Shockwave Therapy for Achilles, Heel & Leg Pain
Shockwave Therapy for Achilles, Heel & Leg Pain
Are you struggling with persistent foot and leg pain interfering with your daily activities? At Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry, we understand how important it is to move freely and comfortably. That’s why our experienced team of podiatrists offers a groundbreaking, non-invasive treatment for chronic pain – Shockwave Therapy in Brisbane. This advanced therapy is highly effective in treating a range of conditions, including shockwave therapy for Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) or Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT), is a modern, evidence-based treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing response. By delivering high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area, shockwave therapy enhances blood flow, promotes tissue regeneration, and reduces chronic inflammation. It is widely used in podiatry to relieve heel pain, Achilles Tendinopathy, and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
How does Shockwave Therapy work?
During a shockwave therapy session, a handheld device delivers controlled radial pressure waves to the treated area. These waves:
- Stimulate blood flow and encourage new blood vessel formation.
- Break down calcium deposits and scar tissue, aiding in tissue repair.
- Trigger the body’s natural healing process, accelerating recovery.
- Reduce pain and inflammation, offering immediate relief.
Many patients notice immediate pain relief after their session, while others experience gradual improvement over just a few sessions.
What conditions does shockwave therapy treat?
Shockwave Therapy is an effective, non-invasive alternative to surgical interventions for treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain. Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis targets the inflamed plantar fascia, reducing pain and accelerating the healing process.
Achilles Tendinopathy
This condition involves the degeneration of the Achilles tendon. Shockwave therapy promotes collagen production, tissue healing, and pain reduction.
Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)
Athletes suffering from shin splints benefit from Shockwave Therapy, which alleviates muscle tightness and inflammation.
Tendonitis
Shockwave therapy for Achilles tendonitis, peroneal tendonitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, and extensor tendonitis effectively reduces chronic inflammation and accelerates tissue repair, promoting faster recovery for various tendonitis conditions.
Heel Spurs
Foot shockwave therapy aids in the breakdown of osteophytes (bone spurs), relieving heel pain and improving foot function.
Stress Fractures
Repetitive force can lead to stress fractures. Shockwave therapy stimulates bone healing and reduces recovery time.
Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis)
For those suffering from joint pain or osteoarthritis, shockwave therapy supports cartilage regeneration and reduces painful symptoms.
Who is shockwave therapy for?
Shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment option for individuals experiencing chronic musculoskeletal conditions, heel pain, and Achilles tendinopathy. If you’re considering this therapy, our experienced podiatrists will assess your condition and create a personalised program tailored to your recovery needs.
What to Expect in a Shockwave Therapy Session
Wondering what happens during a shockwave therapy session? Here’s what you can expect from start to finish, ensuring a smooth and effective treatment experience.
- Initial Consultation: Our podiatrists will conduct a thorough examination and develop a treatment plan.
- Treatment Process: A handheld device delivers controlled radial shockwaves to the targeted area. Sessions typically last 10-15 minutes.
- Post-Treatment: Patients experience minimal side effects and can resume daily activities immediately.
Shockwave therapy FAQs
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, but this indicates that the therapy is effectively targeting the injured tissue. Any discomfort typically subsides quickly.
Most patients require three to six sessions for optimal results. Your podiatrist will advise you on a treatment plan based on your condition.
Shockwave therapy is a low-risk treatment with minimal side effects. Some patients may experience slight redness, swelling, or tenderness, which resolves within a few hours.
Many patients report an immediate reduction in pain, while others experience gradual improvement over several weeks.
Unlike invasive treatments such as surgery or corticosteroid injections, shockwave therapy is non-invasive and stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. It is also preferred over long-term medication use, as it targets the root cause of pain rather than just masking symptoms. Many patients opt for shockwave therapy because it is safe, has minimal side effects, and offers long-term relief.
Yes! Many podiatrists and medical professionals incorporate shockwave therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan that may include physical therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, custom orthotics, and lifestyle adjustments. Combining treatments often leads to better results and faster recovery.
While commonly used for foot and ankle conditions, shockwave therapy is also effective for knee pain, hip pain, shoulder injuries, and conditions such as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. It is widely used in sports medicine and rehabilitation. Podiatrists are able to treat lower limb pain with shockwave therapy.
While shockwave therapy is safe for most individuals, it may not be suitable for:
- Pregnant women
- Individuals who have recently had a steroid/cortisone shot in the area. You must advise your podiatrist of any history of steroid use
- Individuals with blood clotting disorders or on anticoagulant medication
- Individuals with pacemakers or metal implants near the treatment site
- Those with tumours or infections, neuropathy, nerve damage or hypersensitivity in the affected area
Your podiatrist will conduct a thorough assessment to determine if Shockwave Therapy is right for you.
Coverage for shockwave therapy varies depending on your health fund and level of coverage. Some private health insurance providers may cover some of the cost under physiotherapy or podiatry treatments. It’s best to check with your health insurance provider for specific details.
Yes, but avoiding high-impact activities like running or jumping is recommended for at least 24-48 hours after a session. Your podiatrist may provide rehabilitation exercises to aid recovery and prevent further injuries.
A typical shockwave therapy session lasts between 10-15 minutes, depending on the severity and location of the condition. Most patients require 3-6 sessions spread out over several weeks.
After a session, it’s important to:
- Stay hydrated to support the healing process.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, which can interfere with the body’s natural healing response.
- Follow the post-treatment care instructions provided by your podiatrist.
Do NOT get any steroid injections in the area until your podiatrist advises you it is safe to do so.
At Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry, we’re dedicated to providing innovative and effective solutions for foot and leg pain. Shockwave therapy can change the lives of patients suffering from pain. It offers a safe, non-invasive approach to treating conditions like Achilles Tendonitis, Heel Spurs, and Plantar Fasciitis.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to persistent pain, schedule a consultation with our experienced podiatrists today. Our shockwave therapy Brisbane and Mount Isa podiatrists will use Shockwave Therapy to help you regain mobility and reclaim a life free from discomfort. Don’t let pain dictate your life – come and see us now at Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry.
How to book Shockwave Therapy
At Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry, we’re dedicated to providing innovative and effective solutions for foot and leg pain. Shockwave Therapy can change the life of patients suffering pain. It offers a safe, non-invasive approach to treating conditions like Achilles Tendonitis, Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis.
If you’re ready to say goodbye to persistent pain, schedule a consultation with our experienced podiatrists today. Our Brisbane and Mount Isa podiatrists will use Shockwave Therapy to help you regain mobility and reclaim a life free from discomfort. Don’t let pain dictate your life – come and see us now at Advance Foot Clinic Podiatry.