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Thomasville - Dr. Robert Sprinkle of ABC foot, Ankle Clinic and Dr. Robert Sprinkle, III with Sprinkle Foot and Ankle, and Dr. Walter Zelasko with Total Foot Care, all on staff with Thomasville Medical Center are offering the Triad region the newest method of non-invasive treatment for chronic heel pain. The OssaTron has also been approved for the treatment of chronic tennis elbow and Thomasville Medical Center plans to be offering the service for chronic elbow pain in the near future.

The service is being provided in partnership with US Orthotripsy and HealthTronics Surgical Services who introduced the technology to the US and provide the Gold Standard in surgical shockwave services "US Orthotripsy and HealthTronics Surgical Services are the most experienced and reputable of the various shockwave providers" said Lynn Maxwell, Director or Perioperative Services for Thomasville Medical Center. "Working with them allows us to consistently deliver truly effective, consistently delivered orthopaedic shockwave services to our patient and doctor community."

The OssaTron orthopaedic shockwave device is offering a means for chronic heel pain sufferers to keep their heels on the run when it comes to heel pain. The planter fascia is a thick band that runs the length of the sole of the foot. It helps to maintain the arch system of the foot and plays a role in ones balance and walking. Chronic heel pain is usually the result of repetitive over-use and over-loading, running, walking, standing) of the foot causing thickening of the plantar fascia, loss of elasticity and decreased blood flow. Heel pain is prominent upon rising. If can be aggravated by long periods of activity. It may be severe enough to disable a person from work and daily living.

Orthotripsy, which emits shock waves similar to those used to treat kidney stones, increases blood flow and stimulates the healing of the affected heel. The procedure has been proven effective with just one treatment in more than 80% of documented cases. Whereas invasive surgical procedures requires cutting part of the fascia, reducing its important function in the foot, non-invasive Orthotripsy provides a long-term resolution that is as effective or better than surgical results. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and patients are able to retain full weight bearing ability and walk out of the hospital after the procedure. Patients also avoid long recovery periods and potential complications from open surgery.

"Patients benefit from almost immediate results," continues Maxwell. "It is the only FDA-approved high energy electrohydraulic single treatment procedure in the US for chronic heel pain. TMC is the only local hospital offering this high frequency procedure. The next closest hospital is in the Greensboro area. Thomasville Medical Center is truly on the cutting edge with technology and the Orthotripsy procedure is one more example of this. This procedure reduces costs for patients and employers not only for absenteeism and ongoing medical care, but also their minimal time out of work for recovery." For more information about this new procedure to relieve your heel pain, please call 476-3456.