Plantar fasciitis is a condition where the plantar fascia becomes inflamed, resulting in pain on the bottom of the foot, usually near the heel. Inflammation of the plantar fascia is typically a result of over use or repetitive strain, and often becomes painful with activities such as taking your first steps in the morning, walking up stairs, walking for long periods of time, running or jumping.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to create localised micro trauma at the plantar fascia, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process. This facilitates the creation of new blood vessels for improved blood flow, the breakdown of scar tissue, increased collagen production, reduced inflammation, decreased pain and increased function.
Shockwave may be a particularly good option for those with chronic plantar fasciitis that may have had little response to other treatments. It is important to note that the effectiveness of Shockwave therapy may vary between patients, and is likely to be influenced by the cause, duration and severity of symptoms.
Written by
Dr. Christie Callender, Chiropractor at Beyond Self, Dee Why
Dr. David Reading, Chiropractor at Beyond Self, Dee Why
Dr. Maddy Szalay, Chiropractor at Beyond Self, Dee Why
References:
Zhang X, Liu X, Chen X, et al. (2020) Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 15(1):34.
Li, X., et al. (2018). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for patients with plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, 11(1), 1-11.