Scientific breakthroughs have led to some groundbreaking discoveries. Take the case of a non-invasive procedure (no incisions or instruments penetrating the body) like foot shockwave therapy. You may have heard about it, but not everyone knows what shockwave therapy is and whether it’s really effective against chronic musculoskeletal pain.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Sometimes called extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), this treatment uses high-energy, high-frequency sound waves to heal foot conditions and provide therapeutic benefits. The acoustic shockwaves separate soft tissue to boost collagen synthesis and stimulate growth factors for faster recovery. Medical experts have found ESWT especially useful in treating chronic Achilles tendon pain, foot spurs, and heel pain.
Recovering from injuries takes time. It’s even worse when the injuries limit daily activities such as housework, walking, exercise, or even standing. Add this to the painful cortisone injections and, in the worst-case scenario, invasive surgeries. That’s where shockwave therapy comes in.
What Are the Side Effects and Benefits of Foot Shockwave Therapy?
This non-invasive procedure can produce minor side effects like headaches, throbbing sensations, and mild bruising after the procedure. However, shockwave therapy offers numerous advantages.
Firstly, experts don’t need anesthesia to put you under—you’ll be awake throughout the entire session. Shockwave therapy feels like someone tapping on or exerting pressure on the treatment area. However, this discomfort is manageable and temporary. Admittedly, some patients have a low pain threshold. In such cases, the specialist can use numbing cream or local anesthesia for extra pain relief.
Depending on the severity of your condition, you can regain mobility as you undergo treatment. You don’t have to spend hours off your feet, as would be the case with other traditional treatment options. Best of all, the treatment is long-lasting. By addressing the root cause, shock wave therapy guarantees extended pain relief.
How Long Does ESWT Take?
Ordinarily, shockwave therapy takes around four to six appointments with sessions one week apart. Even so, the condition’s type, duration, and severity determine how long the treatment lasts. The same applies to your overall health and your response to treatment. Experts advise against any strenuous exercises during recovery. You may feel better after the second session, but you still need to take it easy for up to three months post-treatment.
Make foot pain a nuisance of the past by booking a session with our expert team at Foot Specialists of Birmingham. Contact us today!
