Foot Heel Pain Treatment

What Is Plantar Fasciitis or Heel Spur Syndrome?

Heel pain is usually present during the first few steps in the morning and tends to ease until the next time the patient rests, sits, or drives and tries to stand on their feet. Many patients describe this pain as "a hot knife being pushed into the bottom of my heel." If left untreated, pain can become constant, even hurting when at rest. For some patients, the pain is so severe that they can no longer participate in certain normal activities such as work and leisure activities. Achilles tendonitis hurts in the back of the heel and can hurt first steps in the morning, more as the day progresses, and during walking or playing sports. Quite often, Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis can occur together.

What causes it?

Plantar fasciitis (heel pain) is caused by a mechanical imbalance in the foot called over-pronation which causes the foot to roll in towards the arch and big toe joint. There is a very strong, fibrous band on the bottom of the foot called the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia inserts in the heel bone and then spreads out and joins the toes. When the foot rolls in (over pronates) the band must try and stretch, but it cannot, therefore, the fascia pulls at its insertion at the heel bone which causes a small tear and swelling, hence pain. Over time, as the fascia continually pulls, it pulls away at the bone causing a heel spur. The size or presence of a heel spur does not always correlate with the amount of pain. One can have a heel spur with the absence of pain and vice-versa!

Radial soundwave therapy (ESWT)

Radial Soundwave Therapy (RST) is one of the best solutions for those who suffer from heel pain. Often called heel spur syndrome this painful condition can now be treated quickly and effectively. The new Radial Soundwave Therapy was introduced to Canada in 2002 by Podiatrist Hartley Miltchin. Previously, he introduced a surgical procedure to Canada in 1993 called Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy (EPF), using a micro camera to treat plantar fasciitis. The RST procedure is utilized to correct chronic heel pain that afflicts men and women equally. This new treatment is non-surgical, non-invasive, involves no time off your feet, and best of all, no anesthetic is required.

Radial Soundwave Therapy (RST) combines air pressure and electronics to produce an acoustic (sound) energy with a computerized, controlled frequency. This newer treatment requires no anaesthetic and requires three 3 minute treatments over a 3 to 4 week period. Some patients feel relief after the very 1st treatment! This treatment is non-surgical and does not produce any shockwaves.

If you are looking for heel pain treatment in Toronto, our team is committed to providing innovative foot pain relief. Please contact us today.