Can Shockwave Therapy Help Your Heel Pain?

Stepping out of bed shouldn’t feel like walking on broken glass. Morning heel pain can easily turn an ordinary day at work into a constant challenge. Focused shockwave is one option we may consider when plantar heel pain has become persistent, and the basics have not been enough.

“Plantar fasciitis” is not one single story

Pain under the heel may involve the plantar fascia, the way the foot is handling load, calf and ankle limitations, nerve irritation, a stress injury, or another problem. Before treating the painful spot, we want to know why it is painful.  We usually have patients come in saying “I have plantar fasciitis!” but during an examination of the foot, we are making sure you’ve got the right diagnosis and the right treatment recommendations.

How focused shockwave may help

Chronic heel pain sometimes gets stuck instead of fully healing. Shockwave uses sound waves to stimulate the painful tissue and essentially give the healing process another push. It can help improve circulation, reduce pain sensitivity, and encourage the tissue to repair and remodel.

Then we pair that with exercises that help your foot and leg become stronger and better able to handle everyday activity.

What we look at during the examination

We look at where the pain is located, when it is worst, how your foot and ankle move, what your day demands, and whether there are signs that point to a nerve, bone, or circulation problem. We also review health factors and medications that could change healing, bruising, sensation, or treatment tolerance.  We then move into a thorough physical examination to test your tissues and make sure we understand how your pain is showing up in your life.

What treatment may include

A shockwave session will often take about 10 to 12 minutes. Your plan may also include changes to footwear or activity, calf and foot exercises, progressive loading, manual care, or laser therapy. The combination depends on what we find and what you need to get back to doing.  Dr. Sperl and Nelson both believe in the benefit of treating an injury holistically. Providing clear advice on daily habits, exercises, and stretches helps ensure a full recovery.

What about a heel spur?

A heel spur on an X-ray does not automatically explain the pain, and feeling better does not require us to promise that the spur will disappear. Our goals are based on symptoms, function, and what your foot can tolerate—not just the picture. Shockwave therapy effectively addresses heel spur pain. Our focus is reducing your symptoms, improving mobility, and getting you back on your feet.

Learn more about focused shockwave therapy at Rising Sun.

This information is educational and is not a diagnosis or promise of results.