One of the methods that effectively treat heel spurs is shock wave therapy (SWT). The World Health Organization has recognized this method as advanced and safe. The technology of shock wave therapy for heel spurs is successfully used by leading clinics in Europe, Israel and Russia.
Let's find out how shock wave therapy works on a heel spur, when it is prescribed and what kind of therapeutic effect it has, whether there are contraindications for its use, how to avoid relapse of the disease after undergoing a course of treatment with shock wave therapy.
The method of treatment using shock wave therapy was discovered in the 90s of the 20th century in Germany. Initially, UVT was used to crush stones in the gall bladder and kidneys. Later, orthopedic doctors began to use this method of treatment for osteoarticular pathologies.
Shock wave therapy is used to treat heel spurs after other conservative methods have failed to produce the desired effect. The results of the UVT method are comparable to surgical intervention. Shock wave therapy removes bone growth on the heel in a gentle manner, without causing trauma to the soft tissue. No complications develop after the procedure, while bone damage during surgery carries a risk of heel spur recurrence. The rehabilitation period after treatment with shock wave therapy is much shorter.
Treatment of heel spurs using shock wave therapy has the following positive aspects:
After a course of shock wave therapy, positive clinical dynamics are noted, which is confirmed by the x-ray picture.
The shock wave therapy procedure for heel spurs is carried out with a device that generates ultrasonic waves of a given frequency. The nature of the waves is similar in many respects to shock waves, hence the name of the method. During the session, the waves pass unhindered through the soft tissues of the ligamentous apparatus of the foot and reach the bone outgrowth. After physical impact, the ultrasonic wave returns. The principle of action of shock wave therapy on heel spurs is intense micromassage. As a result, the following goals are achieved.
Shock wave therapy for heel spurs eliminates pathological foci by physicochemical, thermal and mechanical effects at the molecular level. Shock waves develop maximum energy precisely at the source of damage. They do not have a harmful effect on surrounding tissues because healthy cells are protected from the effects of shock waves by an elastic membrane. A feature of inflamed cells is their tense membrane due to intracellular edema. The weak membrane allows sound waves to penetrate into the inflamed scar, fibrous and calcified tissue of the aponeurosis. Shock waves loosen them by crushing calcifications, which are removed naturally. As a result of the impact of shock wave therapy, the plantar fascia (plantar aponeurosis), freed from calcium salts, restores its elastic physiological structure. The property of shock wave therapy to enhance blood microcirculation provokes restoration of the structure of the plantar fascia.
One of the main properties of shock wave therapy is the stimulation of the formation of a new microvascular bed in the area of inflamed tissue of the plantar fascia. Formed young capillaries radically improve blood circulation, which relieves inflammation and prevents the development of bone growth.
As a result of the impact of shock wave therapy on the heel spur, the following therapeutic effects are obtained:
Heel pain decreases after the first shock wave therapy procedures, and at the end of the course of treatment it disappears in most patients. After a course of treatment with shock wave therapy, the functional ability of the plantar fascia is restored, and the patient returns to a full life.
The effectiveness of treatment must be constantly maintained by wearing sensible shoes, using orthopedic insoles and heel supports, and we should not forget about the benefits of therapeutic exercises. After all, shock wave therapy does not eliminate the cause of heel spurs. Triggering factors such as obesity and excessive stress on the foot can again lead to recurrence of plantar fasciitis. Therefore, simultaneously with shock therapy, it is imperative to eliminate the causes that influenced the development of heel spurs.
Treatment of heel spurs using shock wave therapy has some contraindications. When visiting a doctor, you must inform about existing diseases. This will prevent unwanted effects from the shock wave therapy procedure. Limitations for treating heel spurs with ultrasound include:
The procedures are contraindicated for children under 18 years of age due to the negative effect on fragile bones. For thrombophlebitis of the lower extremities, shock wave therapy is not performed, because there is a risk of blood clot rupture in the vessels.
Shock wave therapy can be carried out after eliminating temporary contraindications - normalization of blood pressure and blood counts.
Before a shock wave therapy session, the doctor examines the patient to assess the severity and duration of the disease. The doctor determines the patient’s general condition, taking into account potential contraindications. The examination is supplemented by laboratory testing:
X-ray of the ankle joint;
Only after the examination results the doctor decides how many treatment sessions are needed. For heel spurs, 4 to 8 procedures are performed, which are carried out in a medical center or clinic.
The technique is as follows:
The duration of the shock wave therapy procedure for heel spurs is on average 15–30 minutes. The break between sessions is 3–7 days, which is necessary for tissue restoration after exposure to ultrasound. During this time, the therapeutic effect is consolidated.
Some patients experience increased pain after the first procedure, but this is not a reason to refuse treatment. If the pain continues for more than 2 days, it is recommended to increase the breaks between sessions.
Treatment of heel spurs with ultrasound and Hydrocortisone is based on their mutual anti-inflammatory effect. The affected area is preliminarily lubricated with Hydrocortisone ointment. When used in combination, ultrasound promotes deep penetration of the drug “Hydrocortisone” into the tissues of the foot, which quickly relieves inflammation of the plantar fascia.
This method is comparable to a Hydrocortisone injection into the heel, but is gentler. As a result of ultrasound vibration and the strong anti-inflammatory effect of Hydrocortisone, heel pain decreases or disappears. The course of treatment consists of 6–8 procedures.
In conclusion, let us recall that shock wave therapy is used in cases where there is no effect from conservative methods of treating heel spurs. UVT relieves heel pain, eliminates inflammation of the plantar fascia and improves musculoskeletal function. To prevent the recurrence of heel spurs, simultaneously with shock wave therapy, you need to continue to reduce the load on the foot, use orthopedic insoles, wear sensible shoes and do therapeutic exercises. No treatment will give a long-term effect if the cause of the heel spur is not eliminated.
This is a relatively new method of treating plantar fasciitis, a disease that is popularly called heel spur. For the first time, doctors from Germany tried to influence osteophytes using waves in the 90s of the 20th century. The very first clinical trials showed confident results, thanks to which the technique spread throughout the world and began to be actively used in the treatment of bone growths on the heel. UVT allows you to get rid of pathology without surgical intervention. At the same time, the impact on healthy bones and soft tissues is minimal. Shock wave therapy for heel spurs is considered one of the gentlest, which predetermined its popularity in the post-Soviet space.
The waves used in treatment are acoustic. Thanks to the short pulse and greater force, they effectively affect the problem area. Advantages of the technique:
This technique is used if conventional physiotherapeutic treatment does not lead to the expected results. Despite a fairly large percentage of those who have recovered, shock wave therapy for heel spurs is not always effective. A course of procedures is usually prescribed for mild stages of fasciitis, when the size of the bone process does not exceed a few millimeters, and the osteophytes themselves do not cause serious deformations of the foot and soft tissues. Simply put, the technique is most effective at an early stage. If the patient comes too late, then surgical intervention cannot be avoided.
SWT for heel spurs is not suitable for everyone. Patients with:
To identify possible contraindications, the patient undergoes a preliminary examination. It consists of consultations with specialized specialists and tests: general, blood clotting, radiography or MRI. Only on the basis of these data does the doctor decide on the advisability of shock wave therapy.
The procedure is carried out in a specially equipped room. No special preparation is needed. The patient arrives at the appointed time, removes shoes and clothes from the sore leg. Then he lies down on the couch on his stomach. The leg is elevated using bolsters or pillows. A special gel is applied to the heel, which improves the conductivity of ultrasonic waves. A sensor is placed directly above the heel spur and turned on. The heel is exposed to waves of 3-4 bars. The duration of the procedure is 10-30 minutes. On average, you need to attend 7-8 sessions. This amount can be increased on the recommendation of a doctor. The interval between each procedure is 4-7 days, depending on the intensity of the impact. Such pauses are necessary for the soft tissues to recover.
In rare cases, shock wave therapy for heel spurs is accompanied by severe pain. Patients compare this feeling to the feeling of a nail driven into the heel. This goes away at the end of the session. Each subsequent procedure causes less and less discomfort.
A lasting positive effect after the procedure is noted in 8-9 patients out of 10. That is, almost all patients who have undergone a course of shockwave therapy report a decrease in pain. The pain goes away already during the first exposure to the waves. When attending all procedures, unpleasant sensations leave a person for a long time, if not forever. A person gradually regains his former mobility - he can fully step on his heel, without fear that the load on his legs will cause an attack of pain. Thanks to improved blood circulation, soft tissue inflammation is reduced. Heaviness and other unpleasant sensations go away. Under the influence of shock wave therapy, the disintegration of bone processes does not occur immediately, but gradually. Sometimes this process takes 6-8 weeks.
Treatment of heel spurs with shock wave therapy is largely popular due to its affordable cost - the price for one procedure will be in the range of 1-2 thousand rubles. Thus, the entire course of treatment, together with the cost of preliminary examination, amounts to 15-20 thousand rubles - a significant amount for most patients.
A spot spur, or otherwise called plantar fasciitis, occurs as a result of mechanical damage to the feet, various infectious processes, inflammation, etc. But, no matter what the cause of heel spurs is, during this pathology a person always experiences very severe pain. Until recently, heel spurs were treated only with the help of surgery, because this was the only way to relieve a person of pain. Recently, heel spurs have been treated using shock wave therapy. This is a young, but very effective treatment method that has already received positive reviews among patients. The result of shock wave therapy truly exceeds all human expectations.
Every person has a heel spur, regardless of age. But, normally, it resembles a wide band that fits the heel bone tightly enough and reliably connects it with the rest of the small bones on the toes. The tape or heel spur directly from the middle of the heel begins to diverge in certain rays, and it is always kept taut to prevent the foot from being flattened.
The condition, meaning the normal and healthy condition of a heel spur, depends on most external factors that directly affect the occurrence of a heel spur as a defect. These mechanisms of influence and formation of spurs have not been fully studied by humans, but there are still some factors whose influence can be discussed.
Heel spurs can occur in any healthy person due to foot deformity, most often flat feet. And also for the reason:
Taking into account all of the above factors, it is possible to understand and determine the exact reason why a person experiences minor injuries and inflammation in the foot area. But our body reacts to negative outside influences in a rather unusual way. For example, the same excess weight leads to the fact that the heel bone grows significantly and as a result, spines are formed, quite sharp with curved tips. Such bone growths cause severe pain when walking and significantly damage and injure the connective tissue on the foot. Because of this, a rapid inflammatory process begins, which leads to degenerative changes in the area of the lower extremities and feet. A heel spur often leads to a person’s disability and the inability to stand on his or her foot.
Severe pain in the foot area occurs for two reasons. The first is an inflammatory process, the second is increased pressure on the foot from a growth, that is, a heel spur. A number of medical studies have established that the size of the spurs and their number do not in any way affect the nature of the pain. In addition, if the heel spur begins to grow, the pain subsides a little. If the thorns have just begun to grow, then the pain is extremely acute and unbearable. We can say that it is very painful.
If a patient has complaints of acute pain while walking and this can be confirmed using ultrasound and x-rays, then the person is diagnosed with a “heel spur.”
Treatment of spurs with shock wave therapy has been used throughout the world for the past 25 years. This method helps to cure not only the heel spur itself, but also diseases of the musculoskeletal system, muscles and tendons. Comprehensive treatment for heel spurs looks like:
Shock wave therapy has become quite popular. UVT has no contraindications and quickly affects heel spurs. The essence of the method is the beneficial effect of shock waves on both soft and hard tissues. When exposed to a wave, pain and discomfort are blocked, because of this the person does not experience any pain after the second procedure. The pain becomes less intense and acute.
In addition to the fact that the pain subsides, the effects of shock wave therapy restore absolutely all damaged areas and tissues, as well as tendons. This has a beneficial effect on the external and internal well-being of a sick person.
If the heel spur is small, then shock wave therapy destroys the bone growth and after that absolutely all decay products are removed from the body. This is what guarantees fairly effective treatment and pain reduction. After such therapy, a person can easily return to normal daily life and his working capacity is completely restored, and there can be no talk of any disability.
With small heel spurs, the bone growths are completely destroyed and decay products are removed from the body. That is why effective treatment of heel
A fairly effective method that is widely used to treat heel spurs is ultrasound therapy or shock wave therapy. This treatment method has been used relatively recently. However, it has proven itself, among other methods of treating heel spurs, very positively.
The method of shock wave therapy for heel spurs was created in Germany and Switzerland in the 90s. It allows the doctor to carry out targeted, gentle treatment of the spur without surgical intervention and trauma to the skin and soft tissues. In terms of its effectiveness, this type of treatment is equivalent to surgery.
To conduct ultrasound therapy sessions, special equipment is used, which is a source of shock sound waves. The basis of the shock wave therapy method is the use of pulses of sound waves of a given frequency, which affect the affected area of the body. The shock wave of sound blocks the transmission of impulses by pain receptors, thereby reducing pain and sensitivity. This method favorably promotes loosening of salt deposits. The load on the ligament is reduced by “washing out” salt deposits (calcifications), tissue regeneration is more active, swelling is reduced, and pain disappears. The process of cell restoration starts, metabolic processes in tissues accelerate. That is, ultrasound can reduce and eliminate heel pain and speed up recovery.
Ultrasound acts at the molecular level and has the ability to eliminate pathological areas without affecting healthy areas. Healthy tissue cells on the heel are protected from ultrasound by an elastic membrane. Ultrasound also improves microcirculation (due to vasodilation), has a resolving, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. Its main effects on fabric are mechanical, thermal and physico-chemical.
Before starting treatment, the patient must undergo:
The patient, immediately before the ultrasound therapy procedure itself, is examined by an orthopedic surgeon. Using palpation, he determines the most painful areas on the heel. This is usually the center of the heel. The shock wave is directed precisely to this place.
The treatment session itself is quite simple. A small applicator sensor is installed on the skin lubricated with gel, which begins to send 1500 pulses per session through the skin. It is installed on the skin itself and at the desired angle. Then soft tissues at a depth of 4 cm receive the pulse energy. Waves of a given frequency easily propagate in a liquid medium, due to which they quickly pass through soft tissue, reflecting from dense tissue - bone. Thus, a “micro-massage” occurs in the depths.
The therapy itself can be carried out either in a lying or sitting position. Heel spurs are treated with shock wave therapy in a clinic or medical center. During its implementation, a person feels only light touches, since he cannot hear or see ultrasonic waves.
One to five to seven procedures are prescribed for one course of treatment. The duration of the UVT procedure is from 10 to 30 minutes. An interval of 3 to 20 days between them must be maintained, depending on the patient’s well-being after the procedure. If the patient feels worsening pain in the heel, the procedures are suspended or postponed.
The nature of the pain after such therapy has a certain intensity: at the source itself, the pain decreases by 20% immediately after the session, weakening gradually within 5 hours after the end of the procedure. Depending on the severity of the disease, pain in certain patients may return and bother you for several days, gradually disappearing.
Despite the fact that the ultrasound treatment method, due to the minimal risk of side effects, can be used in almost all patients, there are still conditions in which the use of ultrasound is undesirable. Such as:
Ultrasound or shock wave therapy is a very popular treatment for heel spurs. It is resorted to when all other methods of conservative therapy have been tried and have not given the desired effect. In fact, ultrasound treatment can replace surgical treatment. Compared to surgery, ultrasound treatment does not cause complications or side effects. In addition, during the operation the heel bone is damaged, which creates a risk of relapse of the disease.
SWT, in the treatment of heel spurs, can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with physiotherapy and drug treatment.
The effectiveness of treating heel spurs using shock wave therapy is about 90%, persistent positive dynamics are noted, as evidenced by clinical and radiological pictures. But in any case, if the root cause of heel spurs is not eliminated, even the most effective treatment will not bring the expected positive effect.
Heel spur is an orthopedic disease with painful symptoms. Bone growths in the heel area cause pain with every step. A small “spike” (3–12 mm) with a pointed end is directed towards the fingers or upward.
Thousands of patients dream of getting rid of heel spurs. The treatment is complex and requires patience and an integrated approach. Shock wave therapy (SWT) is an effective treatment method for heel spurs.
Plantar fasciitis is negative changes in bone tissue of a degenerative-inflammatory nature. The main problem is bone overgrowth. A small growth or “spike” gradually forms in the lesion. The greater the compaction on the plantar part of the heel, the greater the pain while walking. If the growth reaches 1 cm or more, the discomfort becomes unbearable, the patient cannot stand on a full foot, and false lameness develops.
Negative changes in bone tissue occur with irrational loads on the area of the junction of muscles and tendons. Excessive pressure over a long period causes tissue deformation, thinning of fatty tissue, disrupts metabolism, and impairs blood supply. These factors provoke an inflammatory process, the development of compactions, salt deposition, and the appearance of bone outgrowths at the site of destruction.
Plantar fasciitis most often develops when the following problems are present:
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The main symptom of the disease is burning, sharp pain in the plantar part of the heel. Shooting occurs when walking and in a standing position. Negative symptoms manifest themselves when bone growths put pressure on the affected areas and the development of an inflammatory process in soft tissues.
Negative manifestations cause discomfort to the patient, irritate, and interfere with walking. It looks like there is a sharp nail inside the heel. Many people complain about the sensation of a pebble stuck under the sole in the heel area.
The most vivid sensations of pain occur when trying to step on the heel, at the beginning of walking. As the inflammatory process develops, the pain syndrome intensifies; acute symptoms are noted not only with pressure on the heel, but also at rest. Gradually, painful sensations arise even with weak support on the inflamed area.
For a long time, doctors could not find a method for successfully treating orthopedic problems in the plantar part of the heel. In the 80s of the 20th century, doctors in Germany and Switzerland tested the effect of shock wave therapy to relieve painful symptoms of heel spurs. Previously, UVT sessions were used to crush stones in the gall bladder and kidneys.
The research results were impressive. Since then, shockwave therapy has been included in the list of mandatory physical procedures for the appearance of bone growths in the heel area.
The technique is simple and effective at the same time:
Ultrasound therapy sessions are indicated not only for the occurrence of bone growths in the heel area, but also for many diseases of the joints and spine. Low frequency waves have a positive effect on hard and soft tissues, accelerate recovery from arthrosis, osteochondrosis, bursitis, arthritis, osteoarthritis, herniated intervertebral discs, and flat feet. The UVT method gives good results for glenohumeral periarthrosis and periarthritis, muscle spasms, toe deformities, ligament injuries, and myalgia.
Shock wave therapy has a positive effect on the condition of bone tissue. A certain number of procedures are required to achieve noticeable results.
Under the influence of high-energy waves, changes occur in the tissues of the affected area:
The modern technique has many positive characteristics:
The modern method of treating early stage heel spurs has limitations for use. During a conversation with the patient, the doctor finds out whether there are contraindications for the active influence of directed waves.
Contraindications for shock wave therapy:
The modern technique causes only mild discomfort during targeted action on the site of destruction. After sessions, negative manifestations rarely occur.
The following negative reactions may occur in some patients:
There's no need to worry. After 5–7 days, negative manifestations will disappear; symptomatic treatment is not required. You can speed up the disappearance of redness, bruising or mild swelling with a simple remedy - a cabbage leaf compress with aloe juice or honey. Biologically active substances will enhance the positive effect on the inflammation zone.
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No special preparation is needed for the procedure. Referral to UVT sessions is given by an orthopedic traumatologist, arthrologist or rheumatologist.
The procedure is quite simple:
Modern techniques have been used relatively recently to treat plantar fasciitis, but doctors and patients have already positively assessed the results of treatment. After shockwave therapy sessions, pain actually decreases, the inflammatory process subsides, and patients are able to walk calmly without fear of severe pain in the heel.
For successful treatment, it is important not only the method of shock wave action on the site of destruction, but also the elimination of the factors that provoked negative changes. If the patient does not treat flat feet, does not control weight, does not limit the intake of purines, the negative effect on the tissues of the foot continues, and there is a high risk of recurrence of heel spurs. Following the doctor’s recommendations on the rules for correcting the diet and treating underlying diseases will prevent the appearance of new bone growths in the heel.
In the following video, a treatment session for heel spurs using shock wave therapy:
First UVT procedure
Included: the first procedure in a course of shock wave therapy (SWT) treatment of one anatomical zone.
Heel spur (plantar fasciitis) is a chronic microtrauma of the plantar aponeurosis - a ligament connecting the lower surface of the posterior tubercle of the heel bone with the forefoot.
Today, to rid our patients of heel spurs, we use an advanced treatment method - extracorporeal shock wave therapy, which, when used correctly, gives a result close to 100%!
The Eden Medical Center has been successfully treating heel spurs for almost 10 years now!
In our practice, we use exclusively Swiss DolorClast® devices, Electro Medical Systems SA (Switzerland). Swiss DolorClast® devices are the gold standard in the field of medicine!
Swiss DolorClast® device, Electro Medical Systems SA (Switzerland)
The course for treating heel spurs consists of 5-8 sessions with an interval of 4-7 days. For preferential categories there are discounts on treatment up to 10%.
After completing a course of treatment with us, you will completely get rid of pain with a 98% probability!
Our doctors treat heel spurs at the center:
Oleg Petrovich Tatarinov is a neurologist and physiotherapist with more than 30 years of experience. Specialist in UVT. Since 2008 continuously treats acute diseases of the central nervous system using the UVT method: spinal osteochondrosis, radiculitis, including disc herniation, post-traumatic neuritis, as well as diseases of the musculoskeletal system - arthrosis, arthritis, coxarthrosis, epicondylitis, sports injuries. Regularly participating in all-Russian and international seminars and symposiums. He speaks at scientific conferences on diagnostics and treatment in neuralgic practice.
Malakhov Oleg Olegovich – traumatologist-orthopedist, candidate of medical sciences. Physiotherapist. First qualification category in the specialty of traumatology-orthopedics. Specialist in UVT. More than 15 years of experience in healthcare. He has a specialization in Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine. Completed the following thematic internships: Belgium (2006, DePuy company), Strasbourg (2008, Karl Stortz), Germany (2009, Aesculap company), training course at the Department of Orthopedics, VPH RGMU (2009 Karl Stortz), Moscow VPH RGMU ( 2012-2013 Karl Stortz), advanced training in UVT on the basis of the Central Clinical Hospital of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 2013.
Efimova Svetlana Mikhailovna – physiotherapist. Specialist in UVT. Work experience in practical healthcare for more than 24 years. Proficient in the following treatment methods: magnetic therapy, ultrasound therapy, light therapy, laser therapy, galvanization and electrophoresis, dorsonvalization, amplipulse therapy, electromagnetic field treatment, heat therapy, hydrotherapy, inhalation therapy. Professionally deals with the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system using the UVT method. Regularly participates in seminars and conferences on issues of treatment with physiotherapeutic methods.
Heel spurs can appear at any age. No one is immune from this disease. In older people, the development of the disease is associated with age-related changes; in young people, it can occur due to heavy loads on the feet and intense sports. In addition, the causes may be injuries and various diseases associated with metabolic disorders. Inflammation can also occur as a result of chronic inflammatory joint diseases.
A common cause of the disease is flat feet. If there is deformation of the foot, the load on it is distributed incorrectly, which leads to overstrain of the foot ligaments, which are easily injured by any perpendicular force (uneven soil, small stones). Inflammation occurs, accompanied by pain. In the area where the ligament is torn, its fibers are replaced by fibrous (scar) tissue. It is not elastic and not strong, and therefore, most likely, will become the site of subsequent tears.
In this case, immediate treatment is required. The participation of a doctor in solving this problem is mandatory.
On an x-ray, the affected area is similar in shadow density to bone tissue, which is why it seems that it continues the contour of the bone, and even looks like a spike or a pointed protrusion. At the initial stage of the disease, when there are tears and inflammation, but no calcium deposits yet, X-ray diagnostics are not conclusive.
The main principle in treating heel spurs is to eliminate the main symptom of the disease – pain. First of all, it is necessary to reduce excess load and pressure on the affected area. The use of special orthopedic insoles makes it possible to correctly distribute the load on the foot.
This disease does not cause difficulties in its diagnosis. An experienced specialist is able to do this by carefully palpating the foot and listening to the patient’s complaints about the pain that is particularly characteristic in this case. Based on their description, the doctor determines that they are associated with a nascent spur, and not with something else. An x-ray is taken to confirm the diagnosis.
Prevention of the heel bone should be aimed at preventing premature aging of the osteoarticular apparatus:
Remarkable results in the treatment of heel spurs are achieved by the use of shock wave therapy for heel spurs, designed to improve blood circulation and reduce the inflammatory process.
At the Eden Medical Center, shock wave therapy is used in the treatment of heel spurs, which is quite popular. SWT in the treatment of heel spurs is very convenient for patients and does not cause acute pain.
This method of treatment and the equipment used, the Swiss DolorClast device, EMS, Switzerland, allows you to get rid of the disease with maximum efficiency. It is based on the use of infrasonic wave pulses of a certain frequency. Under the influence of a shock wave, calcium deposits are loosened, and they are further washed out with the bloodstream from the body, the ligament gets rid of accumulated calcifications, the active process of tissue regeneration is also activated, fibrous tissue is absorbed, swelling and the inflammatory process are reduced. The affected area restores its structure and ability to bear the necessary loads without creating pain. The disease in the initial stages of the disease is completely eliminated, and in cases with a long duration of the process, inflammation is suppressed and the deposition of calcium compounds in the ligament is stopped. The pain syndrome becomes less with each procedure performed and, as a rule, completely disappears at the end of treatment.
Already after the first session of shock wave therapy, a decrease in the pain syndrome of heel spurs is noted. The shock wave therapy method has proven itself in the treatment of this disease.
The effectiveness of the method is so high that it is superior to surgical treatment of heel spurs. It is safe and completely pain-free. In 99% of cases it helps to avoid surgical intervention.
Shock wave therapy for heel spurs is used to completely eliminate pain in the heel area. By contacting our clinic for the treatment of heel spurs, we guarantee a good prognosis with adequate therapy.
If you are tired of pain or limited in activity, we are happy to help you. Modern technologies and our professional skills will return you fullness of movement and joy of life.
With wishes for a safe recovery, the team of the EDEM Medical Center
Treatment of heel spurs with shock wave therapy is a relatively new method, but has already received positive feedback from patients and doctors. A short course allows you to avoid surgical intervention, get rid of constant pain, and return to an active full life.
Shock wave therapy (SWT) is a method of non-surgical elimination of diseases using low-frequency acoustic waves that have a healing effect on body tissue. Their source is a special device in the form of a pneumatic pistol with an applicator at the end. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis; hospitalization of the patient is not required. The number of therapeutic sessions is determined by the orthopedic surgeon depending on the stage of the pathological process and the patient’s health status.
The method was first introduced into medical practice in the 80s of the twentieth century as a means of combating urolithiasis. After some time, doctors decided to use this technology to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Under the influence of ultrasonic waves, inflammation and pain are reduced, calcium deposits are broken up, local blood circulation is improved and the regeneration of damaged tissue is accelerated.
SWT for heel spurs is considered one of the effective treatment methods. It has the following positive features:
Exposure to ultrasonic rays not only promotes the destruction of calcifications (pathological deposits of calcium salts), but also increases the strength and elasticity of tendons and ligaments. Under the influence of the procedure, fascial tissues damaged by bone growth heal faster.
The ultrasound therapy session takes place in the physiotherapy room. The specialist applies a gel to the heel area, which facilitates the sliding of the sensor-applicator over the skin. Ultrasonic waves have a massage effect on the heel bone area, easily penetrating the soft tissue of the sole.
The waves make it easier for drugs to reach damaged tissues. For example, ultrasound with hydrocortisone, which is also called phonophoresis, has a positive effect not only due to a certain frequency of impulses, but also by the effect of the hormonal drug directly on the site of inflammation and the tissues surrounding it. The course consists of 5-7 procedures, each lasting from 10 to 20 minutes. Between sessions it is necessary to take a break for 5-10 days.
The option of using the method at home is not possible. The process of eliminating heel spurs using shockwave therapy requires special technical equipment and trained personnel, and therefore is carried out only in a medical institution. Reviews from patients indicate that when using the technology, some discomfort from touching the tip is possible, but the procedure itself is painless.
After ultrasound therapy, the intensity of pain when walking may increase slightly for a short time, but then decrease significantly.
The main effect of shock wave therapy is the elimination of pain in the heel area at rest and especially when walking. A similar result is achieved due to the destruction of accumulations of calcium salts near the heel bone and their gradual resorption. This leads to a decrease in the mechanical effect of the thorn on the nerve endings of the tissues of the sole, as a result of which the pain subsides.
Ultrasound effects have analgesic properties, which makes it possible to reduce the amount of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs taken by the patient.
Improved local blood circulation, which occurs under the influence of high-sound waves, helps speed up recovery. Increased blood flow brings more nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, which helps strengthen tendons and ligaments. For a lasting therapeutic effect, sessions must be repeated every 7-8 months.
The method of shock wave therapy requires further study, clarification of contraindications, and improvement of the methodology in order to eventually replace surgical intervention for heel spurs.
Although SWT is widely used, it is not suitable for everyone. The action of ultrasonic waves is contraindicated in patients with the following pathological conditions:
This method of treatment is also contraindicated for patients with a pacemaker, pregnant women and young people under 18 years of age.
The method rarely gives complications, but only the attending physician can prescribe or cancel ultrasound exposure based on the individual characteristics of the patient.
Alexandra, 30 years old:
“Due to uncomfortable shoes, constant aching pain in the heel appeared, my mother told me about such a disease as a heel spur and forced me to go to the doctor. After the examination, the doctor prescribed ointment, and then referred me to a physiotherapist for UVT. Completed the full course. I didn’t notice any changes right away, but gradually the pain decreased, and after a month I realized that nothing was bothering me.” .
“I have long liked to go for evening runs at the stadium. A couple of years ago it started to hurt to walk, so I went to the doctor. We conducted several sessions of ultrasound shock wave therapy, the pain gradually disappeared, and now my health is in perfect order.” .
Antonina Nikolaevna, 61 years old:
“I’ve been treating heel spurs for a long time, but nothing helped. Recently, a doctor said that there is a method by which you can break up the growth using ultrasound absolutely painlessly. I didn’t believe it right away, but the pain became unbearable. Then she completed a course of 7 procedures and repeated the treatment after 8 months. I’m running again like in my youth.” .
Where can it be safe to undergo the UVT procedure?
Preference should be given to public or private medical institutions that have modern equipment and employ specialists who have the skills to provide such treatment.
How many procedures do you need to undergo for the therapy to start helping?
The duration of the course of shock wave therapy depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. Typically, the effectiveness of treatment is noted after the first session, but for a lasting result, approximately 3 full courses are required.
What is the average cost?
The price of shock wave therapy is about 600-1000 rubles per procedure, but some government medical institutions can provide it for free.
Elimination of heel spurs using the shock wave method is gaining more and more supporters due to its high effectiveness. Ultrasound crushing of the growth is a good alternative to surgical treatment. It is first necessary to carry out conservative drug therapy. Only after trying all the methods and having indications for shock wave therapy does the orthopedist refer the patient to a physiotherapist. After treatment, patients get rid of the unpleasant symptoms of the disease and return to an active lifestyle.