Treating chronic pain with no downtime

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is the latest non-invasive, non-surgical, FDA cleared breakthrough procedure used to cure chronic plantar fasciitis, heel spur reduction, acute and chronic Achilles tendonitis. Performs best on people with chronic conditions that did not respond to conservative traditional therapy.

Our practice now specializes in the latest, cutting-edge technologies for podiatric care and when traditional therapies fail, we offer our patients the latest  non-surgical option: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. Below are some frequently asked questions about this treatment and how it works.

What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)?

ESWT is a non-invasive treatment for pain relief that uses acoustic shockwaves to break up scar tissue and adhesions and stimulate the body’s healing process. Using a hand-held device, the foot doctor sends targeted, high energy shock waves into the damaged tissue. These waves stimulate metabolism and improve blood circulation, which eventually leads to healing. Over time ESWT helps promote healthy tissue and blood vessel generation. Treatment sessions usually take about 10-15 minutes. Typically, 3-5 treatment sessions at weekly intervals are required.

Are ESWT treatments painful?

ESWT is performed right in our office. Discomfort is usually minimal.  Patients go home right after treatment. They can bear weight immediately and return fully to normal activities within a few days of the procedure with no real downtime.

Are there any side effects or risks associated with ESWT?

ESWT is FDA approved and has been proven safe in numerous clinical studies in tests. It is widely used around the world and is considered a low-risk treatment. There can be complications if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, or are taking certain medications. Be sure to answer all your doctor’s questions accurately before beginning treatment. The most common side effects are mild redness, minor bruising, or swelling after treatment.

How effective is ESWT?

ESWT is the most advanced and effective non-invasive treatment method approved by the FDA for these types of conditions. ESWT has been shown to be successful in relieving pain in as many as 80% of cases. Your results will depend on your specific condition. If you are suffering from heel spurs, plantar fasciitis or tendonitis pain, contact our office and ask our doctors if this method of treatment could be right for you

Author

Dr. Scott Carrington Scott Carrington, DPM, is a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon restoring mobility in patients throughout the community of Castle Rock, Colorado, at Castle Rock Foot & Ankle Care. A highly skilled clinician, Dr.Carrington specializes in trauma, foot and ankle reconstruction, sports medicine, arthroscopy, cartilage restorations, and total ankle replacements. A native of Colorado, he attended Cherry Creek high school and went on to complete his undergraduate studies at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He received his medical degree from Des Moines University College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines, Iowa. As part of his education, Dr. Carrington completed a competitive scientific research fellowship in which he performed more than 300 hours of research. Dr. Carrington returned to Denver for residency training at the highly competitive Highlands Presbyterian/St. Lukes hospital program for Podiatric Medicine and Surgery. He then went on to complete a rigorous fellowship for foot and