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foot

Why shockwave?

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shockwave

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ECSWT)

Shockwave therapy is used in the treatment of heel pain and tendon injuries.

The latest research in shockwave reveals it to be as effective for plantar fasciitis as a corticosteroid injection and is very helpful for achilles tendonitis. Its use is supported by the National Institute of Clinical Health and Excellence (NICE).

At Zest we use the best machine on the market the ‘Swiss Dolarclast’. The Swiss Dolarcast is the same type that is used in the NICE research. The machine sends waves of pressure into the tissue encouraging it to heal.

Why does it work?

The machine sends shockwaves from a compressor into a special probe. The probe sends the waves into the damaged area. The waves encourage the damaged tissue to heal at a quicker rate than is normally would.

Does it hurt?

Shockwave is a non-invasive treatment so no skin is broken or damaged. It can be a bit tender during the treatment but this eases in a few seconds.

You can return to normal activity immediately as there is no damage to the area,. We may encourage you to rest and have a cup of tea after.

How many sessions will I need?

We recommend 3 shockwave sessions, a week apart. This gives you the best chance for resolution of pain. Occasionally further sessions are required, although not common we can accommodate this.

How will I know it is better?

Your pain should be gone or much less. But we will have a look with an Ultrasound scanner to see how well the damage tissue is healing.

It’s all about MSK

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MSK

MSK (Musculoskeletal) is the diagnosis and treatment of problems arising from the musculoskeletal system. This includes injuries and diseases affecting the muscles, bones and joints of the limbs and spine. Traditionally linked with biomechanics the MSK podiatrist is the “go-to” person for functional pain in the foot and ankle.

What is an MSK Podiatrist?

This is sometimes referred to as a Biomechanical Podiatrist and the two terms are often used interchangeably, so what is biomechanics? Biomechanics in its broadest sense is the application of mechanical principles to biological systems. Within the foot and lower leg the application of mechanical principles is vital in addressing pain within the musculoskeletal system.

At Zest we are trained in assessing the joints in the lower limb through our knowledge of biomechanics. By using this knowledge alongside our in-house diagnostic techniques, equipment we can offer a full musculoskeletal treatment plan.

Common MSK conditions we treat include:

  • plantar fasciitis
  • morton’s neuroma
  • achilles tendonopathy/tendonitis
  • other tendonopathy/tendonitis
  • osteoarthritis
  • painful flat feet
  • heel pain
  • joint pain
  • bursitis
  • big toe pain
  • ankle pain

What does an MSK assessment look like?

Assessment is a combination of assessing clients on the couch, standing on the floor and observing walking (gait analysis). Gait analysis is often assisted by video gait analysis technology, in clinic we use Run3D (external site of Run3D.co.uk).

The mixture of clinical examinations and ultrasound imaging are to aid diagnosis, and then advise on treatment options.

What are the treatment options?

A combination of MSK treatments can include:

  • footwear advice
  • exercise therapy
  • orthoses/insoles
  • taping
  • focus rehabilitation
  • injection therapy (including steroid injection)

#zestahp #proudtobeapod #oxford #podiatry

What is Podiatry?

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musculoskeletal

Podiatrists are foot healthcare experts.

They are university trained to prevent, diagnose, treat and rehabilitate medical and surgical conditions of the feet and lower limbs. The College of Podiatry.

Podiatrists (formerly named Chiropodists) are the healthcare professionals responsible for delivering podiatry both in hospital and clinic settings. They study a degree course and are registered with the HCPC (Health Care Professions Council).

They deal with a broad range of conditions that affect the foot and ankle. Treatments include specialist treatments such as swift microwave verrucae therapy, sports podiatry, injection therapy, musculoskeletal and nail surgery.

Foot health provision is available on the NHS to those who long term conditions that affect their feet. Conditions may include Diabetes, Peripheral Arterial Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis (NICE guidelines).

We have 3 full-time and 2 part-time podiatrists who are able to provide general podiatry alongside musculoskeletal. We treat those in pain, have reduced mobility or just want to improve aesthetics. Musculoskeletal podiatry includes the use of ultrasound imaging, injection therapy, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), Run3D and orthoses.

#zestahp #podiatry #oxford #whywaittillithurts


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