Procedure
Examination
On examination, the patient typically has a point of maximal plantar tenderness on the medial calcaneal tuberosity. Ultrasonography of the heel can confirm the diagnosis and can help exclude other entities, especially fascia rupture. Ultrasonographic diagnostic criteria include thickening, hypoechogenicity, and alterations in the normal fibrillary pattern of the plantar fascia.
Treatment Description
The Epos Ultra delivers high-energy shock waves to the area of pain to increase blood flow and stimulate healing of the affected foot.
The therapy head of the Epos Ultra uses a magnetic current impulse to generate shock waves. Shock waves are a type of sound wave. A pulse of electrical energy causes strong magnetic fields, which produce forces that vibrate and create a pressure wave or shock wave. The shock waves travel through the water in the shock wave source (coupling cushion) mounted to the therapy head, where they are precisely focused by a lens to the target tissue without any energy loss or damage to the body tissue.
Before treatment begins, the patient will be given a local anesthetic. Using ultrasound guidance, the source of the pain will be located. Ultrasound gel will be applied to the foot and the therapy head. Treatment then begins and lasts approximately 20-25 minutes. The ultrasound is used throughout the treatment to assist with the targeting of the shock waves.
