Heel Pain:
Getting to Know Plantar Fasciitis |
Matthew C. Dairman, DPM MS
North Colorado Medical Center
Greeley, CO |
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.
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