Foot pain can take many forms, from the sharp heel discomfort of plantar fasciitis to persistent tendon irritation around the Achilles. At our practice, we’re always looking for evidence-based, patient-centred approaches that help support natural healing and improve comfort. One such option is shockwave therapy, a non-invasive treatment that has been gaining attention in musculoskeletal care.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), uses controlled sound waves delivered through a handheld device to targeted areas of the body. These high-energy acoustic pulses pass through the skin and interact with underlying tissues.
The treatment is non-invasive, which means there’s no incision or surgery and most patients can resume normal activities shortly after a session.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy appears to work through several biological mechanisms:
-
Stimulating blood flow and circulation which supports tissue repair and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to injured areas.
-
Encouraging tissue regeneration and healing by promoting growth factor activity at the treatment site.
-
Triggering pain-relieving responses in nerves, which can help reduce chronic discomfort over time.
Unlike pain medications that block pain signals temporarily, shockwave therapy is intended to support your body’s own healing processes.
Who Might Benefit from Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy has been studied and used for a variety of common foot and lower-limb conditions where conventional treatments haven’t given sufficient relief:
Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
Plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, results from irritation of the thick tissue band on the bottom of the foot. ESWT has been shown in multiple clinical studies to significantly reduce pain and improve function in many patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, especially when other conservative measures haven’t fully worked.
Tendinopathies (Achilles and other tendon pain)
Conditions like Achilles tendon irritation may see improvement in pain and mobility with shockwave therapy, particularly when combined with appropriate exercise and rehabilitation. While evidence varies by condition and individual factors, many patients report measurable benefits.
Shockwave therapy may also support healing in other soft tissue injuries, though individual results can differ.
What to Expect During Treatment
-
A typical shockwave therapy session lasts only a few minutes once the device is in place.
-
You may feel mild tapping or pressure during treatment, many people find it tolerable.
-
Most treatment plans involve several sessions spaced over a few weeks, depending on your condition and response.
-
Some people notice improvement within a few weeks, with benefits continuing as healing progresses.
Why Consider Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy can be a good option for people who:
-
Want to avoid surgery or injections
-
Have chronic foot pain that hasn’t fully responded to other treatments
-
Are seeking a non-invasive, evidence-informed treatment to support healing
It’s important to note that individual results vary, and your chiropodist will assess your unique condition to determine if this therapy fits your treatment plan.