Shockwave Therapy for Persistent Foot & Ankle Pain

Shockwave therapy

Foot and ankle pain can be incredibly frustrating, particularly when it begins to interfere with walking, exercise, work or simply getting through your day comfortably.

You may have already tried resting, changing your footwear, stretching or using insoles, but the pain continues to return. When a problem has been present for some time and is not improving as expected, shockwave therapy may be considered as part of your treatment plan.

At One Step Ahead Podiatry in Whitefield, we use the STORZ Medical MASTERPULS® MP50—a specialist radial shockwave therapy system designed for the treatment of musculoskeletal and soft-tissue problems.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy or ESWT, uses controlled pressure waves that are delivered through the skin into the area being treated.

Despite its name, there are no electric shocks involved. The treatment creates mechanical energy within the tissue, which may help stimulate the body’s natural healing response, improve circulation within the area and reduce pain.

Shockwave therapy is particularly useful for persistent tendon and soft-tissue problems where healing appears to have slowed down or become stuck.

What foot and ankle conditions can shockwave therapy help?

Following a full assessment, shockwave therapy may be considered for conditions such as:

  • Plantar fasciitis or plantar heel pain
  • Persistent pain underneath the heel
  • Achilles tendinopath
  • Pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel
  • Other persistent tendon problems around the foot and ankle
  • Some muscular and soft-tissue injuries
  • Painful or sensitive scar tissue

Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon pain are two of the most common reasons people visit us for shockwave therapy in Whitefield.

However, heel pain is not always plantar fasciitis and pain at the back of the ankle is not always caused by the Achilles tendon. This is why an appropriate foot and ankle assessment is needed before treatment begins.

Why do we use the STORZ Medical MASTERPULS® MP50?

Not all shockwave equipment is the same. At One Step Ahead Podiatry, we have invested in the STORZ Medical MASTERPULS® MP50 radial shockwave system.

This allows the strength and frequency of the treatment to be adjusted to suit the condition being treated, the area of pain and your individual tolerance. The treatment can therefore begin at a comfortable level and be carefully adapted during your appointment.

What does shockwave therapy feel like?

A handheld applicator is placed against the skin using a small amount of contact gel. You will hear a tapping sound and feel repeated pulses over the treatment area.

The treatment can feel uncomfortable, particularly directly over a painful tendon or the heel, but the intensity can be adjusted throughout. Most people tolerate it well, and each treatment only takes a short amount of time.

You may experience some temporary soreness, redness or bruising afterwards. We will explain what to expect and provide appropriate aftercare advice.

Is shockwave therapy a complete treatment on its own?

Shockwave therapy is not used as a quick fix or as a replacement for understanding why the problem developed.

Your treatment may also include:

  • Footwear advice
  • Changes to activity or training
  • Strengthening and rehabilitation exercises
  • Stretching or mobility work
  • Gait and biomechanical assessment
  • Orthotics or insoles where appropriate

The aim is not only to reduce your symptoms but also to address the factors that may be placing too much stress through the painful area.

How many treatments will I need?

Shockwave therapy is normally provided as a short course of treatments rather than as a single appointment. The number and timing of your sessions will depend on your condition, how long you have had it and how you respond.

Some people notice an early change, while for others the improvement is more gradual. The body’s healing response can continue after the course has finished, so results are not always immediate.

Shockwave therapy will not be suitable for everyone, and no treatment can guarantee that all pain will completely resolve. We will discuss the likely benefits and limitations with you before starting.

Could shockwave therapy help you?

If persistent heel, Achilles or foot pain is stopping you from doing the things you enjoy, the first step is finding out what is causing it.

At One Step Ahead Podiatry in Whitefield, we will assess your symptoms, movement, footwear and activity before deciding whether shockwave therapy should form part of your individual treatment plan.

Book a foot and ankle assessment to find out whether shockwave therapy may be suitable for you.

Empowering your foot health, one step at a time.