How Shockwave Therapy Helps Plantar Fasciitis

Whether you’re a daily walker, marathon runner, or just stand on your feet for many hours a day for work, you may experience plantar fasciitis at some point. This common condition can affect anyone and it revolves around repetitive stress, bringing about discomfort and pain.

What Is It?

Plantar fasciitis is associated with the inflammation of the connective tissue underneath the foot. The bottom of the foot houses large ligaments and tendons that form the arch of the foot. These tendons and ligaments create support for the foot. However, over time, because of repetitive stress and micro-traumas, these tissues can become irritated and inflamed, leading to plantar fasciitis.

The Role of Blood Flow

The connective tissue in our foot is relatively thick, and driving blood flow into this tissue is essential for healing. Typically, tendons and ligaments are slow to heal due to their low blood flow compared to other body parts like skin. This condition becomes more pronounced as we age, with bodily processes slowing down. Thus, enhancing blood flow to these tissues can expedite their healing process.

Therapies to Address Plantar Fasciitis

Treating plantar fasciitis often involves stretching exercises, which aim to open up the tissue, improve circulation, and increase movement. However, an innovative treatment method known as Shockwave therapy is gaining traction for its effectiveness in speeding up the healing process.

Despite what the name might suggest, shockwave therapy, also referred to as extracorporeal therapy or pulse-activation therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves. It’s not an electrical treatment. The therapy involves directing sound waves deep into your tissue to stimulate circulation, speeding up the healing process.