|
|
New sound wave procedure effective in treating heel pain Heel pain is a very common problem that affects about 40 million Americans per year. People who stand a lot or sit and stand during the day, such as police officers, seem to be particularly susceptible to this common ailment, which is known as plantar fascitis. The condition is characterized by sharp pain, aching or stiffness on the bottom of the arches and heels. It seems to be worse after you wake up or after you sit down for an extended period of time, causing hobbling or limping for the first few steps before a comfortable stride can be resumed. Mild or severe pain can persist during walking or when standing. Plantar fascitis, or "heel spur syndrome," is seen most commonly in people who are on their feet or up-and-down all day, as well as athletes and people who are overweight. The pain originates directly under the heel bone at the level of the plantar fascia, a ligament that attaches the bases of all the toes to the calcaneus (the heel bone). Most cases are also characterized by inflammation and pulling and only some cases have a projection of bone growth, called a "spur," that can grow where the muscles of the foot attach to the bone. Typically, injury, overuse and mechanical causes bring about pain. However, there are other conditions that cause heel pain, such as gout, arthritis, psoriasis, collagen disorders, nerve injuries, heel bone abnormalties and tumors. Approximately 95 percent of our patients respond well to either one or more of the following conservative treatments: oral anti-inflammatories such as Motrin or Naprosyn: modification of shoe gear; stretching; injection therapy; over the counter inserts or custom-made biomechanical othotics. The other 5 percent of patients - who once went to surgery - now have an alternative known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). This FDA-approved procedure is used to treat chronic plantar fascitis and heel spur syndrome. Its technology is similar to that which is used to break up kidney stones. ESWT uses high-intensity sound waves in a non-surgical, high-tech method which boasts a tremendous success rate, according to studies. It is only considered after conservative treatment fails and several pain is present for six months or longer. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital. Anesthetic is used. It usually takes about one to six weeks for the pain to begin subsiding and 12 weeks for the pain to completely abate. Relatively few patients - about 10 percent - require a second treatment. Dt. Klein is a Board-Certified Podiatrist who works out of many Detroit metropolitan-area health care facilities, including Providence Hospital and Medical Centers, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, North Oakland Medical Center, St. John's Oakland, Huron Valley/Sinai Hospitals and Kern Hospital. He has offices in Waterford Township (248-681-6180). Oak Park (248-548-6717) and Novi. He belongs to the BC/BS & PPOM networks. |
|