Shockwave Therapy for Foot Pain

What You Need To Know About Shockwave Therapy

Learn how Shockwave Therapy can help resolve stubborn heel and tendon pain.

Understanding Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is an effective, noninvasive, FDA-approved technique used worldwide to safely treat bone and soft tissue disorders around the foot and ankle. It’s especially effective for Achilles tendonitis, tendonitis in the arch, plantar fasciitis (heel spurs), and incorrectly healed fractured bones.

The treatment works by sending sound wave pulses into the injured area, causing a microtrauma, or tiny controlled injury, in the soft tissue or bone. That microtrauma stimulates your body’s own healing response and improves blood circulation. New blood vessel formation follows, helping healing cells migrate to the injured tissue and making this a fundamental part of the treatment process.

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of foot pain, affecting roughly 2 million people who seek treatment each year. The specific cause is often unknown, and pain frequently starts suddenly without warning. Acute injuries respond best to RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation, though injuries can become chronic and resistant to healing over time.

This kind of treatment has been used in Europe for over 20 years and in North America since 1996. In 2005, the FDA accepted new shockwave devices for treating tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis. If chronic heel or tendon pain hasn’t improved with conservative care, schedule an evaluation to find out whether Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you.

Treatment Protocol and Recovery

Treatment is administered with a hand-held applicator over 3 sessions, each lasting approximately 5 to 10 minutes and spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart. It’s well tolerated and doesn’t usually require anesthesia, nerve block, or sedation, so you’ll walk out able to resume normal weight-bearing activity.

Clinical guidelines describe a tiered approach to plantar fasciitis treatment. The first tier includes padding and strapping, stretching, over-the-counter arch support, heel cups, shoe gear recommendations, oral anti-inflammatories, and corticosteroid injection. The second tier includes custom orthotics, night splints, immobilization, and prescription physical therapy. Tier three includes Shockwave Therapy or fasciotomy, considered when the condition is chronic and conservative treatment has been tried for at least 6 months.

Because the procedure is noninvasive, recovery is swift. Some patients experience mild discomfort, redness around the treatment area, or bruising, but these issues typically resolve within a few days, and no bandages or casts are needed.

Healing rates vary, but most patients feel significantly better within a month, with full benefits developing over up to three months as new tissue forms. Our team will work with you and your insurance to determine whether the procedure is covered and to plan next steps in your care.