The Effect of an Ultrasound on Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation experienced on the heel of the foot caused by damage or wear to the part of the foot that supports the arches. Plantar fasciitis is treatable through a variety of means, including ultrasound therapy.

Identification

• Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to penetrate the skin of the foot into the tissue below. The process involves pressing a wand-shaped ultrasound machine against the affected area of the foot once it is covered with a special conductive ultrasound jelly.

Primary Benefits

• Using ultrasound therapy upon the heel of the foot affected by plantar fasciitis, results in the increase of blood flow, which speeds up the healing process in the foot. It also reduces the swelling, which can cause much of the pain.

Secondary Benefits

• Ultrasound also removes damaged cells in the area of the heel and breaks down calcified areas in the foot that can lead to further pain.

Types

• Ultrasound treatments for plantar fasciitis can be administered by doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists and podiatrists. Alternately, an ultrasound machine can be purchased from a retailer for use at home.

Warning

• People who have pacemakers, hemophilia, spina bifida, infections of the rotator cuff tissue or who have received cortisone injections within 30 days should not use ultrasound therapy. Before beginning ultrasound therapy at home, it is important to obtain the advice of a medical professional.