Dr. Shine John, MD

If you’ve suffered from plantar fasciitis, this recommendation is for you. I’ve had three bouts totaling about 7 years. I think I’ve been to 6-7 podiatrists in Austin during that time. I’ve tried everything but surgery. Every gadget, every stretch, every orthotic, every treatment… This time, my internet research recently led me to try shockwave therapy (EPAT), and I found Dr. Shine John at Capital Foot & Ankle. I was skeptical but hopeful. I did 4 weekly 5-minute treatments. In my non-doctor terms, he applies intense shock waves to your foot, which breaks up the scar tissue and sends a message to your body to heal itself. (I will say that it does hurt, but it is nothing compared to the ongoing pain of plantar. Just put on headphones and breathe.) This week, I went to my 6-week followup, and I’m so happy to say it worked! I thought Dr. John was phenomenal at explaining things and giving data to back things up (my favorites were that this has worked on approximately 95-97% of his… patients with heel pain, and he has had to repeat this treatment on 0 patients). I also got Hoka Graviata sneakers and am wearing them as much as possible, and I’m ordering new orthotics from Dr. John, which evidently are more supportive when you’re moving than my current ones. Last thought: In my experience, providers recommend the treatment they have. Yes, it may be because they originally felt it worked, but the science doesn’t always back it up. Dr. John feels that the science backs up EPAT, and my experience supports this. It isn’t covered by insurance, which in my opinion is because it’s a non-invasive alternative to surgery, which people are much less willing to get, and therefore it’s covered. Again, this is just my opinion (but I think I’m right). If you’ve tried “everything” or don’t want to keep trying things that don’t work, give EPAT with Dr. John a try. Feel free to DM with questions. And good luck!