Few ailments are more distressing than heel pain – especially when you live an active life and love being on your feet all day.
Every step can be torturous!
From the intense stabbing sensation of plantar fasciitis to the awful ache of Achilles tendonitis, the pain can put you out of action for weeks when left untreated. Even worse, traditional interventions for serious heel issues often involve surgery, which can lead to further risk and an even longer healing process.
Thankfully, shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and heel pain offers a unique solution to the problem. If you’re struggling in this way and want to kick-start your recovery (without going under the knife), then it could be the answer to your prayers.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
The words “shockwave therapy” might fill your mind with images of electrical currents. But don’t worry, it’s something of a misnomer! This advanced treatment approach has nothing to do with electricity and actually involves high-energy acoustic pressure waves.
Or soundwaves, for short.
With the help of a clever piece of medical technology, the physician directs these soundwaves into the site of your pain to penetrate the affected tissue in your heel. In doing so, the therapy causes another minor injury to occur there.
How Does It Work?
The thought of re-injuring your painful heel might sound strange. But hear us out…
Remember, this treatment is generally for chronic conditions.
This means the cells that would typically facilitate healing in the event of an injury are no longer present and scar tissue has built up in their stead. By re-injuring the affected area, you can stimulate blood flow and trigger the body’s natural healing process to kick in once again.
For best results, we usually recommend having at least 5 treatments, with around 1 week between them. Sessions tend to last less than 20 minutes, although this can vary depending on the extent of the issue.
What Does It Feel Like?
We won’t lie, shockwave therapy is no bed of roses! The treatment is non-invasive and doesn’t require any form of anesthetic, yet you can expect a degree of discomfort as the device does its work.
By pulsating on your injured heel, it’s akin to pressing down on a bad bruise. Some people also describe it as having a rubber band snapped against their skin.
Don’t worry though! If the discomfort is too much, then whoever’s delivering the treatment can always adjust the intensity.
What Are the Benefits of Shockwave Therapy?
Now we know more about what’s involved with shockwave therapy, let’s turn to the reasons someone might consider getting it. Here are the primary benefits involved:
Effective Treatment for Various Conditions
First and foremost, shockwave therapy is scientifically proven to be an effective treatment for an array of painful conditions that involve soft tissue damage.
From Plantar Fasciitis and ankle sprains to neuromas and sports injuries, it can jumpstart your recovery and get you back to full fitness in record time!
Combats the Negative Side-Effects
Heel pain doesn’t just affect your mobility. It can also have nasty knock-on effects, including weight gain and increased anxiety and depression.
By alleviating your heel pain, then, shockwave therapy can also relieve its impact on your life! Expect your discomfort to subside and (following a potential period of light adjustment to your training schedule) to be able to pick up your active lifestyle wherever you left off.
Avoid Surgical Treatments
Better still, it could prevent you from ending up on the operating table. Remember, given the risks involved, surgery should always be viewed as a last resort!
Even if there’s only the slightest chance of shockwave therapy helping your heel pain, then it’s worth considering when the only other option is to go under the knife.
Reap the Rewards of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain
Countless people around the country bear the debilitating burden of heel pain every year. A tricky thing to treat, many of them limp and hobble from one solution to the next, unable to find an adequate solution!
Know the struggle?
Well, as we’ve seen, shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and heel pain could be the answer to your problems. As an effective alternative to traditional treatment measures, it can improve your discomfort and get you back to action in no time.
Would you like to schedule an appointment with shockwave therapy experts in Wisconsin? Click here to get in touch today.