Are you affected by chronic foot pain? Do you often feel pain when running or jogging?
Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical, non-invasive podiatric treatment option for patients with plantar fasciitis and tendonitis. Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue that connects the heel to toe bones. Tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons in the foot.
These conditions can make it difficult to run, jog, walk, or even stand. Our professional team and doctors at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists want to help patients with these conditions treat their chronic pain, and as a result, regain their independence with shockwave therapy.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy uses pressure waves to deliver a mechanical force to the body’s tissues which allows them to heal. Our patients may find that shockwave therapy can benefit them in many other ways while also relieving their chronic foot pain.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
There are multiple benefits that shockwave therapy offers our patients:
- No significant side effects
- Safe for patients
- Surgery-free
- No patient restrictions
- No anesthesia is needed
- No injections are needed
This method of therapy not only treats patients with foot pain, but is also effective in treating tissue, tendon, and muscle problems in different areas of the body. In addition, shockwave therapy can be an effective cosmetic and aesthetic treatment.
Shockwave Therapy Treatment
Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists is the only practice that offers shockwave therapy to patients in the Newtown, PA area. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of treatment technology for feet, ankles, and legs. Prior to your shockwave therapy treatment, one of our doctors will give you a consultation and assessment.
We want to ensure that your choice aligns with your budget and goals. Our foot and ankle specialists will work with you to find the best option possible.
During treatment, high-pressure waves will be sent to your foot with a transmitting device. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy induces a micro trauma to the affected tissue. This microtrauma begins a healing response in the body, causing blood vessel formation. The body then signals for increased blood flow to the tissue in the feet. The shockwave therapy treatment process is quick and takes about 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
Shockwave Therapy FAQs
Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about extracorporeal shockwave therapy below:
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Our goal is to make the shockwave therapy treatment process as comfortable as possible for our patients. Although some patients may feel slight pain or tingling after treatment, this should fade over time.
Is extracorporeal shockwave therapy the same as an ultrasound?
Therapeutic ultrasounds deliver continuous low energy waves to an affected area. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy machines send higher energy pulses which are as frequent as 2 or 3 per second.
What should you not do after Shockwave therapy?
After shockwave therapy, patients are told to avoid any strenuous activity for at least 24 hours, regardless of pain levels. Patients should avoid physical exercise, including running, hiking, etc.
Can I continue normal activities after shockwave therapy treatment?
While you may feel okay, pay attention to how your body feels. If you experience any soreness or discomfort after the treatment, you might want to take it easy for a day or two.
Your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions after your shockwave therapy. They might suggest avoiding certain activities, especially if they put a lot of strain on the treated area. It’s always a good idea to follow their recommendations.
If you’re recovering from an injury or pain, it might be best to gradually return to your normal activities. Start with lighter activities and slowly increase the intensity as you feel more comfortable.
How often can you do shockwave therapy?
Most patients require shockwave treatment 3-5 times. After each session, patients should take a break for 3-10 days before undergoing another treatment. This gives the tissue time to respond between treatments.
What are the side effects of shockwave therapy?
The most common side effects of shockwave therapy are bruising and inflammation. This should go away before undergoing any further treatment.
When will I see the results from shockwave therapy?
You will see benefits from your shockwave therapy, including pain relief, directly after treatment. Long-term results from shockwave therapy will be apparent one to three months after your treatment.
Shockwave therapy helps stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, which takes some time. During this period, the therapy promotes tissue repair and reduces inflammation, improving function and reducing pain over time.
How does shockwave therapy compare to other treatments for foot and leg pain?
Shockwave therapy is a treatment that uses sound waves to help heal foot and leg pain, but it’s not the only option. Medication, ice, and heat help to quickly relieve symptoms but don’t fix the underlying problem like shockwave therapy.
Special shoe inserts can support and align your feet correctly, reducing pain. They are useful for ongoing support but don’t address all types of injury or pain. Surgery might be needed for severe injuries or conditions. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive alternative that can help avoid surgery by improving healing without the need for an operation.
Get Treatment with Shockwave Therapy
Do you think you may have plantar fasciitis or tendonitis? Call the expert doctors at Newtown Foot and Ankle at 215.234.3772. You can also schedule an appointment with our specialists online today. We will work with you to find a treatment option that best suits your needs.