Patient Education
We believe that informed patients are better equipped to make decisions regarding their health and well being. For your personal use, we have created an extensive patient library covering an array of educational topics. Browse through these diagnoses and treatments to learn more about topics of interest to you. Or, for a more comprehensive search of our entire web site, enter your term(s) in the search bar provided.
What is a Podiatrist?
When To Call a Podiatrist
Foot Anatomy
Overview of Foot and Ankle Problems
Basic Foot Care Guidelines
Foot Problems
Achilles Problems
Ankle Problems
Arch and Ball Problems
Common Foot Injuries
Deformities
Diabetes and Your Feet
Diseases of the Foot
Fungus Problems
Heel Problems
Nail Problems
Skin Problems
Toe Problems
Vascular/Nerve Problems
Medical Care
Diagnostic Procedures
Orthotics
Pain Management
Surgical Procedures
Therapies
Fitness and Your Feet
General Information About Fitness and Your Feet
Exercise Those Toes!
Aerobics
Fitness And Your Feet
Sports and Your Feet
Stretching
Walking and Your Feet
Work Footwear
Foot Care
Basic Foot Care Guidelines
Athletic Foot Care
Blisters
Children's Feet
Corns and Calluses
Diabetic Foot Care
Exercise Those Toes!
Foot Care For Seniors
Foot Self-Exam
Pedicures
Self-Assessment Quiz
Women's Feet
Fungus Problems
Foot Odor and Smelly Feet
Shoes
Anatomy of a Shoe
Athletic Shoe Guidelines
Children's Shoes
Corrective and Prescription Shoes
What To Look For
Getting a Proper Fit
Men's Shoes
Women's Shoes
Your Footprint
Wear Patterns
Links
Government
Associations/Groups
Online Resources
As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is used to treat chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis). "Extracorporeal" means "outside of the body." During this noninvasive procedure, sonic waves are directed at the area of pain using a device similar to that currently used in nonsurgical treatment of kidney stones.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is prescribed for patients who have experienced plantar fasciitis for an extended period of time -- six months or more -- and have not benefited from other conservative treatments. The brief procedure lasts about 30 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia and/or "twilight" anesthesia. Strong sound waves are directed at and penetrate the heel area to stimulate a healing response by the body. ESWT is performed on an outpatient basis. Although there are no bandages, someone will need to drive the patient home.
People who are not candidates for ESWT include pregnant women and individuals with neurological foot disease, vascular foot disease, pacemakers, or people taking medications that interfere with blood clotting (such as Coumadin).
This therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for heel pain and only requires a short recovery time. Clinical studies show a 70 percent success rate for treatment of plantar fasciitis using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy.