Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. It is by far the most common condition that we see and treat here at the Washington Heel Pain Center. The mainstays of treatment for this condition includes orthotics, avoiding going barefoot, using a night splint, braces, and stretching. Beyond this, in some cases, we will perform an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection. However, when these treatments do not allow for resolution, we have additional options.

Most of the advanced treatments for plantar fasciitis involve an injection. However, one of the new treatments at our clinic does not involve any injections and is very effective: extracorporeal shockwave therapy. The typical treatment course involves anywhere from 3 to 5 weekly sessions. The shockwave is a very intense modality that, over the course of 5-10 minutes, delivers 4000 micro impacts to the plantar fascia and bottom of the heel. No local anesthetic is necessary.

One great advantage is that there is no down time. The heel actually feels better immediately after the procedure, and then continues to improve over the course of one or two months after the series of treatments are complete. In other words, you can run 10 miles the next day or do whatever work out or activities you wish, without concern.

When considering these advanced treatment options, it is important to take into consideration your desired activity level after the procedure. So, here at the Washington Heel Pain Center, Dr. Brandon Nelson and Dr. Timothy Young we are happy to help guide our patients through this decision-making process.

Fill out our appointment request form online if you would like us to give you a call back. Thank you!