Many of our plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis patients respond well to traditional therapy.  This includes appropriate gym shoes, prescription orthotics, braces, a night splint and stretching.   

However, some patients have more stubborn cases.  In these cases shockwave therapy is highly effective.  In Dr Young's experience, this can be 80–90 percent effective for patients who have not had adequate relief with the traditional treatments.  There are some cases that are so severe that we also use PRP (platelet rich plasma).   

The shockwave therapy is typically done once a week for 5 treatments.  There is no down time with shockwave therapy and there are no injections.   

The Shockwave therapy protocol includes avoiding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories like Aleve or Advil, avoiding icing, and taking supplemental boron - 3 mg per day and collagen.  The clinical improvement after shockwave can continue to progress over 3-4 months. 

Shockwave therapy is a form of regenerative medicine.  The shockwave therapy itself is a fairly intense treatment and the targeted tissue benefits from the shockwave therapy with increased blood flow and increased local healing factors much like other forms of regenerative medicine.  The body  responds to shockwave therapy such that the local tissues respond as though there is trauma and this triggers many of the bodies own natural healing.   

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today.