Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis can significantly reduce heel pain within a few sessions, offering long-term relief and improved mobility for most patients, with a success rate between 65% and 91%.
Key Highlights
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis reduces heel pain and improves mobility with a success rate of 65–91%.
Uses extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to boost healing, improve blood flow, and reduce chronic inflammation.
Backed by randomized controlled trials showing statistically significant differences in pain relief and recovery.
A safe, non-invasive treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis and other conditions like musculoskeletal disorders.
Table of Contents
What is Shockwave Therapy For Plantar Fasciitis?
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is a treatment that helps heal the pain in your foot caused by problems with the plantar fascia. This plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that connects your calcaneus (heel bone) to the front of your foot.
When this tissue gets swollen or damaged, it’s called plantar fasciitis, and it can make walking or standing very painful, especially first thing in the morning.
How Does It Work?
Doctors use a special machine for Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT). This machine sends sound waves, called shockwaves, into your foot. These waves can do amazing things, like:
• Start neovascularization, which means new blood vessels grow to bring more healing to the injured area.
• Help your body make collagen, which is like a glue that keeps your tissue strong and stretchy.
• Break down things called calcified fibroblasts, which are hardened cells that can make the pain worse.
• Reduce chronic inflammation, which is long-term swelling, by activating mast cells that help your body calm down.
Types of Shockwave Therapy
There are two main kinds of shockwave therapy:
1. Radial Shockwave Therapy (rESWT): This spreads the energy over a bigger area and is good for surface-level pain.
2. Focused Shockwave Therapy (fESWT): This sends the energy deep into the tissue to target the exact spot that hurts.
What Happens During Treatment?
• The doctor puts gel on your heel and uses a small device to send the shockwaves into your foot.
• A session usually takes about 10–15 minutes, and you may need about 3–5 sessions.
• The machine uses settings like energy levels (0.08 to 0.28 mJ/mm²), frequency (1 to 15 Hz), and number of pulses (around 1,500 to 3,000).
How Do You Feel Afterward?
Some people might feel mild discomfort, skin redness, or a little swelling, but this goes away quickly.
After treatment, doctors recommend:
• Activity modification: Rest your foot and avoid running or jumping for two days.
• Stretching exercises: Do stretches to keep your foot flexible.
• Wear supportive footwear to help your foot heal faster.
Who Shouldn’t Use It?
Shockwave therapy isn’t for everyone. It’s not safe if:
• You’re pregnant.
• You have blood clotting disorders or take blood thinners.
• You have nerve disorders that make it hard to feel pain.
Is It Safe?
Yes! It’s approved in many countries and follows strict guidelines to help people with musculoskeletal conditions like plantar fasciitis. It’s especially helpful when other treatments, like rest or medication, haven’t worked.
Is Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis Effective?
Yes, shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for many people with plantar fasciitis, which is a condition where the plantar fascia (a thick band of tissue in your foot) becomes inflamed or damaged, causing heel pain. The therapy works by using sound waves to help the body heal itself in several ways.
Shockwave therapy improves blood flow (neovascularization) to the injured area, which brings more oxygen and nutrients needed for healing. It also boosts collagen synthesis, which means it helps your foot make strong, healthy tissue to repair the damaged plantar fascia. Additionally, it breaks down calcified fibroblasts—hardened cells that form over time and can make pain worse.
The therapy reduces chronic inflammation, which is long-term swelling that prevents the tissue from healing properly. By calming this inflammation, shockwave therapy helps the foot recover faster and reduces pain, offering noticeable pain relief for many patients.
Studies, including randomized controlled trials, have shown that 70-85% of people with plantar fasciitis feel better and can move more easily after shockwave therapy. These studies often compare results to those from placebo-controlled trials, which further highlight the therapy’s benefits through statistically significant differences in patient outcomes. This makes shockwave therapy a proven, effective treatment for chronic cases.
While it doesn’t work for everyone, most patients experience noticeable pain relief within a few weeks.
Shockwave therapy is safe and non-invasive, with only minor risks like temporary soreness or redness. It’s a great option for people looking to avoid surgery or for those who haven’t found success with other treatments.
Scientific Studies
These studies highlight how shockwave therapy provides a safe and effective solution for people suffering from plantar fasciitis, making it easier for them to return to their daily activities without pain.
Researchers have used methods like placebo-controlled trials and compared different treatment groups to ensure accurate results. Measurements such as the visual analog scale have been used to assess pain levels, while data analysis has shown clear evidence of positive treatment effects.
1. 2024 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The study titled “Effect of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Plantar Fascia Thickness in Plantar Fasciitis” demonstrated that shockwave therapy significantly reduced plantar fascia thickness. This improvement helped relieve pain and supported better foot function. The results showed notable differences between the experimental and treatment group in terms of recovery.
2. 2024 Randomized Controlled Trial
In “Comparison of Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy and Peloidotherapy in Patients with Plantar Fasciitis,” researchers conducted a placebo-controlled trial and observed significant improvements. Both treatment groups showed progress, but those receiving shockwave therapy experienced better treatment effects and greater pain reduction, as measured by the visual analog scale.
3. 2020 Meta-Analysis
The study “Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Versus Ultrasound Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis” compared shockwave therapy with ultrasound therapy across multiple treatment groups. Shockwave therapy proved more effective, delivering stronger pain reduction, faster healing, and clear evidence of its benefits through rigorous data analysis.
4. 2019 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Titled “Shock-Wave Therapy Improved Outcome with Plantar Fasciitis,” this research concluded that shockwave therapy is a highly effective, non-surgical treatment. By comparing treatment groups and analyzing treatment effects, it offered significant relief from pain without the need for medications or surgery.
These studies emphasize the value of shockwave therapy as a reliable, evidence-based solution for managing plantar fasciitis effectively.
Is Shockwave Therapy FDA Approved?
Yes, shockwave therapy, specifically Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), has received FDA approval for treating certain musculoskeletal conditions. In 2000, the FDA approved the OssaTron device for the treatment of chronic proximal plantar fasciitis, commonly known as heel pain.
Subsequently, other devices like the Dornier Epos Ultra and the Orthospec ESWT have also been approved for similar indications. These approvals indicate that ESWT is recognized as a safe and effective non-invasive treatment option for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
I had the worst chronic plantar fasciitis, and my heel pain made it so hard to walk. My doctor said to try shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, and they used extracorporeal shock wave therapy on my plantar fascia. It was easy and didn’t hurt, and now my painful heel feels so much better! The doctor said it helps with the healing process and gets blood flowing. I didn’t even need other treatment options like anti-inflammatory medications. If you need a treatment for plantar fasciitis, this is the best! Anna, 56 Years of Old
How much does the Therapy Cost?
Each session of shockwave therapy typically costs between $300 and $600. Since most people need 3–6 sessions, the total cost usually ranges from $900 to $3,600. However, where you live matters too—costs can be higher in big cities or urban areas compared to smaller towns.
Insurance coverage can help lower the costs, but it depends on your plan. Some private insurance plans may cover part of the therapy if it’s considered medically necessary. Usually, this means you’ll need a doctor’s referral and proof that other treatments, like physical therapy or NSAIDs, didn’t work.
Unfortunately, Medicare usually doesn’t cover Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) because it is often considered experimental or elective. Patients without insurance must pay the full cost themselves, but many clinics offer payment plans to make it more affordable.
Shockwave therapy is often more cost-effective than surgery, which can cost $10,000 or more. It can also save money over time by reducing the need for repeated corticosteroid injections, orthotics, or other ongoing treatments.
In addition to session costs, you might also need to pay for your first visit, which can cost $100 to $250. If you need more than the typical 3–6 sessions, there could be extra charges for follow-up treatments.
To make the therapy more affordable, many clinics allow patients to pay in installments with payment plans. You can also use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to cover the costs, so you don’t need to rely on your regular income.
By understanding these costs and payment options, you can make the best decision for managing plantar fasciitis.
What are the benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Plantar fasciitis?
Shockwave therapy is a great choice because it’s a non-invasive treatment, which means it doesn’t need surgery or needles. This makes it safer and easier for people who want to feel better without going through big procedures. Many patients say they feel pain relief soon after starting the therapy, and it also reduces pain over time.
One big reason shockwave therapy works is that it helps with the healing process. It brings more blood and nutrients to the injured area, which helps the body fix itself. This faster healing process means that people can get back to their normal lives sooner.
For people who have had pain for extended periods, shockwave therapy is especially helpful. It can treat long-term problems by making the healing process stronger and more effective. Overall, it’s a safe and simple non-invasive treatment that gives people the pain relief they need to feel better.
Comparing Shockwave Therapy with Other Treatments
Shockwave therapy stands out when compared to other treatments for plantar fasciitis. Studies, including randomized controlled trials and placebo-controlled trials, have shown its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving mobility.
These trials demonstrate a significant reduction in symptoms for patients using shockwave therapy.
One reason for its success is the precise treatment parameters used during therapy. These include energy levels, frequency, and the number of shock waves applied, all tailored to target the damaged tissue effectively.
By directly addressing the problem, shockwave therapy provides better results than many traditional treatment options.
The Risk of Doing Nothing for Your Plantar Fasciitis
If you ignore your plantar fasciitis, it can turn into a bigger problem like chronic plantar fasciitis. This means your plantar heel pain might not go away, and walking or standing could hurt even more.
Some risk factors make plantar fasciitis worse, like wearing shoes without good support, doing the same movements over and over (repetitive strain), or having a lot of body weight on your feet.
While some people try conservative treatment like rest or ice, these might not be enough. Without proper care, the pain can get worse over time, making it hard to do everyday things like walking your dog or playing with your kids.
That’s why it’s important to get help before the pain takes over your life.
Conclusion
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is a breakthrough treatment that offers quick and effective solutions for chronic plantar fasciitis, plantar heel pain, and other related conditions.
Using extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), this innovative approach targets the plantar fascia, promoting the healing process by improving blood flow and breaking down calcifications.
For patients experiencing persistent heel pain, painful heels, or struggling with traditional treatment modalities, shockwave therapy provides a proven, non-invasive alternative.
This therapy is especially effective for conditions like recalcitrant plantar fasciitis and has shown statistically significant differences in outcomes compared to other treatments in randomized controlled trials.
It reduces stabbing pain, improves mobility, and avoids the risks associated with invasive procedures or reliance on anti-inflammatory medications.
Studies demonstrate that treatment for plantar fasciitis with high-energy shock waves not only reduces pain but also supports faster recovery and long-term relief.
By addressing the root causes of plantar fasciitis with precision, shock wave therapy delivers significant improvements in quality of life, making it a leading choice for those seeking effective and lasting solutions.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic proximal plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or general musculoskeletal disorders, this non-invasive treatment stands out as one of the most reliable treatment options for sustained pain relief and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis?
Shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis is a non-invasive treatment that uses extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to deliver high-energy waves to the plantar fascia. This stimulates the healing process, improves blood flow, and helps reduce heel pain caused by conditions like chronic plantar fasciitis.
How effective is shockwave therapy for chronic plantar fasciitis?
Studies, including randomized controlled trials, show that shockwave therapy provides statistically significant differences in pain relief compared to other treatment options. It’s especially effective for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis and offers long-term improvements.
Can shockwave therapy treat plantar heel pain?
Yes, shockwave therapy is an excellent solution for treating plantar heel pain. By targeting the affected area, it helps alleviate pain and promotes recovery without the need for invasive procedures like surgery or corticosteroid injections.
What are the benefits of extracorporeal shockwave therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) offers many benefits, including reduced stabbing pain, improved blood flow, faster recovery for the plantar fascia, and relief from painful heel symptoms. It is a safe and effective treatment for plantar fasciitis with minimal side effects.
Is shockwave therapy a non-invasive treatment for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, shockwave therapy is a completely non-invasive treatment. It uses high-energy shock waves to treat the underlying causes of plantar fasciitis, providing relief without surgery or medication.
How does shockwave therapy compare to other treatments for plantar fasciitis?
Unlike traditional treatment options such as physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications, shockwave therapy directly targets the root cause of chronic proximal plantar fasciitis. It offers faster pain relief and better long-term outcomes.