Does Shockwave Therapy for Heel Spurs Really Work?
- Just Healthy
- 6 days ago
- 9 min read
Shockwave therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment that can relieve heel spur pain for 60–80% of patients, improve foot function, and promote natural healing, often outperforming injections and other conservative options.
Key Takeaways
Heel spur pain usually comes from irritated tissue, not the bone. X-rays show spurs in about 50% of chronic cases, but pain mostly comes from plantar fascia inflammation.
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) is non-invasive and effective for long-term relief, with 70–92% of patients reporting less pain. For example, VAS scores drop from 9.2 to 3.4 at 4 weeks.
ESWT often works better than injections or other conservative treatments, giving stronger mid-term pain relief (SMD −0.6 at 3 months) and higher success rates (66% vs. 49% for injections).
Table of Contents
What Are Heel Spurs?
Think of a heel spur as a tiny extra bump of bone that grows on the bottom of your heel. It's made of calcium, and it usually forms where a tough band of tissue (called the plantar fascia) attaches to your heel bone.
Here’s the interesting part: the heel spur itself isn’t always the bad guy. Many people have them and feel no pain at all.
Heel pain usually comes from irritated tissue around the area, often caused by too much activity, standing for a long time, extra weight, or shoes that don’t support your feet. Tiny injuries and plantar fasciitis can make it worse.
When symptoms do appear, people often describe a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a while.
So, while heel spurs are common, the real culprit is usually the stressed or inflamed tissue around them.
What Causes It?
Heel spurs appear when your feet have been under constant stress and inflammation, and over time your body responds by creating extra calcium that forms a small bump on the heel bone.
This usually happens because of repeated overuse, most often from plantar fasciitis, where the band of tissue along the bottom of your foot keeps pulling on the heel, and your body tries to protect it by building up calcium.
Common causes include:
Too much overuse: Running, jumping, or standing all day can damage tissues and cause small injuries.
Foot tissue inflammation: Irritated plantar fascia or Achilles tendon pulls on the heel, making spurs more likely.
Bad shoes: Worn-out shoes, high heels, or shoes without proper support put extra pressure on your heel.
Foot shape: Flat feet, high arches, tight calves, or an unusual walking pattern can all stress the heel.
Being overweight: Carrying extra pounds increases pressure on the foot.
Age: After 40, the fat pads in your heels get thinner and your tissues become less stretchy, so your feet are more likely to get stressed.
The Role of Calcium and Mineral Imbalance
Sometimes nutrition plays a role as well. Low levels of key minerals can let calcium end up in the wrong places, like your heel. Important ones include:
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol): Too little can weaken bones and muscles, making pain more likely. A recent study found heel spurs are linked to low vitamin D, especially in people over 40, often alongside higher lipid levels.
Magnesium (Mg²⁺): Keeps tissues flexible; low levels worsen calcification, as studies show it contributes to osteoporosis and soft tissue buildup, with MgSO4 treatments reducing it.
Vitamin K2 (menaquinone): Guides calcium to the right spots (your bones), preventing buildup in soft tissue; deficiency is linked to improper calcium deposition and increased risks like heel spurs, as shown in bone health reviews and studies where K2 reduces vascular and ectopic calcification.
Even if your diet isn’t the main problem, low mineral levels can show other health problems.
How Shockwave Therapy Works for Heel Spurs
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to target the inflamed tissues around heel spurs (calcaneal spurs) and relieve heel pain, especially in chronic cases.
It was originally developed as Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) to break up kidney stones, but today it’s widely used for plantar fasciitis (FDA-approved) and other musculoskeletal conditions, including heel spurs.
ESWT focuses on the surrounding inflamed tissues rather than directly dissolving the bony spur, helping the body repair itself naturally through tissue remodeling without surgery or injections.
The Basics of the Procedure
A small handheld device is placed on your heel after a special gel is applied to help the sound waves travel.
Each session usually lasts 5–25 minutes and delivers 2,000–4,000 pulses of acoustic waves. Most people feel only a mild deep pressure or snapping sensation.
Sessions are performed in the clinic, typically once a week for 3–6 weeks, for optimal results.
Types of Shockwave Therapy
There are two ways shockwave therapy can be applied for heel spurs, depending on how deep or widespread the problem is:
Focused ESWT: High-energy waves go deeper to target the spur directly. This is usually best for chronic or deeper issues.
Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT): Lower-energy waves cover a broader area. It’s often more comfortable and works well for surface-level inflammation.
Choosing the right type often comes down to how your heel feels: deeper, long-lasting pain may respond better to focused therapy, while milder, surface-level discomfort may do well with radial therapy.
Benefits of ESWT
Shockwave therapy brings some major benefits for heel spurs:
Microtrauma Stimulation (Tissue Microinjury): Creates small, controlled injuries in the tissue to jumpstart the body’s natural repair process, essentially “resetting” healing in the heel area.
Neovascularization (Angiogenesis): Encourages the growth of new blood vessels, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to speed up recovery around the spur.
Collagen Remodeling (Fibroblast Activation): Stimulates the production and reorganization of collagen, helping rebuild stronger, healthier fascia fibers that support the foot.
Pain Modulation (Analgesic Effect / Nerve Desensitization): Overstimulates nerves to block pain signals, often providing quick and lasting relief from heel discomfort.
Together, these effects relieve pain, improve foot function, and promote healing without surgery.
It is often combined with stretching, orthotics, or physical therapy to improve results and help prevent the problem from coming back.
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
Most people handle it well, but you may feel some pressure, deep tapping, or mild soreness during the session. This usually goes away within a few hours or a day or two.
Occasionally, the skin may get a bit red or bruised, but it fades quickly. Serious problems are uncommon, and overall the treatment is safe and well-tolerated.
Real Results for Heel Spurs
Studies consistently support ESWT as an effective treatment for heel spurs.
A 2020 meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials demonstrated that ESWT significantly reduces pain and improves foot function compared to placebo treatments.
“My experience with ESWT treatment was great. I had suffered with heel pain for almost a year. Since having the ESWT treatment, I have not had any heel pain! I CAN WALK AGAIN, PAIN FREE!” - Millie R
Long-term relief is common, with 60–70% of patients experiencing improvement lasting 6–12 months, and some studies reporting up to 80% success, often even better than corticosteroid injections.
"ESWT gave me my life back! I was in so much pain prior to treatment I had to quit my job. The pain took over my life. This experience was nothing short of a miracle. I highly suggest this to anyone suffering from Plantar Fasciitis. As of today (1 year later) I am pain free." - Edith K., Englishtown
Recent reviews from 2024–2025 indicate that ESWT is more effective than other non-invasive treatments like high-intensity laser therapy, particularly in improving gait and overall foot function.
The combination of scientific research and positive patient testimonials positions ESWT as a promising, non-invasive option for those suffering from chronic heel spur pain.
Comparing Heel Spur Treatments
Here’s a quick look at how shockwave therapy stacks up against other common treatments for heel spurs, including their benefits and drawbacks.
Treatment | How It Works | Pros | Cons |
Shockwave Therapy | Uses sound waves to help the heel heal | Non-invasive, long-term pain relief | Mild discomfort, multiple sessions needed |
Corticosteroid Injections | Reduces heel inflammation | Fast pain relief | Temporary, risk of tissue damage |
Stretching & PT | Strengthens and stretches foot muscles | Safe, non-invasive | Slow results, may not fully fix pain |
Orthotics / Inserts | Supports feet and reduces stress | Prevents worsening | Doesn’t remove spur, takes time to help |
Surgery | Removes spur or releases fascia | Can fully stop chronic pain | Invasive, longer recovery, higher risk |
ESWT offers a non-invasive way to relieve heel spur pain, improve foot function, and provide longer-lasting results compared to many other treatments, making it a strong option for those with chronic symptoms.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
It’s a good fit for:
People with heel pain lasting more than 6 months that didn’t get better with rest or stretches.
Active folks or anyone on their feet a lot who want a non-surgical solution.
Adults of any age, especially when the heel spur isn’t too severe and they follow recommended exercises.
Not recommended for:
Pregnant women, since the waves could affect the baby.
Anyone with blood clots, on blood thinners, or at risk of bleeding.
Those with recent steroid injections in the foot, pacemakers, nearby infections, or cancer.
People with fresh injuries if using the high-energy (focused) shockwave type.
Prevention Tips for Heel Spurs
To keep your heels happy and avoid unexpected bumps, try these simple tips:
Good Shoes: Pick ones with support, padding, and no high heels; swap old ones.
Stretch Daily: Loosen calves, Achilles, and foot bottom; warm up before sports.Healthy Weight: Lose extra pounds to cut foot pressure; try swimming.
Supports: Try shoe inserts if your feet are very flat or very high-arched.Early Care: Rest, ice, wrap, and elevate your foot if it hurts. Make sure to get enough vitamin D, K2, and magnesium.
Smart Habits: Avoid high-impact activities if your feet are at risk, use night splints, and work on your walking pattern with therapy.
Follow these tips and your heels will thank you for years to come.
Comparing the Costs of Heel Spur Treatments
Although some treatments may cost less upfront, shockwave therapy can be a smart investment for those seeking effective, low-maintenance relief that may reduce the need for ongoing care or repeated procedures.
Treatment | Typical Cost (per session / total) | Notes |
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) | $200–$400 per session (usually 3–6 sessions) | Non-invasive, long-lasting results; cost adds up over multiple sessions |
Corticosteroid Injections | $100–$300 per injection | Quick pain relief; may need repeated injections |
Stretching & Physical Therapy | $50–$150 per session | Non-invasive; multiple sessions needed; usually long-term commitment |
Orthotics / Shoe Inserts | $50–$300 (one-time or custom) | Helps prevent worsening; does not remove spur |
Surgery | $3,000–$10,000+ | Invasive; longer recovery; may be covered by insurance |
Insurance coverage for shockwave therapy varies, so it’s best to check with your provider before scheduling treatment.
Wrapping up
Heel spurs can be painful, but the real trouble usually comes from the irritated tissues around them. Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive way to target both the spur and surrounding inflammation, helping the foot heal naturally.
Research shows it provides long-lasting pain relief for most patients, often working better than injections or other conservative treatments. Real-life experiences back this up, with many people returning to walking, running, and everyday activities pain-free.
Shockwave therapy isn’t just for heels. It has also helped conditions like tennis elbow, back pain, and even carpal tunnel syndrome, showing how versatile and effective it can be.
While it may cost more upfront than some options, its effectiveness and low risk of complications make it a smart choice for anyone dealing with chronic heel spur pain.
FAQs
How many sessions will I need for heel spurs?
Most people need about 3 to 5 sessions, spaced a week apart. The exact number depends on how severe your heel pain is and how your body responds. Your provider will adjust the plan to fit your needs.
When will I notice results?
Some patients notice improvement after just 1 or 2 sessions. For most, relief builds gradually, with the best results usually showing up within 8 to 12 weeks. Think of it as steady progress rather than an overnight fix.
Does it get rid of the spur itself?
No, shockwave therapy does not remove the bone spur. Instead, it calms the irritation and inflammation around it, helping the tissue heal so you feel less pain and move more comfortably. Many patients find that once the pain is gone, the spur itself is not a problem anymore.
Is the treatment painful?
Most people describe it as a tapping or snapping sensation. It can feel a bit uncomfortable, but not unbearable. Afterward, some mild soreness or swelling can happen, but it usually fades quickly. You will not need anesthesia or downtime.
Can heel spurs come back after treatment?
Yes, they can. If things like poor footwear, extra weight, or repetitive stress are not addressed, the pain may return. That is why shockwave therapy often works best when combined with stretching, proper shoes, or orthotics to prevent flare-ups.
Resources
If you’d like to explore the research and expert guidance on Heel Spurs and shockwave therapy in more detail, these resources are a good place to start:
