When dealing with musculoskeletal injuries, finding an effective treatment can be challenging. One promising option is shockwave therapy, which uses pressure waves to promote healing. Studies show shockwave therapy is an effective and safe treatment option for certain foot and ankle conditions.
If you’re interested in shockwave therapy, this article will help you understand how it works, some podiatry conditions it can treat, and its benefits.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy pressure waves to target injured tissues. These pressure waves stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, encouraging blood flow and cell regeneration.
The non-invasive nature and remarkable effectiveness of shockwave therapy make it a popular choice in the fields of physical therapy and podiatry.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave therapy works by sending high-energy acoustic waves into the affected area. Whether or not you are a good candidate for the procedure will be determined by your doctor.
Here’s typically what happens before receiving the treatment:
Evaluation
Before starting treatment, a healthcare provider evaluates the injury to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate. They may use imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds to assess the extent of the injury.
Application
During the therapy session, a handheld device is placed on the skin over the injured area. The device emits pressure waves that penetrate the tissues.
Stimulation
The pressure waves stimulate the injured tissues, promoting blood flow and encouraging the body to repair itself. This process can also help break down calcium deposits and reduce inflammation.
Sessions
Treatment usually involves multiple sessions, typically spaced a week apart. The number of sessions depends on the severity of the injury and the individual’s response to the therapy.
What Can Shockwave Therapy Treat?
Shockwave therapy can treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those related to tendons and soft tissues. It is versatile and can be used in treating a lot of ailments.
Some common foot and ankle conditions treated with shockwave therapy include:
- Plantar Fasciitis: A common condition characterized by pain and inflammation of the plantar fascia, the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes.
- Achilles Tendinopathy: Involves pain and inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
- Heel Spurs: Bony growths that develop on the heel bone, leading to discomfort and pain, especially during weight-bearing activities.
- Morton’s Neuroma: A painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, often described as a thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes.
- Stress Fractures: Small cracks or severe bruising within bones, commonly occurring due to repetitive stress or overuse, particularly in the foot and ankle.
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome but affecting the ankle, causing numbness, tingling, or pain in the inner ankle and sole of the foot.
- Calcific Tendinitis: Characterized by the formation of calcium deposits in tendons, leading to pain and limited range of motion, commonly affecting the foot and ankle.
- Chronic Non-Healing Wounds: Shockwave therapy can also aid in promoting healing and tissue regeneration in chronic wounds on the feet.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for treating musculoskeletal injuries:
Non-Invasive
Unlike surgery, shockwave therapy is non-invasive and requires no incisions. This makes it a low-risk treatment with virtually no recovery needed.
Minimal Side Effects
The treatment has minimal side effects, typically including temporary soreness or swelling at the treatment site. These side effects go away quickly.
Pain Relief
Shockwave therapy can provide significant pain relief, often after just a few sessions. This can improve mobility and quality of life for individuals with chronic pain.
Accelerated Healing
By stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, shockwave therapy can accelerate the recovery of injured tissues, reducing the overall healing time.
Improved Function
By promoting healing and reducing pain, shockwave therapy can help restore function to the injured area, allowing individuals to return to their normal activities more quickly.
Cost-Effective
Compared to surgical options, shockwave therapy is generally more affordable and accessible, making it an attractive option for many patients.
Shockwave therapy is a powerful tool used in podiatry. If you’re dealing with conditions like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, search online for shockwave therapy near you. With its numerous benefits and minimal side effects, shockwave therapy may be an effective solution for you.
Shockwave Therapy Near You in South Texas
The foot and ankle doctors at The Podiatry Group of South Texas combine different techniques to bring you positive outcomes from treatment. We offer shockwave therapy, which can be very effective for the right patient.
To find out if you are a good candidate for this treatment, schedule a consultation with one of our talented podiatrists. Call our office today at (210) 227-8700, option #2.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6029898/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9845689/
