Introduction

Heel pain can make even the simplest activities — walking to the mailbox, standing at work, or playing a round of golf — feel impossible. For many, the culprit is plantar fasciitis, a stubborn condition that affects nearly 2 million Americans each year.

At Central Ohio Spine & Joint in Westerville, Ohio, we see plantar fasciitis almost daily. And while traditional treatments like rest, medication, or injections may provide temporary relief, they often fail to fix the root cause. That’s why we use focused shockwave therapy — a non-surgical, evidence-based treatment that stimulates true healing and helps our patients get back on their feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot — becomes irritated or inflamed.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning
  
• Pain after long periods of standing or walking
  
• Stiffness and tenderness along the bottom of the foot
  
• Symptoms that improve with activity but worsen afterward
  

Left untreated, plantar fasciitis can become chronic and resistant to standard treatments.

Traditional Treatments (and Their Limitations)Most patients are first told to try:

• Rest and ice → may reduce pain but doesn’t heal the fascia.
  
• NSAIDs or injections → mask pain temporarily, but don’t correct underlying damage.
  
• Orthotics and night splints → may help with support, but relief is often incomplete.
  
• Physical therapy → improves mechanics, but progress is slow if tissue damage is significant.
  

While these can help, research shows many patients still suffer months — or even years — of recurring pain.

Why Shockwave Therapy is a Game-Changer

Shockwave therapy (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, or ESWT) uses high-energy sound waves delivered to the heel. These waves:

• Stimulate blood flow to speed healing
  
• Break down scar tissue that blocks recovery
  
• Trigger new tissue regeneration at the cellular level
  
• Calm chronic inflammation that keeps pain recurring
  

This isn’t just about symptom relief — it’s about resetting the healing process.

Evidence Supporting Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

• A 2017 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found shockwave therapy to be superior to placebo and traditional care for plantar fasciitis.
  
• Studies show 70–80% of patients report significant improvement after 3–5 sessions.
  
• Unlike injections, there’s no downtime and virtually no side effects.
  

For more details, see the National Library of Medicine

What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy at COSJ

1. Evaluation: We begin with a diagnostic scan to confirm plantar fasciitis is the cause of your pain.
   
2. Treatment: A handheld device delivers shockwaves directly to the fascia in a session lasting 10–15 minutes.
   
3. Results: Many patients notice improvement after the first session, with lasting relief over 3–6 visits.
   
4. Reinforcement: We integrate corrective exercise and strength training to prevent recurrence.
   

Why Choose COSJ in Westerville?

• Experience: Our providers specialize in advanced, non-surgical treatments for chronic pain.
  
• Integration: We combine shockwave therapy with chiropractic care, dry needling, and progressive rehab for comprehensive results.
  
• Proven Model: Our Repair → Retrain → Reinforce system ensures pain relief, functional recovery, and long-term resilience.
  
• Convenience: Located in Westerville, serving patients across Columbus and surrounding communities.
  

At COSJ, we don’t just get you out of pain — we keep you moving.

FAQs: Plantar Fasciitis & Shockwave Therapy

How long does a session take?
Most treatments last 10–15 minutes.

Will I need surgery if shockwave doesn’t work?
In most cases, shockwave therapy prevents the need for surgery by promoting true healing.

Does shockwave therapy hurt?
You may feel mild discomfort during treatment, but most patients find it tolerable.

Is it covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans do not cover it. That’s why we offer a $49 diagnostic scan to determine if it’s right for you.

Don’t let heel pain keep you sidelined. If you’ve been living with plantar fasciitis and traditional treatments haven’t worked, shockwave therapy may be the breakthrough you need.

📍 Central Ohio Spine & Joint
768 Park Meadow Rd.
Westerville, Ohio 43081
📞 (614) 392-2730

👉 Schedule your $49 diagnostic scan today and take the first step toward lasting relief.