How Shockwave Therapy Can Help Your Foot Pain

Dr. Matthew Cerniglia at Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas in Fort Worth offers an innovative shockwave therapy (SWT) treatment. Here’s a look at what it does, which conditions it treats, and how to decide whether it’s right for you.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. 

It started as a tool for breaking down kidney stones, but physicians quickly discovered its ability to treat chronic pain and repair soft tissue. The secret is that the sound waves increase blood flow and metabolic activity, accelerating the body’s natural healing process.

SWT treatment is simple. Dr. Cerniglia uses a handheld device that delivers high-energy acoustic waves to your foot or ankle. These waves penetrate deep into the tissues to repair and regenerate cells. 

The treatment usually lasts 15-20 minutes. Depending on the severity of your condition, you’ll likely need to return once a week over several sessions for the best results.

What kind of foot pain does shockwave therapy help?

Dr. Cerniglia uses SWT for several foot and ankle conditions, such as:

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is a common injury among athletes, particularly runners. An inflamed Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, can be debilitating.

The good news is that SWT can speed up your recovery. Traditional treatments like rest and physical therapy can take months to show results. Shockwave therapy, on the other hand, often shows significant improvement after just a few sessions. 

Studies have shown that shockwave therapy is effective in treating chronic Achilles tendonitis. 

Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot. 

Research shows that SWT works well for plantar fasciitis. It also offers benefits over other therapies. First, it’s noninvasive, meaning there’s no need for surgery or injections. Second, it’s a quick procedure, allowing you to return to your daily activities almost immediately.

Morton’s neuroma

Morton’s neuroma affects the ball of your foot, often between the third and fourth toes, when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes thickens. Shockwave therapy alleviates this pain by reducing inflammation and promoting nerve repair.

Again, the primary benefit of SWT for Morton’s neuroma is quick, noninvasive pain relief. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Ultrasonography found that patients experienced significant pain relief and improved quality of life after SWT.

Peroneal tendonitis

Peroneal tendonitis is inflammation of the peroneal tendons, which run along the outside of the ankle. It’s common among athletes who engage in activities that require repetitive ankle movements. 

Shockwave therapy provides rapid pain relief from peroneal tendonitis. Traditional approaches like rest and physical therapy can take weeks or even months to show results, while a few SWT treatments often bring noticeable improvement.

Posterior tibial tendonitis

Posterior tibial tendonitis occurs when the tendon that runs along the inside of your ankle becomes inflamed. Because this tendon supports your foot arch, inflammation causes severe pain and can lead to flatfoot. 

Is shockwave therapy right for you?

If you’re suffering from chronic foot pain and haven’t found relief through traditional treatments, shockwave therapy might be worth considering. However, it’s best to consult Dr. Cerniglia to determine if SWT is appropriate for your condition. 

As with any medical treatment, shockwave therapy comes with some risks, including mild pain, redness, and swelling at the treatment site. These side effects are generally short-lived and subside within a few days. 

If you’re ready to explore shockwave therapy as a treatment option for your foot pain, call Ankle and Foot Institute of Texas or request an appointment online.