shockwave therapy for plantars fasciitis vs surgery?

[maamama]

has anyone had this shock wave procedure done? what were the results?My podiatrist suggested this, my other alternative is surgery. Just looking for input to help with decision making? Also any input on surgery appreciated.

[FootDoc]

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I have not personally used shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, so I cannot give you my personal evaluation. The old open surgery for plantar fasciitis, in my opinion, is to be avoided, but I have had much better experience with the closed endoscopic plantar fascial release, though it is not 100 percent successful and not without the possibility of side effects. If you are going to consider shockwave therapy, I would recommend that you make sure that you are not dealing with a jump-on-anything-new podiatrist, who often also employs a great deal of advertising, and may be more skilled at practice management than podiatric treatment. Certainly not everyone who employs shockwave therapy is in that category, but just be cautious, vett your podiatrist carefully and I would recommend seeking one who is fully Board Certified in Podiatric Surgery by the ABPS, and is a diplomate of the American Board section and not just the Ambulatory section.

[Admin]

There has been quite a discussion on Podiatry Arena about shockwave therapy. There are pros and cons and opinion is divided.

Hi

I wanted to respond to treatment options for heel pain. I have performed numerous open heel surgeries, endoscopic heel surgeries and shock wave. They all have varying degrees of success. I would avoid open fascial release which often becomes problematic. You are releasing a very strong foot support structure. I have nee performing cryosurgery for heel pain for several years. Based on my experience with all of these modalities, I would chose cryosurgery. This was not mentioned in your post and should actually be at the top of your list. Personally if it was my foot, I would try the cryosurgery. Again I speak from experience with all of these modalities.

Hope that helps.

Marc Katz DPM

[cochs6223]

Yes, I had shockwave therapy back in January, 2008. I had tried all other things to relieve the treacherous heel pain that had nagged me for months prior. This was AMAZING relief and I would recommend it to anyone w/ plantar fasciatis. -Suzanne

Suzanne, could you tell me how your healing progressed? My husband had this procedure done last week on both heels and is still in a good deal of pain. He is a phys ed teacher and so is on his feet ALL day long, which doesn't help. He is following the post-procedure instructions to the letter -- but I was just wondering when he should start o see results. The information that I have read is very vague about healing time because, of course, everyone heals at a different rate. I would just like to hear from someone who actually had it done, as we don't know anyone first-hand who had this procedure done.

Thanks so much for your help! Glad to hear it worked wonders for you---we are praying it works the same for my husband.

[cochs6223]

Hello Sue, Healing takes about 2-3 weeks before the pain goes away. My doctor told me prior to shockwave that this would be the case. I am hopeful that this will be the case for your husband also. May he have the same blessed relief that this therapy has granted to me!! -Suzanne

Good example of why more diverse opinions/posters are needed here. With just Foot Doc dominating this site, and admittedly having NEVER used shockwave, people are not made aware on this noninasive option. Same goes with cryosurgery. I would try every noninvasive procedure before surgery.