5 Conditions That Respond Well to Shockwave Therapy

Are you tiptoeing around foot and ankle pain, hoping it’ll just walk away on its own? Whether you're a weekend warrior, a daily commuter, or simply want to stroll without wincing, finding a treatment that offers relief without invasive surgery is frustrating and elusive. 

Enter extracorporeal shockwave therapy – a noninvasive marvel that might just be the solution you’re looking for. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to gently yet effectively stimulate healing factors in your body, targeting the very source of pain. 

At Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas, Dr. Matthew Cerniglia offers this innovative treatment to patients throughout the Fort Worth area to accelerate recovery and knock out pain. Here’s a spotlight on five conditions that shockwave therapy tackles.

1. Achilles tendonitis

Your Achilles tendon is a silent hero when it comes to ankle mobility, but when you overwork or injure this strong connective band, you get inflammation and pain.

Shockwave therapy comes to the rescue by stimulating blood circulation and collagen production in the troubled area. It rallies your body’s repair crew to the scene of the pain, reducing inflammation and encouraging tissue regeneration.

2. Plantar fasciitis

The plantar fascia, a band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes, can become inflamed and cause a throbbing pain that’s especially intense during those first morning steps. This nuisance, known as plantar fasciitis, can stick around and revisit you throughout your day.

Using shockwave therapy in this scenario can be quite a game-changer. By directing energy waves to the inflamed area, the treatment quells swollen tissues and sets off your body’s natural healing response. 

3. Morton’s neuroma

A walk in the park can feel like stepping on marbles if you have Morton’s neuroma. This thickening of nerve tissue often results from compression or irritation of the nerve between your toes.

Shockwave therapy emits pulses to dissolve the scar tissue responsible for the compressed nerve, offering relief without surgical intervention. 

4. Peroneal tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis happens when the tendons that run alongside your outer ankle bone become inflamed — it’s the kind of tendonitis that often sidelines runners. Shockwave therapy penetrates the injury, enhances blood flow, and promotes tissue repair. 

5. Posterior tibial tendonitis

If the tendon that holds up your arch fails or becomes damaged, posterior tibial tendonitis might be the culprit. This condition can lead to flatfoot and a slew of other issues if left untreated.

Shockwave therapy is ideal for posterior tibial tendonitis because it encourages your body’s inherent healing process and restores the tendon’s function. It gets you back on your feet and ensures good arch support in the future.

If you’re curious whether shockwave therapy could be your path to a pain-free life, the next step is as simple as consulting with Dr. Cerniglia. Request an appointment online, or call Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas.