Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy

If you’re tired of dealing with plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and you want an alternative to surgery, we may have the perfect solution. Upstate Orthopedics works hard to bring patients the most advanced orthopedic services that are proven to be effective and safe, such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). This minimally invasive treatment option is available for patients with plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and Achilles tendonitis.

What is extracorporeal shock wave therapy?

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a non-surgical treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. If conservative treatments such as cortisone injections, anti-inflammatory medications, splints, braces, orthotics, or physical therapy have failed to relieve your pain, then ESWT may be right for you.

Extracorporeal means “outside the body.” Using a handheld device, a wave of energy is applied outside the body, directly over the area that needs healing. The “shock wave” energy stimulates a cellular response inside the body to repair the damaged tissues and regenerate healthy ones.

Also called ESWT for short, this technique was initially developed to blast away kidney stones without the need for surgery. It has since been applied in orthopedic medicine as a treatment for soft tissue injuries and some bone conditions. Thousands of ESWT procedures have been performed since 1999.

What does it treat?

At Upstate Orthopedics, Syracuse foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Scott VanValkenburg performs extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to heal foot and ankle pain caused by plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

What are the benefits of ESWT?

• No incisions, no scars
• No down time – go back to work the same day
• Rapid recovery – complete recovery in 2-6 weeks
• Less expensive than surgery (and safer, too!)
• In-office procedure

Does ESWT sound like something you’d like to try?

Call Upstate Orthopedics today and schedule a visit with Dr. VanValkenburg for your heel pain. He will explain the details and let you know if ESWT is right for you. Call now: (315) 464-4472.