Does Shock Wave Therapy really work?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy does work

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy has become hugely popular in recent times, and for good reason. Shock wave therapy has proven to be an effective treatment of Plantar Fasciitis and Achilles Tendonitis, providing relief from pain.

If you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis or Achilles Tendonitis, you’re likely familiar with the agonizing heel pain that comes along with these foot problems.

Treating Plantar Fasciitis with Shock Wave Therapy

Plantar Fasciitis can often be treated through orthoses, steroid injections or ice therapy. However, if these treatments have not effectively relieved your foot pain, perhaps it is time to consider Shock Wave Therapy. ESWT is a minimally invasive treatment that is particularly effective in treating long-standing conditions.

Most studies show that shockwave therapy can notably reduce the pain and suffering associated with Plantar Fasciitis.

You can watch a video on the treatment procedure here.

Treating Achilles Tendinopathy with Shock Wave Therapy

Achilles Tendinitis is a condition that can causes pain at the back of the leg near the heel. Thought to be caused by small, repeated injuries to the achilles tendon that don’t heal properly, this condition can make walking and running painful and uncomfortable.

Common ways of treating this condition are rest, steroid injections, orthoses and physiotherapy. However,, if these conservative treatments have not worked for you, it may be time to consider Shock Wave Therapy.

How does it work?

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy works by use of acoustic shockwaves delivered to the injured tissue areas using a hand piece as shown in the image.

What do these sound shockwaves do?

These shockwaves help activate a number of the body’s existing self-healing mechanisms .
They stimulate an inflammatory response which prompts the healing process to start, and in some cases new blood vessels are formed, increasing blood circulation to the injured tissue.

Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy at Fitter Feet For Life in Clapham

We offer Extracorporeal Shockwave therapy to patients who have not responded positively enough to alternative treatments.

It is a minimally invasive treatment that is performed on an outpatient basis. What this means is that you can go home on the same day as receiving therapy. If any discomfort is experienced during our shockwave treatment, over the counter painkillers (such as paracetamol) are generally all that is needed to reduce the symptoms.

Before shockwave therapy is considered, our experienced professionals will conduct a full clinical assessment. This will include a film of you walking to assess your gait and joint alignment. It may also include a referral for an MRI or Ultrasound scan.

If you’re looking for relief from heel pain and want to effectively treat your foot conditions, book an appointment online for a Foot Pain Consultation. You can choose a ‘free foot check’ to get information about your condition before commenting to treatment.
You can read more about the risks, alternatives and processes involved here.