Has your podiatrist recommended shockwave therapy to treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or other foot injury? Eager for symptom relief, you might wonder how long it will take for this quick, nonsurgical in-office treatment to work.
Here’s more about FDA-approved extra corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and what to expect from it.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
The principles behind shockwave therapy are relatively simple, but its therapeutic effects are truly amazing.
Shockwave therapy sends sound waves into the affected area of the foot, ankle, or leg. These sound waves bring more oxygenated blood to the area to boost healing. Part of your body’s natural healing response is localized inflammation, which stimulates cellular regeneration at the site of injury.
Best of all, there is no cutting, anesthesia, appreciable discomfort, or extended recovery time with ESWT.
What Does It Treat?
Shockwave therapy is used to treat many inflammatory conditions that can cause ongoing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It is FDA-approved to treat heel pain due to chronic plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Shockwave therapy is often used in conjunction with other podiatric interventions, such as bracing, orthotics, rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy
In-office shockwave therapy is pretty simple procedure. As you lay on a comfortable treatment table, your podiatrist will glide a handheld device gently over the areas to be treated, whether that is your calf, heel, underside of the foot, and so on. The device delivers sound waves through the skin, into the muscle and connective tissue underneath.
While most people experience no real pain during the 30-minute procedure, you might feel an uncomfortable sensation similar to a rubber band snapping on your skin. This feeling resolves quickly after the procedure, and you can usually resume your usual daily routine afterward.
Your podiatrist can provide additional details of the procedure, how many treatments you will need, and what to do after your ESWT.
How Long Does It Take for Shockwave Therapy to Work?
The healing brought about by shockwave therapy can take weeks as your body’s natural healing process takes place. Patients usually report a dramatic improvement in their symptoms after just a few weeks – but the complete effects may not occur for several months after treatment is completed.
Most patients who receive ESWT for podiatric issues will require 2 – 3 treatments per week for up to 6 weeks. However, each treatment plan is different and will depend on your specific diagnosis, other interventions in place, and a patient’s treatment goals.
The Best in Foot and Ankle Care at The Podiatry Group of South Texas
You can learn more about shockwave therapy by consulting with one of our friendly and experienced podiatrists at The Podiatry Group of South Texas.
Shockwave therapy is an innovative, noninvasive treatment that more and more patients are beginning to hear about. ESWT may be just what you need to relieve your foot pain and improve your mobility.
Call the nearest office of The Podiatry Group of South Texas to schedule your visit with us, or submit our convenient appointment request form now. We have 14 offices in all, including locations in San Antonio, Boerne, Floresville, Hondo, Kenedy, and Live Oak, Texas. We look forward to seeing you very soon.
