Shockwave Treatment

There are 3.85 million cases of chronic heel pain in the United States, costing healthcare 2.29 billion dollars.  Now a new twenty minute non-surgical procedure can alleviate chronic heel pain (Plantar Facsiitis) and Dr. Charles Birk offers it.   Dr. Birk has offices in Cape May Court House and in Beesleys Point and is specially trained to offer this new treatment for heel pain.

Plantar Facsiitis (heel pain)  results from inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes, across the arch of the foot, to the point at which it inserts into the heel.  Typically pain is the worst with the first few steps in the morning.  It is sometimes associated with a heel spur, in which case it is called “heel spur syndrome.”  The condition can usually be successfully treated with conservative therapies such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, night splints, cortisone injections and physical therapy.  If the condition does not clear up, ESWT or Shockwave Therapy may be considered.

As with any procedure, complications may arise but less than 1% of the cases during the FDA clinical trials of ESWT reported some mild complication like bruising of the skin, swelling and or numbness or tingling.