This year elite NFL quarterbacks Drew Brees and Peyton Manning have been stricken with a very common foot problem, plantar Fasciitis with tearing of the fascia. I’ve also been stricken with a horrendous fantasy football team due to this foot ailment, but that’s another story.
I’ve personally suffered from plantar fasciitis as discussed in a previous blog and it can be very disabling. It puts it into perspective that these elite athletes, with the best tretament options and care available are still suffering and don’t heal immediately.
Imagine the recovery time for your 37 year old podiatrist who has no personal trainers and a 3 and a 1 year child to chase around 24/7. (No rest).
Plantar Fasciitis is inflammation of a ligament that extends from the heel to the forefoot and is responsible for maintaining the integrity of you foot structure. It’s extremely important. When you experience tearing and inflammation, every step can hurt.
Treatment consists of stretching, rest and supporting any foot deformity that may cause your issue. Injections can be helpful and physical therapy has been wonderful for my patient.
But I have something NEW:
Extracoporeal Sound Wave Therapy is a new treatment option (also known as EPAT) that has become a staple in my practice.
Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT®) is the most advanced and highly effective non-invasive treatment method based on the use of pressure waves that stimulate healing in areas of injury (like the plantar fascia) by enhancing blood circulation to speed up the healing process. Damaged tissue is able to reform and heals.
This is a great option to avoid steroid use, limit non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (to avoid side effects) and allow my patients to continue to live their lives while healing. One appointment a week and a range of 3-7 treatments total for recovery. The treatments take between 15-30 mintues at a time. I perform the treatments.
This new option has made such an incredible difference for my patients!
So if you are like our NFL superstars or a weekend warrior like myself and you are suffering from tendon pain, Ankle Sprains, Heel pain, neuromas and other sports injruies, avoid the needles and boots and come in for an evaluation.
You deserve to get better!
To make an appointment call: 484-681-9485 or email us at info@barkingdogspodiatry.com
I suffered and inrjuy to the Achilles Tendon almost 8 weeks ago now. I felt the pop that people hear. X-Rays showed that it didnt tear all the way through, but I feel as if the tendon on that ankle is larger than the other. The tendon is still too weak to walk off my toes. I squeeze my calf every once in a while and ankle doesnt move much or doesnt look like it does at all. What do I do now?
In these situations I would advise an evaluation from a physician to rule out the possibility of a rupture of the tendon and evaluate for other possible problems. We’d love to help you!