Foot and ankle injuries are exceedingly common. In athletes and non-athletes alike, lower extremities such as these often bear the brunt of trauma. To that end, the use of shockwave therapy treatments for foot and ankle injuries have proven to be extremely effective, non-invasive, and without complications or side effects.
Over 100,000 people sprain their ankles in Canada each year. Of those, 40% of all cases will develop into chronic conditions. Ankle conditions that can be treated by shockwave therapy include Achilles tendinopathy, retrocalcaneal bursitis, and ankle fracture nonunions.
When it comes to fracture nonunions, these are caused when fractures do not heal properly, usually because they were not properly stabilized during the healing process or lacked blood supply. Blood brings oxygen, healing cells, and growth factors to the bone to allow it to heal. If a fractured bone is left unstable or lacks blood supply, it can lead to a nonunion.
Like ankle injuries, foot injuries are similarly common. Some foot injuries that can be treated by shockwave therapy include plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and stiff big toe.
Plantar fasciitis is a common musculoskeletal disorder that affects an estimated 7% of the population. It is characterized by inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and connects the heel bone to the toes, known as the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is integral to mobility, as it helps to absorb the shock associated with walking, running, or otherwise putting pressure on your feet.
Some of these conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, can severely affect a patient’s quality of life. And, while conservative treatments sometimes work, many also come with undesirable side effects.
Shockwave Therapy Treatments for Foot and Ankle Injuries
In nonunion fractures, layers of damaged cells prevent the broken parts of the bone from reconnecting. Using shockwave therapy, practitioners can apply targeted force inside the bone to create small cavities in which a hematoma – a pool of blood – can form. Subsequently, the hematoma clots as part of the body’s natural healing method. This, in turn, helps to remove damaged bone cells and allows healthy bone to grow and properly reconnect.
In the United Kingdom, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has listed shockwave as an effective form of treatment for plantar fasciitis in its interventional procedure guidance since November 2005. Since 2010, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons has recommended shockwave therapy as the treatment of choice for plantar fasciitis.
The Treatment of Choice
Shockwave therapy machines provide an ideal treatment for a range of foot and ankle conditions. Following treatments, patients can immediately engage in their usual activities. When it comes to helping patients get back on their feet and resume a decent quality of life, it’s important to provide relief quickly and effectively. Studies have shown this treatment method to have a 91% success rate and be highly effective.
For more information about how you can help your foot and ankle injury patients using shockwave therapy treatments, please visit: www.shockwavecanada.com.
