One of the most common ailments of the foot is 'Heel Spurs'. This ailment creates a long term inflammation of the plantar fascia under the heel and converts the tissue into a bloodless, non-reactive inflammation. After a while the tissue has the consistency of cork material. The ailment results in a constant, dull ache, and the sufferer feels crippled when getting out of bed or getting up after sitting at a desk for a long period of time. It is due to overt stretching of the plantar fascia. The problem can happen at any age, from children to elderly people. Those who have a very tight Achilles tendon are more likely to suffer from it.

In about 90 percent of the cases plantar fascitis can be treated by simply changing shoes, custom foot supports, stretching exercises, physical therapy or ice massages. However, the other 10 percent of sufferers require surgery.

The Ossatron, now being used by The Podiatry Center's Dr. Imanuel and Grillo, is a new device which converts chronic inflammation into acute inflammation allowing the body to heal itself. Basically, some injuries go unattended by the bodies repair capabilities because they are not sending out the proper signals to the brain. By changing the status of the injury in this manner, the brain gets a new message and sends signals to the body to heal itself properly.

"This phenomenon is how we heal from ordinary bruises, cuts and breaks in tissue, such as skin and bone tissue" explains Dr. Imanuel.

"Shock waves have been known and used for more than a half-century but only recently have shock waves been used to treat people" Dr. Joe Grillo added.

The first use of shock waves was the "Litho-tripsy" which was for kidney stones. In this case a patient sits in a bath and shock waves are sent through the water into and through the patient. The frequency of the waves have been calibrated to only effect the stones and not effect the patients. These stones are reduced in size, so that they pass through more easily with urination.

The latest application of shock waves if for the foot. Studies are also being conducted on the use of similar treatments for elbows. Many feel shock waves will eventually be used in many areas of the body as an alternative to invasive surgery. There are no injections used in the procedure. The patient is given a mild sedative while they receive a painless 4,000 steady shock waves during a period of eight minutes. The procedure has been used in Europe for ten to fifteen years, very successfully.

Following the procedure, that patient must not use anti-inflammatory medication, since the early stage of acute inflammation, since the early stage of acute inflammation, which the shock waves have brought back, must be allowed to continue for the tissues to heal themselves. If there is any pain, over the counter pain relievers may be taken.

Studies show that 90 percent of patients who receive the shock-wave treatment experience either complete or partial relief. The technique can also be used on patients who have had other surgical procedures for heel spurs which have failed.

The shock-wave therapy is performed at Summerlin Bend Surgery Center, where Dr. Imanuel is one of the partner/owners.

The Podiatry Center's shock wave treatment generally requires a follow-up visit four weeks later. Invasive surgical treatment for heel spurs require the patient to return to see the doctor two or three days after the procedure.

"We are proud to be among the first in the area to have the Osatron and look forward to treating many of our patients in this most modern fashion." Said Dr. Imanuel.