What Happens During Shock Wave Treatment?

The entire treatment takes approximately a half hour. Before therapy begins, you'll be asked to identify the area of your foot with the most pain, which the physician will note. An ultrasound image of your foot will probably be taken, as well. The area of your foot will then be numbered, and you'll be asked to lie or sit down on an exam table or chair. A gel will then be applied to both your foot and the therapy head.
The therapy head, which houses the shock wave source, will then be placed against your foot. Using a hand-held monitor, your doctor will release the shock waves with the push of a button on a special control panel.

Based on worldwide medical experience, extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a safe and effective alternative to the traditional treatment methods available. Shock wave therapy relieves pain and provides a short recovery period. This therapy may eliminate the need for surgery altogether, which is often expensive and could cause other health problems.
There are very few side effects or risks involved with shock wave therapy. The most common patient complaint during therapy is some pain or discomfort during and after treatment. Other side effects may include minor skin bruising and/or reddening, as well as swelling for a brief period of time.
You are encouraged to discuss with your podiatrist any reason(s) why you should not undergo shock wave treatment. The Epos Ultra has not been used to treat people with the following:

• Conditions other than plantar fasciitis that could be possible causes of heel pain.
• A pacemaker or those who have a history of active heart disease. 
• An infection in the area to be treated.
• A history of current or recent therapy that compromises tissue healing.
• Pregnant.
• Problems with circulation or bleeding. 
• Diabetic neuropathy.
• Diseases or disorders of the nerves.
• Diseases or disorders of the bone structure.
• A heel or ankle fracture. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Plantar fascial rupture. 
• Previous treatment with any other conservative therapies within two weeks of treatment, corticosteroid injection within one month of treatment. 
• Previous surgery for plantar fasciitis.
• A history or documented evidence of immune system deficiencies (autoimmune disease). 

Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM

Connecticut Foot Care Centers

Heel Pain Doctor in CT

Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT 

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