Shockwave Therapy in Montgomery County

Non-Invasive Treatment for Your Chronic Heel Pain

Plantar Fascia Shockwave therapy is used to treat chronic heel pain syndrome, as well as other tendonitis conditions. Utilizing therapeutic pressure waves directed at the area of pain, our Montgomery County podiatrists can stimulate healing and reduce pain or inflammation in the affected area. If you are suffering from debilitating heel pain, shockwave therapy may be the perfect treatment for you.

Shockwave therapy offers many benefits including:

Non-Invasiveness: You can skip the open surgery or lengthy therapy sessions with this procedure.
Simplicity: Patients can often return to a normal lifestyle with just one treatment session.
Quick Recovery: Enjoy a short recovery period while dealing with very few side effects.
Effectiveness: Our patients often see a permanent reduction in inflammation and pain.

Heel Spur Don’t let chronic heel pain control your life. Our expert podiatrists are ready to help you relieve the pain and inflammation in your heel using our easy and effective shockwave therapy treatment. Call us today at (301) 330-5666 if you would like to learn more about shockwave therapy!

What is ESWT?

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, or ESWT, treats chronic heel pain syndrome (Plantar Fasciitis) and other tendonitis conditions. It is a non-invasive procedure in which therapeutic pressure waves are directed at the area of pain. In the case of chronic heel pain, energy is transmitted through electro-magnetic shockwaves and are directed at the plantar fascia, the ligament running along the bottom of the foot. The shockwaves stimulate a healing response in the affected non-healing tissue. The result is a reduction in inflammation and pain from the affected ligament.

Patients experience a short recovery period, often with few or no side effects. Most patients experience relief from the pain right away, but for others, the full results from a single treatment may be experienced in one to three months. Results typically last forever.

Our participating podiatrists and orthopedists utilize our Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) services for a variety of podiatric and orthopedic ailments, including plantar fasciitis. To learn more about Shockwave Therapy, click here.

Frequent Questions about EWST

What is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or ESWT?

ESWT is a new procedure used to treat chronic heel pain syndrome and other tendonitis conditions. It is a non-invasive procedure in which therapeutic pressure waves are directed at the area of pain. The technology has been used in the successful treatment of hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide. One of the advantages of ESWT is that the risks associated with open surgery may be avoided.

What can be expected when a patient has ESWT?

ESWT is a non-invasive procedure and is performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure lasts approximately 30 – 45 minutes. During the treatment, the physician targets and directs therapeutic pressure waves to the affected area. The benefits of the treatment may take from one to three months to be fully effective. Dr. Sherman will schedule continued care visits and post-ESWT continuance therapy.

Is the ESWT procedure painful?

Prior to treatment, local anesthesia is administered to make the patient more comfortable. Afterward, there may be temporary discomfort.

What happens after the procedure?

The ESWT procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. Each patient is required to have a designated driver or guardian. Patients should be able to return to normal daily activities after a brief recuperative period. Consultation with Dr. Sherman will clarify any post-ESWT limitations or specifics that may apply to your case. Dr. Sherman will schedule continued care visits and post-ESWT continuance therapy.

Does insurance cover the treatment? Are there any other payment options?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is gaining acceptance in the United States by major insurance carriers. Patients should request coverage for this therapy through Dr. Sherman’s office or by directly contacting their insurance carrier to determine reimbursement. Direct patient payment and procedure financing may also be available.

Who is eligible for ESWT?

Generally, candidates for ESWT include patients with chronic heel pain syndrome or other tendonitis conditions in which the pain has lasted for more than several months without responding to conservative therapies such as strengthening exercises, stretching, massage, splints, taping, cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications.

What are the major advantages of ESWT (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Technology) vs. older open heel pain surgery?

There is no cutting with this procedure. There are no major complications that you could get with ESWT surgery.
Healing time with ESWT is 1,000 times faster. Heel spur surgery can take six months or more to heal.
There is no risk of permanent nerve damage or joint damage to the foot with ESWT.
No loss of time from work, which can occur with older open type heel spur surgery.
With heel spur surgery, you can have severe post-operative pain. This doesn’t happen with ESWT.
“The most important reason to have ESWT over surgery is that you can replace the money but you can’t replace the complications that possibly could occur with surgery.”