What is Shockwave Therapy for the Feet?
posted: Apr. 08, 2022.
What is Shockwave Therapy for the Feet?
If you have foot problems, one treatment that may help involves shockwave therapy. But you may not be familiar with what shockwave therapy involves and how it can help treat common foot issues. The blog below takes an in-depth look at this non-invasive treatment to help you decide if it is right for you.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy pulses to treat various conditions. It increases blood flow to the area being treated, which promotes the healing process. For example, for someone with pain in the bottom of their foot, the device is pointed at the painful area.
In addition to increasing blood flow, shockwave therapy also provides additional benefits. For instance, it stimulates cells called osteoblasts, which help with bone healing. It also promotes the production of fibroblasts, which helps heal connective tissue after an injury.
What conditions can it treat?
Shockwave therapy can treat different types of foot problems and injuries. It is most commonly used to treat heel pain and plantar fasciitis. But it may also be helpful in treating the following conditions:
- Achilles’ tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Arthritis
- Overuse injuries
Am I a candidate?
It is best to talk with your foot specialist to determine if you are a good candidate for shockwave therapy. In general, if you have symptoms of a foot condition, such as plantar fasciitis for six months that has not responded to other treatment, you may be a candidate for the procedure.
Shockwave treatment may not be appropriate for people with a pacemaker, vascular foot disease, or women that are pregnant. But for most people, shockwave therapy is safe and effective, with a 70 to 80% success rate.
Shockwave therapy is often a good option for people to avoid surgery. Some insurance policies cover the procedure. But it is best to check with your insurance company to determine exact coverage.
What happens during the treatment?
Although it may vary, shockwave therapy typically takes about 30 minutes. You will be informed about the risks and sign a consent form. During the session, your foot specialist will position the shockwave device above the injuries at the painful area to deliver the energy.
The area treated does not usually require any bandages. But you will be given instructions on foot care after the procedure.
How is the recovery?
Most people do not experience significant pain while recovering from shockwave therapy. Mild pain is usually treatable with over-the-counter medication.
Your foot specialist will provide you with information on restrictions of activities. For instance, you will likely be told to avoid high-impact activities, such as running for about four weeks.
Shockwave therapy is very safe. Complications are uncommon. If any complications occur, it may involve hypersensitivity at the treatment site. In some cases, the treatment may not be effective in resolving the foot problems. So, symptoms of the foot condition may still persist.
If you have any questions about shockwave treatment or want to see if you are a candidate, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Podiatrist Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M, at Bayview Eglinton Podiatry Clinic in Toronto.
Sources
Shockwave Therapy | Cleveland Clinic Canada
Shock Wave Therapy for Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis (verywellhealth.com)