The OssaTron is a shock wave generator used to treat chronic heel pain. The shock waves are created by a spark plug enclosed in a soft plastic dome filled with water. During treatment, the dome is placed closely against the heel so that the shock waves pass through the dome to the heel. Electrical charges sent through the water form a channel and evaporate water surrounding the device s electrodes. This creates a shockwave, which expands into the surrounding water.
Treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure.
A total of 1500 shocks are usually delivered. This is used for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes chronic heel pain. The device is approved for adult patients who have had symptoms for a minimum of six months and have tried other standard methods of treatment. HealthTronics studied 302 people with chronic heel pain who had tried conventional treatments unsuccessfully in the previous six months. The device was not tested for bleeding disorder, pregnancy, and patients taking blood-thinning medication.