretchingexercises, orthotic devices (shoeinserts), and physical patients should not betreated with ESWT. The procedure isnot appropriate for patients whohave a bleeding disorder or takemedications that may prolong bleedingor interfere with clotting. Your footand ankle surgeon will determine ifthe procedure is appropriate for youbased on your medical To Expect with ESWTIn preparation for ESWT, the foot andankle surgeon will instruct the patientto stop taking any anti-inflammatorymedications (for example, aspirin oribuprofen) for about five days beforethe procedure.

3 It is important toavoid these medications becausethey are known to prolong bleedingunder the surface of the is performed on an outpatientbasis, so it does not require anovernight stay in the hospital. Beforethe procedure begins the patient iscomfortably positioned and mayreceive local and/or sedation anes-thesia. The treatment may take up to 30 minutes per foot. During theprocedure sound waves penetrate theheel area and stimulate the healingresponse. Sometimes more than onesession is needed to adequately treatthe inflammation and reduce thepatient s the ProcedureThe surgeon may advise you to have someone drive you home afterthe procedure.

4 Other instructionsmay include: Rest and elevate the foot for theremainder of the day and night. Resume gentle stretching exercisesthe day following the procedure. Avoid taking any anti-inflammatorymedication, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, for up to 4 weeks after fasciaAchillestendon Avoid heavy lifting until the surgeonapproves resuming this activity. You may walk on the foot. Avoid running or excessive activity. Avoid going barefoot during thehealing process. Wear supportive shoes. In some cases, orthotic devices(shoe inserts) will be patients sometimes feelthey can return to normal activitiesright away, the surgeon will determinewhen that is appropriate for your situ-ation.

5 It is important to use cautionand follow the doctor s instructionsto avoid injuring the treated ESWT temporarily reduces or eliminates the sensation of pain,patients sometimes become tooactive too is very safe and effective,but every surgical procedure carriesthe possibility of complications. Inaddition to mild pain and tingling or numbness, bruising and swellingsometimes develop after ESWT. Therehave also been reports of rupture ofthe plantar fascia and damage to theblood vessels or in the FutureLike many other innovative non-invasive therapies, ESWT is an evolving technology. As the body of information on this technique continues to expand, the result willbe additional uses for ESWT that willbenefit more patients in the future.

6 This information has been prepared by the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot andAnkle Surgeons, a professional society of 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Members of the College are Doctors ofPodiatric Medicine who have received additional training through surgical residency mission of the College is to promote superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education,research and the promotion of the highest professional 2006, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons L. Cornell, DPM, FACFASARC Round Rock940 Hesters CrossingRound Rock TX 78681 Appointments: (512) 244-9024 Vikas Godhania, DPM, FACFASARC Far West Medical Tower6811 Austin Center 300 Austin TX 78731 Appointments: (512) 346-8888 Carlos Romero, DPM, FACFASARC South3816 S.

7 1st TX 78704 Appointments: (512) 443-1311 David Pytowski, DPM, FACFASARC Kyle Plum Creek4100 Everett 400 Kyle TX 78640 Appointments: (512) 295-1333 Also services: ARC Southwest1807 Slaughter LaneSuite 490 Austin, TX 78748 Appointments: (512)