Extracoporeal Shockwave Therapy (ECSWT) is now available at Eastern Foot Care

This treatment delivers high energy acoustic waves to an injured area. ECSWT has long been established in the treatment of a variety of chronic soft tissue conditions including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, ITB syndrome and shin splints.

Mechanism of Action:

• Increases blood flow which stimulates metabolic activity

• Breaks up thickened tissue
• Increases cell regeneration which promotes active healing

• Reduces pain by decreasing levels of substance P (neuropeptide involved in the sensation of pain.

ECSWT has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a safe and effective treatment. The effect of this therapy appears cumulative, meaning patients often experience further improvement weeks after completion of the final session.

The Procedure

ECSWT is a non invasive treatment. Your podiatrist will locate the painful area by palpation and contact gel will be applied here. The applicator is then held against the skin and shockwaves applied. The session will take approximately 10minutes to complete and sessions are spaced 1-2 weeks apart. For most patients 3 sessions are sufficient however this will vary depending on response to treatment.

Research

A study conducted in 2002 demonstrated the effectiveness of ECSWT in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. At the one year follow up 75% of patients were complaint free, 19% were significantly better and 6% were mildly better (Huang & Wang, 2002). In 2009 a literature review examined the use of ECSWT for patellar tendinopathy. It concluded that this treatment was beneficial for pain and function (Akker-Scheek, Leeuwen & Zweryer, 2009). The effect of ECSWT on Achilles tendinopathy was also explored in 2009. 73% of patients reported satisfaction with the treatment when contacted 6 months after their final session (Ferretti, Trischitta, Trovato, Vetrano & Vulpiani, 2009).

Speak to one of our podiatrists if you wish to learn more about extracorporeal shockwave therapy. They can provide you with further information and determine if you are eligible for this treatment.  

References:

Akker-Scheek, Leeuwen & Zweryer. (2009). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for patellar tendinopathy: a review of the literature. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 43:163-168

Assili, Borowsky, Buren, Heyman, Kline, LeMay, Malay, Pressman & York. (2006). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus placebo for the treatment of chronic proximal plantar fasciitis: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, multicenter intervention trial. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 45(4):196-210.

Borrelli, Roukis & Weil. (2002). Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis: indications, protocol, intermediate results, and a comparison of results to fasciotomy. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 41(3):166-72.

Ferretti, Trischitta, Trovato, Vetrano & Vulpiani. (2009). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in Achilles tendinopathy. A long-term follow-up observational study. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 49: 171-176.

Huang & Wang. (2002). Shockwave therapy for patients with plantar fasciitis: a one-year follow-up study. Foot Ankle International. 23(3):204-7.