Shockwave Therapy: A Non-Invasive Solution for Foot Pain Relief

At Hurst Podiatry, we’re always on the lookout for the best ways to help our patients keep their feet healthy and pain-free. One of the treatments we’re particularly excited about is shockwave therapy.

This non-invasive treatment has been making waves (pun intended!) in the world of podiatry, offering a powerful option for those dealing with chronic foot pain and other soft tissue injuries.

Shockwave treatment uses a unique device that delivers high-energy sound waves directly to the affected area. These sound waves stimulate the body’s natural healing process, promoting increased blood flow and helping to reduce inflammation and pain.

Whether you’re struggling with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or other chronic conditions, shockwave therapy might be just what you need to get back on your feet—literally!

How Shockwave Therapy Works

So, how does this shockwave treatment actually work? The process might sound a bit futuristic, but it’s based on solid science and is used widely in podiatry and physical therapy.

Shockwave therapy machines—or, as they’re sometimes called, shockwave therapy devices—generate high-energy sound waves that are directed at the affected area. These sound waves penetrate deep into the tissues, reaching areas that might not respond well to other treatments. The shockwave therapy machine we use at Hurst Podiatry is designed to target specific points of pain and injury, promoting healing where it’s needed most.

When these sound waves hit the damaged tissues, they trigger a biological response that encourages tissue regeneration and repair. This is especially beneficial for conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, where the tissues are often slow to heal on their own.

During a session, most patients feel a combination of pressure and mild discomfort as the sound waves are delivered. However, this sensation is usually well-tolerated and often described as a “tingling” or “thumping” feeling. The treatment is quick, typically lasting only about 15-20 minutes, and it doesn’t require any downtime—so you can get back to your day right after your appointment.

Common Foot Conditions Treated with Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy has proven to be a game-changer for many of our patients dealing with persistent foot issues. This treatment is particularly effective for a variety of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, especially those that haven’t responded well to other treatments.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions we treat with shockwave therapy. This painful condition affects the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. Shockwave therapy can provide significant pain relief by stimulating tissue regeneration and improving blood flow to the affected area, speeding up the healing process.

Achilles tendonitis is another condition that benefits greatly from shockwave treatments. The Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, can become inflamed and painful, particularly in athletes or those who are very active. By using focused shockwave therapy machines, we can target the inflammation and promote healing, helping to reduce chronic pain and prevent further injury.

In addition to these, we also use shockwave therapy for conditions like heel spurs, shin splints, and other soft tissue injuries. Whether it’s an issue that’s been bothering you for months or a more recent injury, shockwave treatment offers a non-invasive way to get back to doing the things you love—without the pain.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

One of the reasons shockwave therapy has become so popular at Hurst Podiatry is because of its numerous benefits, especially for those struggling with chronic conditions and soft tissue injuries. Unlike more invasive treatments, shockwave therapy is a non-invasive option that comes with minimal risks and a range of positive effects.

Pain relief is one of the most immediate benefits many patients experience. The shockwave therapy machine works by disrupting pain signals and triggering the body’s natural healing process, which includes increased blood flow to the affected area. This not only helps in reducing chronic inflammation but also promotes the repair of damaged tissues, leading to lasting relief.

Another key advantage is the speed of recovery. Unlike surgery or other more invasive procedures, shockwave therapy requires little to no downtime. Most patients can return to their regular activities right after a session, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules. Plus, the effects of the treatment tend to improve over time, with many patients noticing gradual but significant improvements in their symptoms.

The versatility of shockwave therapy is also worth noting. It’s effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from plantar fasciitis to Achilles tendonitis and beyond. Whether you’re an athlete dealing with a sports injury or someone suffering from chronic pain due to an old injury, shockwave therapy can be tailored to your specific needs.

Lastly, the treatment is supported by clinical studies that have shown its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving function for a variety of conditions. At Hurst Podiatry, we’re proud to offer this cutting-edge technology to our patients, helping them achieve better outcomes with less discomfort and fewer risks.

What to Expect During and After Shockwave Therapy

If you’re considering shockwave therapy at Hurst Podiatry, it’s natural to wonder what the treatment process will be like. Fortunately, the experience is straightforward, and most patients find it to be both quick and manageable.

During a shockwave treatment, you’ll be comfortably seated or lying down, depending on the treatment area. The podiatrist will apply a special gel to the affected area to help transmit the sound waves more effectively. Then, the shockwave therapy machine is used to deliver focused energy pulses directly to the site of pain or injury. You might feel some discomfort during the procedure—most people describe it as a mild tapping or tingling sensation—but this typically subsides quickly.

Each session usually lasts around 15 to 20 minutes, making it easy to fit into your day. The number of sessions you’ll need can vary depending on your condition and how your body responds to the treatment. We’ll create a personalised treatment plan for you, and we’ll keep a close eye on your progress to ensure you’re getting the best possible results.

After the treatment, there’s no downtime required, so you can go about your day as usual. Some patients might experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area, but this typically resolves within a few days. It’s important to follow any post-treatment care instructions provided by your podiatrist to maximise the positive effects of the therapy.

As the healing process continues, you’ll likely notice a reduction in pain and an improvement in your overall foot function. For some, relief can be felt after just a few sessions, while others might need a full course of shockwave treatments to achieve optimal results. Whatever your situation, our team at Hurst Podiatry is here to support you every step of the way.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

Shockwave therapy can be an excellent option for many people suffering from chronic pain, soft tissue injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions, but it’s important to determine if it’s the right treatment for your specific needs. At Hurst Podiatry, we assess each patient individually to ensure that shockwave therapy is the best choice for their condition.

This treatment is particularly beneficial for those who have tried other therapies, such as physical therapy or medications, without significant improvement. Shockwave therapy is also a great alternative to more invasive procedures like surgery, especially for patients seeking a non-invasive solution with minimal recovery time. Whether you’re dealing with persistent plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or other chronic conditions, shockwave therapy could provide the relief you’ve been looking for.

However, shockwave therapy may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, it’s generally not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as severe circulatory disorders, nerve damage, or acute infections in the treatment area. If you are pregnant or have a pacemaker, you can still undergo shockwave therapy, just be sure to let your practitioner know as they need to avoid affected areas. During your consultation at Hurst Podiatry, we’ll thoroughly review your medical history and current condition to determine if shockwave therapy is a safe and effective option for you.

If shockwave therapy is right for you, our podiatrists will create a customised treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and needs. We’ll discuss how many treatments you might need, what to expect during the process, and any potential side effects, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.

At Hurst Podiatry, we’re committed to helping our patients find the best solutions for their foot health. If you’re struggling with foot pain or injury and are curious about whether shockwave therapy could help, we encourage you to reach out to our clinic in Melbourne. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to answer your questions and guide you on the path to recovery.

Call us on 03 8799 4426 for our Kilsyth clinic or 03 5901 2216 for our Healesville clinics or book online here.