一種利用體外沖擊波療法的裝置可以減輕腳后跟疼痛。

EMS瑞士公司的Dolorclast是一種無創傷性的裝置，可產生治療性的聲波治療腳后跟相關的腳底肌腱炎，這種疾病又稱為后跟刺。此裝置由一個控制部分和一個治療貼敷部分組成，后者的形狀與腳后跟吻合。壓縮的空氣驅動機頭部位的金屬發射器圓筒，撞擊貼敷部分產生沖擊波。并通過傳導裝置將聲波傳入接觸點周圍的軟組織。

此裝置不能在骨生長點上或周圍使用，直到骨生長完全；不能在惡性疾病所處的位點和周圍使用；不能在感染的同時使用、血管疾病造成的缺血、出凝血障礙或接受抗凝治療時使用。
瑞士Dolorclast是瑞士電子醫療設備公司所生產的產品。(EMS)


Shock Wave Therapy Eases Heel Pain 
    
A new device uses extracorporeal shock wave therapy to treat chronic proximal plantar faciitis. 

The EMS Swiss Dolorclast is a non-invasive device that generates therapeutic sound waves to treat heel pain associated with plantar faciitis, also known as a heel spur. The device consists of a control unit and a handpiece with a treatment applicator mounted on the end that is held in contact with the heel.

Compressed air is used to drive a metal projectile cylinder within the handpiece toward the applicator. When the projectile hits the applicator inside the handpiece, a shock wave is generated, which is transferred to the treatment site. While the highest energy density is at the point of contact of the applicator, the shockwave travels radially outward into the soft tissue surrounding the point of contact. 

The device should not be used over or near bone growth center until bone growth is complete; when a malignant disease is known to be present in or near the treatment area; when there is an infection in the area to be treated; over ischemic tissue in individuals with vascular disease; in patients who have blood clotting (coagulation) disorders or are taking anticoagulant medications; and in patients having a prosthetic device in the area to be treated. The Swiss Dolorclast is a product of Electro Medical Systems (EMS, Nyon, Switzerland). 

Chronic proximal plantar faciitis is recurring inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot that stretches from the base of the toes to the heel. Pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel, and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. It is commonly associated with long periods of weight-bearing activities. Obesity and sudden weight gain are also associated with this condition.