Foot Conditions That Shockwave Therapy Can Treat
Posted on: 26 April 2022
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate the body's natural healing process. It effectively treats various foot conditions since it helps heal injured tissue.
This post discusses two common foot conditions and explains how shockwave therapy can help treat them.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. When this tissue becomes damaged or strained, it can become inflamed, causing severe heel pain.
The condition is often triggered by overuse or repetitive motions, such as running or walking. Common symptoms may include:
- Pain in the heel or arch of the foot
- Stiffness in the foot
- Difficulty walking
Shockwave treatment has been shown to be effective in treating plantar fasciitis. During shockwave therapy, a podiatrist directs sound waves to the affected area, causing tiny vibrations that target the plantar fascia. These vibrations help break up scar tissue and stimulate the production of new cells, which can speed up the healing process. Ultimately, this treatment can help reduce pain and improve foot function.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that affects the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It helps you lift your heel off the ground when you walk or run. You use your Achilles tendon for so many daily activities, so it can be susceptible to overuse injuries.
Achilles tendinopathy often develops in middle-aged or older people and is more common in men than women. The condition's exact cause is not known, but it is thought to be related to repetitive stress on the tendon. Symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy include pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, especially during exercise. The pain may worsen with time, and you might find it difficult to walk or run.
For the best results, your podiatrist might opt for shockwave therapy to help alleviate the symptoms. They could also recommend this treatment option if the condition doesn't respond to other treatments.
During shockwave therapy, a machine generates sound waves that pass through the skin to the affected area. The sound waves increase blood flow to the area. The aim is to help stimulate healing and reduce pain so you can return to your normal activities. Look into shockwave treatment for more information.
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