Plantar fasciitis (or heel pain) is commonly traced to an inflammation on the bottom of the foot. Our practice can evaluate arch pain, and may prescribe customized shoe inserts called orthoses to help alleviate the pain.
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel bone. Also called "heel spur syndrome," the condition can usually be successfully treated with conservative measures such as use of anti-inflammatory medications and ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and physical therapy.
Shockwave Thearpy
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is used to treat chronic heel pain (plantar fasciitis/heel spur syndrome). During this non-invasive surgical procedure, sonic waves are directed at the area of pain using a device similar to that currently used in non-surgical treatment of kidney stones."Extracorporeal" means "outside of the body," and refers to this non-invasive surgical procedure in which strong sound waves are directed at the area of heel pain.
During the usually brief procedure of about 30 minutes, performed under local anesthesia and/or "twilight" anesthesia, strong sound waves penetrate the heel area and stimulate a healing response by the body. An overnight hospital stay is not necessary since extracorporeal shock wave therapy is performed on and outpatient basis.
This therapy is a safe and effective alternative treatment for heel pain and only requires a very short recovery time, mainly due to the elimination of costly and invasive surgical procedures. Contact us today to receive more information or to discuss the treatment options for extracorporeal shock wave therapy.
As seen on ABC news with Dr. Dean Edell.
Click Here for the ABC news story.
Testimonials
June 7, 2007
Dr. Dorfman,
It has been a few mouths since my last visit with you for the Plantar Fascitis in my left heel. The last two visits you gave me shots on both sides of my heel and they worked wonders.
I have been back to walking my two miles each morning now for over two months. I kept waiting for it to recur each week but no problem. It sure seems good to be doing that each day!
Thank you for your expertise in treating my pain and I do mean PAIN that I had with each and every step and just standing on that foot.
Great job!!! Thanks - sincerely,
Bernie Molinski
August 28, 2008
Dear Dr. Dorfman,
I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all your help for the last few months.
My condition has improved 95% with the pain in my heal and arch of my fright foot.
The Radial Spec Therapy did wonders for my pain relief and the mental stress that my pain always caused me in the morning and then through out the day.
The support boot that you suggested worked 100% in relieving the heal pain when I first wake up in the morning and could not take a step without serious pain.
Thank you very much, and I will recommend you to any friends or relatives.
Sincerely relieved,
Mr. John Papp
October 28, 2008
Dear Dr. Dorfman,
Thought you would like to know the electric shock treatment took a long time to work, but I am presently symptom free.
Thanks for your help.
Jerry (New York Prime)
Radialwave Therapy
Dr. Dorfman has recommended Radialwave therapy for the treatment of your orthopedic pain.
Recently our office was a part of a large study to test the effectiveness of extracorpol shockwave therapy (ESWT) for the treatment of chronic and acute pain of the heel.
Dr. Dorfman was one of the first podiatrists to receive training with ESWT in 2004. ESWT had just recently received FDA approval in the United States. Extracorpol Shockwave therapy has been used in Europe for over 30 years. Dr. Dorfman has performed over 400 ESWT procedures and has seen outstanding results.
ESWT is a non-invasive, non-surgical, non-painful procedure that requires no needles and no anesthesia. Treatments are fairly quick and usually patients can see immediate relief.
Shockwave works by sending pneumatic wave energy to the area of pain or trauma. The result of the wave produces and analgesic (pain relieving) effect to the treated area. The body releases a substance P, at the cellular level and this promotes the dilation (expansion) of blood vessels which stimulates growth factors (healing factors) and this in turn stimulates the formation of new blood vessels. The new blood vessels allow for tissue regeneration and repair of tendon and bone, while blocking the pain stimulus of the nerve endings.
Our office has been selected to continue the shockwave study by using a Radial Spec unit from the Medispec company. We used this in office equipment to follow 40 patients over a three month period. The protocol involved all types of heel pain patients, those patients with acute (early) onset heel pain and thosewith chronic (long suffering) heel pain. The study included both men, women, young old, active and inactive. The results were very promising in that after four treatments the average pain relief was 84%. After three months all but two of the forty patients maintained or showed marked improvement. These results were verifiable clinically using ultrasound imaging. These patients were able to return to strenuous activity in as early as four weeks, most taking ten weeks.
The Florida Sun-Sentinel has mentioned that this type of shockwave has been used to treat Miami Heat player Dwayne Wade's knee and Shawn Marion for plantar fasciitis. The article mentions a 75-80% success rate. We continue to be excited about offering our patients the latest and most cutting edge technology.
