Heel Pain

ESWT (Extra-corporeal Shock Wave Therapy)

This procedure is performed at Newman-Thiele Foot and Ankle Associates under a local anesthetic only. No sedation is required. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes per foot. There are no incisions at all. The ESWT procedure uses high powered sound waves to penetrate through the skin to treat the chronically inflamed tissue. The sound pulses strike the ligament band hundreds of times which trigger the body's natural healing mechanism to repair the damaged ligament internally. The procedure is 87-90%% effective in treating heel pain from plantar fasciitis and heel spur syndrome.  Most patients may return to work the next day depending on the type of job.  They are to limit any sport activities until cleared by the doctor to return to their sport.   They may wear regular shoes gear after the procedure. Complete relief may take up to several months as the ligament band heals.  The procedure  is generally performed only once, but may need to be repeated generally at no charge if the procedure has failed to provide adequate relief after a given period of time which we will discuss with you.

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Minimally Invasive Plantar Fasciotomy/ EPF (endoscopic plantar fasciotomy)

EPF (endoscopic plantar fasciotomy) procedure is a precise, endoscopic guided surgical release of the inflammed fascia and is performed thru two very tiny incisions.   This is done only if non-operative or conservative care has failed to alleviate the heel pain symptoms.   An EPF procedure is performed a as a same day procedures our hospital or surgery center under a light sedation and local anesthesia.  The procedure takes generally 15 minutes to perform.  Patients are able to bear weight immediately with a protective boot.   Most patients are back in sneakers by the 3rd post op week.

Radiofrequency Ablation for Heel / Foot and Neuroma Pains:

Radiofrequency ablation uses an electric current to heat up a small area of nerve / inflamed tissue to stop it from transmitting pain signals. It can provide lasting relief for people with pain, especially in the heel (heel spur syndrome / plantar fasciitis) or under the ball of the foot (forefoot bursitis / neuritis / Morton's neuroma) near the toes. The procedure involves very light sedation with local anesthesia. It is performed at the hospital or surgical center. The procedure is minimally invasive by which there are no incisions nor suture / stitches required at all. The procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes. A Band Aid type dressing is placed over the surgical site. Patients may shower that night and may resume sneakers and drive the day after the procedure.

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