Understanding How Shockwave Therapy Can Help Heel Pain
Oct 15, 2024Heel pain is a common problem that can disrupt your daily life, making it difficult to walk or engage in normal activities. Whether caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or another condition, heel pain can become chronic if not treated properly. One innovative treatment that is gaining popularity is shockwave therapy. But how exactly does it work, and how can it help alleviate heel pain?
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to target damaged tissue in the body. These high-energy sound waves stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, breaking down scar tissue, increasing blood flow, and promoting cellular regeneration.
Why Use Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain?
Heel pain often arises from overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. These conditions result from repetitive stress, leading to inflammation, microtears, or degeneration in the tendons and ligaments of the foot. Here’s how shockwave therapy helps in addressing these issues:
- Stimulating Healing and Regeneration
- Shockwave therapy promotes the formation of new blood vessels in the affected area. Increased blood flow accelerates tissue repair, helping your body heal more efficiently. This is particularly useful for heel conditions where chronic inflammation and tissue degeneration are present.
- Reducing Pain
- One of the key benefits of shockwave therapy is its ability to disrupt the nerves that send pain signals to the brain. This can provide relief from persistent heel pain, allowing patients to move more comfortably without the constant discomfort that comes with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis.
- Breaking Down Scar Tissue
- Over time, heel pain can lead to the development of scar tissue, which restricts movement and exacerbates discomfort. The shockwaves break down these calcified deposits and scar tissue, restoring flexibility and reducing pain over time.
- Non-Invasive with Minimal Downtime
- Unlike surgical interventions, shockwave therapy is non-invasive. There’s no need for incisions, stitches, or extended recovery periods. Patients can typically return to their normal activities within a day or two after treatment, making it an attractive option for those looking to avoid surgery.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Foot Corner, shockwave therapy sessions typically last 15 to 20 minutes, and most patients require a series of treatments spaced one week apart. The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of the condition, but most patients start to feel relief after just a few sessions.
During the procedure, a specialised device sends shockwaves to the affected heel area. You may feel some discomfort during the session, but this is typically mild and tolerable. In some cases, patients report slight soreness afterward, similar to what you might feel after an intense workout. This sensation usually subsides within a few days.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Shockwave therapy is particularly effective for individuals who have tried other treatments without success, such as rest, physiotherapy, or off the shelf insoles. It’s also an excellent option for people who want to avoid more invasive procedures like corticosteroid injections or surgery.
However, shockwave therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders or infections in the treatment area, should consult with their doctor before proceeding.
The Benefits of Shockwave Therapy at a Glance:
- Non-invasive and requires no downtime
- Stimulates healing and promotes tissue regeneration
- Reduces pain and improves mobility
- Effective for chronic heel pain, including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis
- Minimal side effects and low risk of complications
How Foot Corner Can Help
At Foot Corner, we offer state-of-the-art shockwave therapy to help relieve heel pain and improve your quality of life. Our team of highly skilled podiatrists will carefully assess your condition to develop a personalised treatment plan that suits your needs. Whether you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, or other foot conditions, our treatments are designed to deliver effective and lasting results.
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy offers a promising solution for those suffering from heel pain due to conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. With its ability to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and break down scar tissue, this non-invasive treatment can provide significant relief for many people. If you’ve been struggling with persistent heel pain and have not found success with other treatments, shockwave therapy might be the next step toward a pain-free life.
At Foot Corner, we’re here to help. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and explore whether shockwave therapy could be the right solution for you.
