[Guest]

I have had a bone spur on my right heel for over 10 yrs and due to having grown in the ligament- surgery has not been an option-- I had the cortisone shots and it seems to help-- but very painful... I am now getting the feeling in my left foot (new spur) and need to go to the podiatrist - My Nurse friend said there is a new treatment out now with ultrasound that supposedly alleviates pain- can you give me a little information on that type of treatment?

Thanks Elaine

[Guest]

There is a new treatment called extracorpeal shockwave treatment that is similar to the lithotripsy machine used by urologists for kidney stones. The reason it works is not really known but it is believed to cause tissue injury and promote healing in the area that was not occurring previously. It works in about sixty percent of teh people but the results are not immediate and can take up to three months. However, it is an appealing treatment for many people with your condition. Finally, you are still a candidate for the traditional surgery even if the spur is in the tendon. Good luck and please write back with any future questions.
[quote] I have had a bone spur on my right heel for over 10 yrs and due to having grown in the ligament- surgery has not been an option-- I had the cortisone shots and it seems to help-- but very painful. ... [/quote]

[Guest]

I had ESW on Thursday 10-10-02 and let me tell you -- already the difference is amazing-- Thank you so much for letting me know the name-- I took it from there and talked with my PCP and he got me a special referral to a doctor who agreed to the ESW-- insurance paid-- and I am one happy camper!!! THANKS AGAIN.

Elaine
[quote] There is a new treatment called extracorpeal shockwave treatment that is similar to the lithotripsy machine used by urologists for kidney stones. The reason it works is not really known but it is believed to cause tissue injury and promote healing in the area that was not occurring previously... [/quote]