Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Dr. Feldman was one of the first medical providers in San Diego County to use extracorporeal shock wave therapy. He was a medical instructor for HealthTronics and taught area physicians how to use the OssaTron device. Dr. Feldman utilizes the Siemens Sonocur device for in office procedures and the OssaTron device in a surgery center. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is utilized when all conservative, non-surgical, therapies have failed and the patient complains of persistant pain. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has significantly reduced the role of surgery in treating both posterior and plantar heel pain. With such technology the need for heel spur surgery is nearly eliminated.
Plantar Fasciitis
A medical research study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine has demonstrated that high intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy is highly beneficial in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. The researchers found that following one session of extracorporeal shock wave therapy 69.1% of patients reported an excellent result and 13.6% of patients reported a good result. (See article abstract.)
Posterior Heel Pain (also known as insertional Achilles tendinopathy)
Frequently the Achilles tendon attachment at the posterior heel becomes inflammed and painful. The fibers of the Achilles tendon, as they attach to the posterior heel, become degenerative and oftentimes bone spurs form. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has proven to be highly effective in reducing or eliminating pain associated with posterior heel spurs and insertional Achilles tendinopathy. One study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine noted that 83% of patients had a successful outcome. (See article abstract.)
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Another means of stimulating tendon repair and regeneration is the use of Platelet Rich Plasma. The science behind platelet rich plasma is quite complex, but it is easy to understand why platelets help tissue heal. Whenever tissue is acutely injured, whether it be a skin cut, tendon or ligament tear or a broken bone, the body bleeds into the tissue. The platelets in the blood clump or clot together to stop bleeding. The platelets then release chemical growth factors to trigger tissue healing. The chemical messengers stimulate blood vessel and collagen production.
In the case of chronic tendon injuries, the tendon is damaged and yet the body has difficulty healing the injury. By injecting PRP into the damaged tendon, the healing process is stimulated. The PRP is obtained from the patient's own blood and therefore there are no risks of cross contamination.
Dr. Feldman, in conjunction with Biomet Biologics, is conducting a study on the benefit of PRP in treating chronic plantar fasciitis. (Study Information)
Dr. Feldman has found PRP to helpful in treating chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis and posterior tibial tendinitis.
Kent A. Feldman, DPM
Open daily from 8:30am to 5:00pm
858-875-6350
5471 Kearny Villa Road, Suite 200
San Diego, California
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