Shockwave and Cold Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia – fibrous tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes – which causes severe irritability like a stabbing pain, making it difficult to walk. Those that have it experience bouts of inflammation that can be triggered by walking or standing for long periods of time; for those that have to be on their feet for most of their workday, their productivity would likely experience a steep decrease in accordance with the pain in their heel. Fortunately, there are active solutions in Shockwave Therapy and Cold Laser Therapy that can alleviate the condition.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive therapy used to treat painful disorders. In the case of those with Plantar Fasciitis, the therapist would apply a gel substance to the area before taking the Shockwave applicator to it. This wand will send acoustic shockwaves to the affected area, reducing the inflammation and tension build-up within the bottom of the foot.
While the remedy is effective, it is necessary that the therapy should be administered according to the severity of the issue; normally a 3-month treatment at least. Although the period for treatment might seem like a long time, it is imperative that the session terms are completed to ensure full recovery and prevention for future disorders.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold Laser Therapy involves the use of low-level infrared light that is used to promote cell regeneration within the targeted area. While patients will feel the tool touching their skin, the procedure is painless and non-invasive. The damaged tissue within patients that have Plantar Fasciitis will start to be repaired within a matter of minutes; a great relief for those that need a quick appointment.
The Alternative
Corticosteroid injections are one of the possible alternatives that medical professionals offer in the case of plantar fasciitis. While the injections are extremely helpful in numbing the pain and giving the patient a heightened sense of durability to walk, the risks for further prevention worsen. The reason for this is while the injections numb the pain, they also cease the regenerative process while the drug continues to function, causing further degeneration of the tissue, i.e. more pain in the future.
Shockwave and Cold Laser therapies work to ensure that the pain will lessen over time as they both function in speeding, and sometimes even activating, the regeneration process to heal the plantar fascia. While the alternative is cheaper, it is seen more as a quick fix as opposed to the longevity that Shockwave and Cold Laser therapies bring. The long-term investment for the ailment will be worth it in the end.