Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-surgical, FDA-approved treatment for chronic pain due to foot and ankle conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

In ESWT, a podiatrist will use a handheld device to direct a repeating pattern of high-energy acoustic waves onto the injured area. These healing waves reduce pain and kickstart the body’s natural healing process by increasing blood circulation and stimulating new tissue growth in the affected area. ESWT may be presented to a patient with chronic pain that has not responded to more conservative methods of treatment over a period of time.

During treatment the patient lies comfortably, resting the affected area on a soft surface. The podiatrist may administer local anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort during the treatment which typically lasts 20 minutes. Ultrasound gel will be applied to help glide the handheld device and deliver the healing waves.

Because ESWT is performed extra-corporeally (outside the body), and non-surgically, the patient typically does not have a lengthy recovery period. The patient will be discharged after the procedure is complete and may have some instructions to follow during the short recuperative period after which they should be able to resume normal activities.

ESWT is not recommended for people who are pregnant, wear a pacemaker, have neuropathy, take medications that prevent blood clots, or have other conditions that may make it an inappropriate treatment.

To see if ESWT may be a treatment option for you, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination, diagnosis and consultation.