Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Foot Problems

 Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for Foot Problems

Pain in your feet can affect your activity level, gait and even lead to other problems with your hips and back. Depending on the foot problem you have, home treatment, such as rest, orthotics, and wearing shoes that fit properly, may help. But in some cases, additional treatment is needed by a foot specialist.

One treatment that is used to treat a variety of foot problems is extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Keep reading below to learn more about this non-invasive treatment and help decide if it might be right for you.

What is extracorporeal shock wave therapy? 

Shock wave therapy involves directing high-intensity sound waves at an area of the foot to promote healing. Shock waves are thought to stimulate healing in a few ways. For example, shock waves also promote re-vascularization, which restores perfusion or circulation to the area. Shock wave therapy may also stimulate tissue healing by releasing growth factors.

What foot problems can shock wave therapy treat?

One of the main uses of shock wave therapy is for the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis involves pain in the heel. It occurs due to irritation of the tissues that span from the heel to the toes. It can occur acutely or become chronic. Symptoms include:

• Pain on the bottom of the foot
• Pain may be worse in the morning
• Pain is often worse after exercise, but not during

Plantar fasciitis that is acute may last a week or two. It is often responsive to treatment, such as night splints, orthotics, and cortisone shots. But plantar fasciitis can also become chronic and last several weeks, months, or longer.

Shock wave therapy is also sometimes used to treat other foot problems, such as Achilles tendinitis and heel spurs.

Are you a good candidate for the treatment? 

Whether you are a good candidate or not depends on the problem being treated. Although most people can have shock wave therapy to treat certain foot conditions, there are a few contraindications, including those listed below.

• Bleeding
• Pregnancy
• Infections
• Not recommended for children

There may be other instances when shock wave therapy is not advised. It is best to discuss your personal situation and any other underlying health issues with your foot specialist.

What is involved in the procedure?

During shock wave therapy, the foot specialist applies gel to the skin to act as a conductor for the shock waves. A probe is applied to the skin and directed towards the injured area.

Although an electrical charge creates the energy wave, shock wave therapy does not deliver an electrical charge to the skin. Instead, the device sends an energy wave or shock wave through the skin.

The treatment may last for several minutes. Depending on the severity of the condition, more than one session may be needed to treat symptoms.

How is recovery? 

Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive treatment with little if any downtime. After your treatment, your foot specialist will provide you with specific instructions. You may be advised to avoid certain physical activities for a few days.

You may have some discomfort after the procedure, but it tends to decrease over time.

If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about shock wave therapy, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Podiatrist Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M at Bayview Eglinton Podiatry Clinic in Toronto.