Heel Spur and/or Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia functions like a bowstring. It runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot and the toes and it maintains the arch of the foot. The fascia withstands high tension, about twice body weight, during walking. The tension is increased if the calf muscles lack flexibility.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia and pain is normally felt where the fascia attaches to the heel. Heel spurs are bony growths that develop from excessive tension on the heel bone applied by the fascia and they may or may not cause pain.

The pain caused by plantar fasciitis usually starts with the first steps of the day, usually in front of the heel but sometimes in other parts of the fascia. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and can last for months or can even be permanent.

Genesis Medical offers heel pads to ease the condition and a shock wave therapy system that successfully treats the condition.

The heel pads raise the heel and this helps if there is limited flexibility of the calf muscles. They also cushion the heel and in the case of heel spurs, some pads allow a part below the pad to be removed so reducing or eliminating pressure on the spur.

The Orthospec shock wave system delivers pulses of energy in the form of about 1500 sonic waves into the painful area over a period of about 10 minutes. Pain relief is usually immediate. On average two treatments are needed, the second treatment being 2 to 4 weeks after the first.

Clinical experience from seven countries around the world for patients who had suffered from chronic pain for over six months and who had not responded to conservative treatment showed over 70% success. A copy of the full report is available free of charge to therapists from Genesis Medical or from Medispec at www.medispec.com.