A heel spur is a common disease of the heel bone in which a bone growth forms on the heel bone. In the medical literature, this name refers to plantar fasciitis (exostosis). The causes of pathology may be:
The disease develops in 18% of women and is often diagnosed in runners.
This pathology is characterized by the presence of pain. Pain syndrome comes in varying degrees of severity. Its characteristic feature is that the intensity of pain increases after a night's sleep and long rest (due to inactivity of the leg), as well as long walking and excessive physical activity on the legs. When pressing directly on the heel, patients feel a sharp, sharp pain.
Typically, diagnosing heel spurs does not cause any difficulties. The doctor makes this diagnosis based on clinical manifestations (patient complaints of pain, visual examination of the foot) and X-ray data. Upon examination, there are calluses in the area where the spur is located. When palpating this area, acute pain occurs.
An x-ray of the foot shows a spur, which looks like a hook-shaped or awl-shaped growth in the area of the posterior or lower surface of the tubercle of the heel bone. An alternative to x-ray examination is MRI, which clearly visualizes the condition of the bones, ligaments, muscles and fascia of the foot. It is MRI that reveals thickening of the fascia in the disease up to 6–10 mm. Normally, the aponeurosis should be no more than 4 mm. MRI is also used for the differential diagnosis of damage to cartilage tissue, Achilles tendon and heel spurs. In some cases, ultrasound of the foot is used, but it is used more often to monitor the dynamics of the disease during its treatment.
The treatment method for heel spurs is selected by the doctor individually. It depends on the size of the spur and the intensity of symptoms. But in any case, even if the signs are not pronounced, the pathology must be treated. Otherwise, the bone can grow, reach large sizes, and injure surrounding tissues.
Orthopedic doctors treat heel spurs. In some cases, combination therapy is prescribed: several treatment methods are used.
Conservative therapy is a long-term process aimed at reducing pain, removing local swelling and inflammation, improving blood supply and strengthening the muscles of the foot.
You can find out detailed information about the treatment of heel spurs or make an appointment with the specialists of the OncoStop center by calling: +7 (495) 215-00-49, 8 (800) 5-000-983.
Heel spurs are a fairly common disease, the main symptom of which is severe pain. Some people endure it for years, trying more and more new folk remedies, however, relief does not come. If you feel pain in the heel area, do not waste time, immediately contact Professor Gorbakov’s clinic for a UVT session. Shock wave therapy is a relatively new non-invasive method of treating pathological conditions of the musculoskeletal system, including heel spurs. Our specialists have extensive experience in conducting UVT and are ready to offer their services to you.
Plantar fasciitis is a fairly common condition. Plantar pain occurs when excessive stress is placed on the plantar fascia insertion. The disease has a multifactorial etiology and develops as a result of constant mechanical overstrain of the plantar aponeurosis. This leads to periodic microtrauma of the plantar fascia and subsequent tissue inflammation.
Patients complain of pain that constantly increases and has a significant impact on the heel's ability to bear weight. A characteristic symptom is the appearance of pain immediately after getting up in the morning or some time later without putting any weight on the heel. After a few steps, this pain usually subsides or disappears. The pain is described as severe, sharp and stabbing. Patients may also complain of pain that occurs with physical activity and subsides if the leg is at rest.
If you have discovered the following pathological conditions, then if you experience sharp, unexplained pain in the heel area, immediately contact the specialists of Professor Gorbakov’s clinic:
The most common combination of symptoms is obesity and flat feet. If the patient also suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, this further increases the risk of plantar fasciitis.
Heel spurs are usually fairly easy to diagnose. To do this, it is enough for an experienced specialist to examine the patient’s limb and listen to him regarding the nature of the pain that occurs. Already at this stage, an appropriate diagnosis can be made.
When carrying out differential diagnosis, it is necessary to exclude the following pathologies:
An x-ray may be taken as confirmation. Often, x-rays reveal plantar fasciitis, characterized by a specific x-ray picture or simply a bone growth, sometimes even in those patients who do not experience any discomfort.
In this case, it is recommended to carry out preventive treatment to eliminate risk factors that can cause pain.
In order to determine how much inflammation has affected nearby soft tissues, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound examination of the foot.
Previously, a surgical method was widely used to treat heel spurs, however, it was characterized by sufficient trauma, a long period of rehabilitation and did not always lead to the complete disappearance of pain in the heel area. Currently, shock wave therapy is used to treat heel spurs.
Shock wave therapy for heel spurs is the latest treatment method using acoustic (shock) waves of a certain frequency generated using a special device. This method was initially used to non-surgically crush kidney and gallstones (lithotripsy) and was noted to have positive effects on bones, muscles and joints. This “side effect” served as an impetus for the subsequent widespread use of ultraviolet therapy in the field of traumatology, orthopedics and sports medicine.
The mechanism of action of the shock wave is based on the different resistance of body tissues (muscles, cartilage, bone), which allows the impulse to spread in soft tissues without damaging them and have a direct therapeutic effect on bone and cartilage tissue.
The effects of shockwave therapy can be divided into early (immediately after the procedure) and delayed (during the treatment period):
Thus, extracorporeal shock wave therapy has significant advantages over conservative or surgical methods, providing pronounced therapeutic effects, allowing the patient to receive treatment without changing their usual lifestyle and avoid long-term postoperative rehabilitation.
Contraindications to the use of the method are:
In most cases, shock wave therapy is well tolerated by patients, without causing discomfort or disrupting the usual rhythm of life;
Specialists at Professor Gorbakov’s clinic will offer you the most effective methods for treating heel spurs. Extensive experience in treating this pathology allows us to select adequate therapy and refrain from surgical intervention.
Shock wave therapy for heel spurs is a method of treating injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system using extracorporeal short-term effects on bone and connective tissue with acoustic pulses of the infrasound spectrum.
What to do if treating a heel spur at home does not give the desired result? Ointments, creams, compresses only alleviated the situation, but the activity of the limbs is still minimized? Modern medicine recommends turning to one of the safe and effective methods - crushing the heel spur with UHT therapy.
Shock wave therapy for spurs is performed using devices that create shock-acoustic waves of a certain infrasonic frequency (set by a sensor). They penetrate the skin, ligaments, muscles and destroy crystals of calcium salts, which cause pain and discomfort.
The advantage of therapy is the blocking of nerve impulse signals from the affected area of the heel to the cerebral cortex, which promotes pain relief during the session.
The treatment method is based on regular procedures, the number of which is determined by the attending physician according to the level of complexity of the disease. In addition, shock wave therapy for heel spurs leads to the following progress:
Treatment of plantar fasciitis with shock wave therapy depends on the characteristics of the body, but each session should be limited to 3000 pulses with a peak pressure of 4 atmospheres.
Indications for UVT are problems with the musculoskeletal system, for example, plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the fascia - the dense connective tissue connecting the heel bone and phalanges) or heel spur (bone growth).
It is important to know that the symptoms of a spur on the heel are the reasons for a mandatory visit to an orthopedist, who, according to the indicators of pain syndrome, localization of the disease and contraindications, will prescribe a certain number of sessions, intensity of impulses, number of days of the recovery period and additional tests that help determine the disease in a broader perspective. The latest examination includes:
Treatment of plantar fasciitis with shock wave therapy or heel bone therapy does not require special medical conditions, that is, hospitalization. The procedure is carried out in a separate room, where the patient sits comfortably on a couch and relaxes. During this time, the specialist adjusts the device, adjusting the session according to the individual characteristics of the body. A conductor gel is applied to the skin, which enhances the effect of sound waves, and then sensors are installed that can send from 1 to 3 thousand therapeutic impulses to the diseased area (depending on the size of the bone tumor).
Treatment of spurs with shock wave therapy, which also has contraindications, consists of 3–7 sessions, lasting up to half an hour. To restore tissue, a break of 4 to 7 days is taken between procedures.
Although the removal of heel spurs using shock wave therapy is considered a relatively painless treatment, after the first few sessions there is a pronounced pain syndrome, with a gradual increasing effect. Starting from 3–4 sessions, physical suffering decreases, motor activity normalizes, mood and general condition of the body improves.
According to experts, percussion therapy for heel spurs is effective in 80–95% of cases. Sometimes, it replaces planned surgical operations and completely eliminates the disease.
Treatment of heel spurs with ultrasound therapy is one of the effective and less painful ways to get rid of the disease compared to other methods that have risks. For example, injections into the heel area are only temporary and threaten muscle atrophy with long-term use. Surgery requires a long recovery period, and the operation can lead to deviations in the mechanics of movement.
Shock wave therapy promotes uniform penetration and propagation of sound waves at the cellular level, so that the spur on the heel is gradually broken down, inflamed cells are regenerated and the normal metabolic process is established.
How much does shock wave therapy for heel spurs cost? Compared to other methods, invasive treatment is completely justified. If you add up the amount of money spent on regular visits to a paid specialist, tests, all kinds of ointments, compresses, patches and other dosage forms, you will get an impressive amount. Treatment of heel spurs using shock wave physiotherapy is considered more beneficial and effective. In just 3–7 sessions, the cost of the procedure will fully pay for itself.
Treatment of heel spurs with shock wave therapy also has some contraindications, but compared to other methods, they are minimal. These include:
It is not recommended to treat diseases of the spine, intestines, lung tissue, or skull bones surrounded by large vessels, such as arterial vessels, with the help of shockwave therapy.
The procedures are prescribed by a specialist, assessing the clinical picture in each individual case. If necessary, sessions are postponed and preparatory measures are taken for the effects of shock wave therapy.
Side effects can only occur in children (under 18 years of age) during the period of active development of their body.
The therapeutic effect of shock wave impulses is colossal, and it does not cause muscle dystrophy or severe pain. The only drawback is redness at the site of treatment, which quickly goes away after a few hours. According to the research, more than half of the subjects (70%) noted their condition after the entire course of treatment as “completely healthy,” while the rest indicated that they “feel good” and “satisfactory.”
In modern medicine, which widely uses new technologies, surgery is increasingly receding into the background. Hardware treatment methods are currently very diverse and require good technical training from doctors and high quality equipment. Therefore, when turning to advanced hardware therapy technologies, you should carefully choose a clinic where you will really get help. In this article we will understand what shock wave therapy is, what diseases are treated with shock wave therapy and how much it costs.
So, shock wave therapy, which has been gaining popularity in recent years, has begun to be used in orthopedics, aesthetic and sports medicine, as part of complex rehabilitation measures, and not only in urology for the treatment of urolithiasis, as was the case at the end of the last century.
Many years of research into the influence of acoustic waves on the human body have made it possible to develop a method of shock wave therapy that uses low-frequency waves that are not perceived by the human ear - infrasound. Shock waves are characterized by high energy amplitude and short pulse duration. Their effect on the human body is determined by the difference in resistance of liquid media, soft and bone tissues. Shock waves propagate without delay in soft tissues, without causing damage to them, and affect only acoustically dense areas - bone and cartilage tissue, calcium deposits. Along the way, penetrating into the tissues of the body, shock waves restore natural metabolism, activate the processes of cell restoration and renewal, and improve metabolism.
Shock waves can be generated by various sources: electromagnetic, electrohydraulic, piezoelectric and pneumatic. Pneumatic devices for UVT are considered the cheapest and most reliable.
When performing extracorporeal shock wave therapy, patients primarily note a decrease in pain and improved blood circulation in the area of treatment after the first session (although the first procedure itself can be quite painful). After several procedures, calcified deposits and bone growths disintegrate, fibrous foci and intercellular partitions dissolve, collagen production increases, lymph flow and capillary blood supply improve, and cell membrane permeability increases. Microvessels begin to grow into the area of the procedure (angiogenesis begins), stimulating tissue nutrition, the pain syndrome shows a persistent decrease.
Mobility in joints improves, ligaments and tendons become more resistant to injury and physical stress, fat deposits are destroyed, and the skin begins to renew itself. Microcracks form on damaged bones under the influence of shock waves, which enhance the processes of bone tissue regeneration.
These effects make it possible to treat the following common diseases and injuries with extracorporeal shock wave therapy:
According to orthopedic doctors, the use of shock wave therapy shows good results and does not cause complications.
Typically, the course of treatment consists of 5-7 procedures at intervals of 3-7 days, after which 90-95% of patients can observe persistent positive dynamics in their condition. Orthopedists note that the method often allows one to avoid surgical intervention, after which a long recovery is required. If surgery is still indicated, the rehabilitation course can become much shorter and more effective when using shock wave therapy devices to heal wounds and restore mobility of the musculoskeletal system.
Experts in the field of cosmetology and aesthetic medicine speak of UVT as a good method for treating various stages of cellulite, an effective way to restore skin after chemical peeling and dermabrasion, as well as after plastic surgery.
In sports medicine, specialists are increasingly talking about shock wave therapy as a way to quickly return an athlete to his professional activities after injuries of varying severity and increase exercise tolerance.
According to the general opinion of doctors, the use of shock wave therapy allows patients to return to normal everyday and professional activities in the shortest possible time.
What prices have formed on the medical services market for shock wave therapy? In Moscow, one session of UVT can cost from 500 to 2000 rubles, depending on the disease, the equipment used, the qualifications of specialists and the status of the clinic. Many medical centers offer a free consultation and discounts on your first procedure.
The course of treatment in the simplest case will consist of five procedures, and in a more advanced case - up to ten and will cost you, respectively, 2,500 - 20,000 rubles.
Keep in mind that the method has a number of contraindications and it is very important to choose the right means of influencing the affected areas of the body. Various UVT devices - for the most part - are specialized for the treatment of strictly defined diseases, have different attachments, and operate using different technologies. Therefore, it would be a good idea to first study not only the clinics, but also the list of indications for specific medical equipment.
Contraindications to using the method are:
In the head area, UVT can only be used in the area of the temporomandibular joint. To avoid the cavitation effect, shock waves should not be applied to the intestines, large (main) blood vessels, or lung tissue.
Shock wave therapy in Moscow is offered by a number of clinics. The Treatment and Diagnostic Center receives positive feedback from patients
“Health+”, where certified Swiss equipment is used to treat diseases using the UVT method, ensuring exceptional accuracy and quality of treatment.
The medical center’s specialists are qualified traumatologists, orthopedists, and physiotherapists who have completed internships abroad and use their own proprietary methods for treating diseases using shock wave therapy. They treat patients very carefully and attentively here. High-quality medical care, a comfortable environment, and affordable UVT procedures make this center one of the best options for solving your health problems.
Persons Department of Health of the City of Moscow No. LO-77-01-002182 dated January 12, 2010
One of the most common diseases in people over 40-45 years of age is plantar fasciitis, the main symptom of which is pain when resting on the heel under constant or dynamic load. This symptom is caused by the deposition of calcium salts (bone growth with sharp edges) on the surface of the heel bone. When walking or running, uneven bone formation affects the soft tissue of the heel, which causes impaired motor activity, and in some cases, disability.
The most effective and painless way to treat this disease is the use of shock wave therapy. This method of short-term extracorporeal exposure to bone tissue with low-frequency acoustic pulses allows for effective treatment in the shortest possible period of time.
Causes of the disease:
Tears of the plantar aponeurosis with subsequent ossification
Metabolic disorder: deposition of calcium compounds
Increased mechanical impact on the foot
• This method allows us to minimize the likelihood of its pathological increase;
• Blood circulation in the affected area improves;
• The feeling of pain decreases;
• The process of resorption and disintegration of calcifications begins.
Diagnostics and implementation
Before starting a course of shock wave therapy, the patient must undergo:
• Thorough visual diagnostics;
• Evaluation of X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging results;
• Ultrasound examination of the soft tissues of the foot;
• Coagulogram - an analysis that specifies the state of the blood coagulation system;
• Using palpation, the most painful point on the heel is identified, to which the shock wave will be directed.
The procedure is completely painless and can be performed in any position convenient for the patient (sitting or lying):
• on the surface of the skin, moistened with a special gel-like composition;
• an applicator is installed, which at a certain angle acts on the area of the overgrown calcaneus;
• the duration of the session and the number of procedures are determined by the doctor individually, taking into account the general condition of the patient.
Our doctors identify and eliminate the problem, providing results as quickly as possible. They will tell you the number of procedures and frequency, after which you will undergo them at the appointed time. Treatment of heel spurs with shock wave therapy involves individual adjustment by a specialist of the frequency and intensity of the waves, depending on the pain syndrome, its nature and the condition of the tissues. You can ask questions regarding the methodology by calling the phone number listed on the website.
Cherkashina Natalya Ignatievna
Education: Krasnoyarsk Medical Institute.
Specialization: Pediatrics, therapy, physiotherapy.
Medical experience: 25 years.
Semenenko Yuri Gennadievich
Shock wave therapy (SWT) doctor
Education: Tomsk Medical Institute.
Advanced training courses: physiotherapy, therapy.
Medical experience: 28 years.
Preventive measures are primarily aimed at preventing premature aging of the osteoarticular system:
I would like to thank the Artra-med medical center for the services provided and the high level of professionalism during the course of shock wave therapy. Thank you very much for the service provided and the objectively determined cost of the therapy course.
Natalia Urbanskaya 09/12/2017
After my injury, I periodically take a UVT course at this center and I can confidently declare the high level of training of specialists who, using modern equipment, have completely put me back on my feet.
Egor Chernyakhovsky 08/28/2017
Over the years, our doctors have relieved pain from more than 50,000 patients.
I contacted this center on the recommendation of a friend and was pleasantly surprised by the professionalism of the doctors, as well as the individual approach to drawing up a program for my treatment. Thank you very much for providing quality services and valuing your clients.
Olga Voitovich 09/02/2017
My diagnosed age-related joint disease did not allow me to lead an active lifestyle, but the doctors at your center helped to significantly improve the condition of bone tissue and restore joint function. The UVT course really helped me feel much better. Thank you very much.
Elizaveta Stepanova 09/16/2017
But now we highly appreciate every positive review and sincere words of gratitude.
After my surgery, as an effective method of recovery, I was prescribed a course of shock wave therapy, which I completed at the Arthra Med center. Many thanks to the doctors for their professional approach, sensitivity and attention! I recommend contacting only this specialized center!
Ivan Tushin 09.25.32017
Many thanks to the doctors of your center for the quality shock wave therapy sessions. I was pleasantly surprised by the high level of service, comfortable classrooms, and the opportunity to take the course at a time convenient for me. We were also pleased with the competitive prices!
"CENTER FOR INNOVATIVE REHABILITATION" treats diseases of the musculoskeletal system using shock wave therapy (SWT) in Moscow. Its effectiveness is 90%. Relief of the patient's condition occurs after the first procedure.
Over 20 years of using the method, more than 20 million patients have become convinced of the effectiveness of shock wave therapy treatment. More than 75% of patients avoided surgery with its help. Initially, the method was used to crush kidney and gallstones. No cases of negative side effects of UVT have been reported.
Our clinic uses an innovative device manufactured in the UK UVT BTL -6000 SWT TOP LINE, with a multifocusing and focusing sensor!
Shock wave therapy (SWT)
Shock wave therapy is a progressive treatment method. It is based on the activity of acoustic waves. For more than 25 years, the method developed by specialists from Germany and Switzerland has been actively used in Russia.
The Center for Innovative Rehabilitation offers you assistance in treating diseases (link to point 2 of the table of contents) using the UVT method - a progressive method without the threat of complications and operations!
Initially used exclusively to help injured athletes, shockwave therapy has now found application in many other areas of medicine.
Shock waves produced by special devices enter the human body and produce a therapeutic effect. This effect depends on the purpose of the influence:
The shock wave therapy method has taken its place between traditional treatment and surgical treatment.
Surgery is not the only option! The shock wave therapy method can cure many diseases without surgery, without the risk of complications, and without pain!
The Center for Innovative Rehabilitation uses the BTL - 6000 SWT TOP LINE device, manufactured in Great Britain, which has proven its high efficiency in the treatment of many diseases that were previously treated only surgically!
Don’t risk your health, contact our Center, and qualified specialists will help you!
The sound waves synthesized by the BTL - 6000 SWT TOP LINE device, passing through soft tissues, encounter resistance from bones, ligaments and muscles.
The effect of the shock wave can be compared to a deep, intense massage.
Use the UVT method, which is practiced in our clinic by specialists with many years of successful experience.
UVT is an alternative to surgery, but without the risk of complications!
2. Indications for the use of shock wave therapy
At the Center for Innovative Rehabilitation using the shock wave therapy (SWT) method, you will receive help if you suffer from chronic, degenerative-dystrophic or inflammatory diseases of the musculoskeletal system:
If you are diagnosed with the listed diseases, at the Center for Innovative Rehabilitation you will be helped by doctors with many years of experience in treating similar problems using the UVT method.
Treatment is possible without surgery!
Shock wave therapy will help you if you have been diagnosed with:
3. The effectiveness of the shock wave therapy method
Shock wave therapy (SWT) is a non-surgical method of treating pain and common diseases of the human musculoskeletal system.
The use of sound waves to treat many diseases avoids injury to soft tissues and human skin.
The effects of UHT can be briefly described as follows:
SWT is a method that can successfully compete with traditional methods of treating many diseases, as it has a number of advantages:
Numerous scientific studies and practical observations have proven the high effectiveness of treatment with SWT for inflammatory, dystrophic, dysfunctional diseases, and postoperative complications.
In patients with the consequences of bone fractures and various sports injuries, thanks to shock wave therapy, pain goes away, the amplitude of active movements increases, swelling decreases, and muscle tone increases.
The effect of UVT treatment is quite long-lasting – from 4 to 6 months! With regular treatment with sound waves, exacerbations of diseases are practically eliminated.
UVT is a highly effective method of treatment and rehabilitation of patients. In many cases, it allows you to avoid surgery.
We offer you the opportunity to use an innovative method of treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system - Shock Wave Therapy (SWT) at the Center for Innovative Rehabilitation.