The Latest Treatment

Extracorporal Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is the newest non-invasive artillery in the battle against plantar fasciitis bridging the gap between traditional conservative therapies and surgical intervention. Originating in Germany, it was initially employed in the treatment of kidney stones. Physicians have since found use in cases of heel pain, even though the exact theory as to why it relieves plantar fasciitis is still unknown. Like most new technologies, insurance companies are slow to pay for this modality and the out-of-pocket cost is prohibitive for most patients. As more research is done and the cost to patients drops, ESWT will likely find its niche-in fact, some doctors believe ESWT will render heel pain surgery obsolete.