Heel pain following US on Plantar Fascia

[SusieC]

I have suffered from Plantar Fasciitis for a little over a year. I recently broke down, bought your Ultrasound unit. (Very reasonably priced compared to PT bills!) The pain in the Plantar region has significantly decreased. However, I now have pain around the actual heel bone, what my mom used to call a "stone bruise" type feeling. Is this due to a different injury, or have I used the ultrasound unit too far over the bony region of my foot?

[Allison]

Hello SusieC,

I am so very happy to hear that our portable ultrasound device has provided you some much needed pain relief for your Plantar Fasciitis (-:

It is not likely that the ultrasound is causing the pain around your heel as long as you are: (1) applying enough ultrasound gel to create a seal between the transducer head and your skin, (2) continuously moving the ultrasound over your treatment area, (3) using the appropriate intensity and time settings for your condition, & (4) keeping the transducer head of the device flat against your treatment area. It is important to note that the energy emitted from the portable ultrasound will get absorbed by your soft tissue and therefore will not cause any adverse effects to your bone.

I believe that the pain you are now experiencing indicates that you have either developed or are developing a bone spur on your heel. A heel spur is basically a boney outgrowth (or calcium deposit) that has developed as a healing mechanism for your body due to your loss of mobility & flexibility in your Plantar Fascia. I would recommend that you undergo diagnostic testing with your physician (perhaps obtain an MRI or X-ray) to determine the severity of your heel spur and whether it will need to be surgically removed. In the mean time you can continue to use the portable ultrasound over your heel to reduce pain, inflammation and scar tissue around your heel spur (which will relieve the pressure that your spur is placing on the surrounding tissue).

I hope I have adequately answered your question, and if you require any additional assistance please feel free to contact one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives toll free at 1-866-237-9608 or phone us directly at 1-705-445-3505.

Best Wishes,

Allison
MendMeShop

[SusieC]

Thank you for your prompt reply to my concerns. I am relieved to hear I am not doing more harm than good. I am very pleased, so far, with the US device. I am already able to return to light training. THANKS!!!