A Podiatrist's experience and recommendation for A
Post# of 7796
Plantar Fasciitis Pain Management with ActiPatch, James C. Ricketti, D.P.M.
2273 Route 33, Suite 204, Hamilton Square, NJ 08890 - 609-567-1674
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammation of the fibrous band of tissue which runs from the inferior calcaneus and extends to the digits. Historically, treatment has consisted of injection, night splints, physical therapy, orthotics, heal cups, pads, castings and when all fails, surgical excision.
There is now a new portable, light weight and low cost way to decrease the pain and edema associated with plantar fasciitis. The ActiPatch is a device which produces pulse electromagnetic therapy that reduces swelling and relieves pain which enhances the healing of the plantar fascia. I have been using the ActiPatch 250 for plantar fasciitis for the past year and I have been impressed by its pain control. I started using ActiPatch on patients who failed a conservative treatment regimen and were slated for surgery. The results were very impressive.
I chose eight patients with chronic intractable plantar fascia pain and had them apply the ActiPatch to the medial heel at daytime and the inferior heel at nighttime. Seven out of eight patients received pain relief within forty-eight hours. They were able to walk without discomfort. The eighth patient received some benefits but still had morning pain upon arising while the other patients did not.
After twelve-day regimen with the ActiPatch seven patients became pain-free in the daytime and were then treated with the ActiPatch for another twelve days at night to reduce their pain cycle totally. None of the seven patients went on for further treatment or surgery. The only adjunct treatment for these patients was to continue with their previously fabricated custom foot orthotic devices.
The amount of pain relief obtained from the ActiPatch while treating plantar fasciitis was remarkable. The benefits of the ActiPatch were pain reduction with edema reduction. The unit is safe, low cost, small, portable, and a narcotic pain free device. It should be considered in all plantar fasciitis cases.