Shockwave Therapy

Consider shockwave therapy if you suffer from foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or neuromas. The treatment is pain-free, noninvasive, and provides lasting results. At Southwest Foot & Ankle Center, podiatrist Petrina Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, offers Zimmer shockwave therapy to people of all ages. To see if you can benefit, book an appointment online or call the office in Scottsdale, Arizona, today.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy, or radial shockwave therapy, is an outpatient procedure that uses FDA-cleared technology to encourage your body’s natural healing process.

During treatment, Dr. Lewis runs a handheld device over specific areas of your foot or ankle. The device emits high-frequency sound waves that penetrate your skin and soft tissues, causing microtrauma and your body’s healing response.

What foot and ankle conditions might benefit from shockwave therapy?

At Southwest Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Lewis uses shockwave therapy to treat various foot and ankle conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel pain
• Achilles tendonitis
• Neuromas
• Arthritis
• Overuse injuries
• Stress fractures

You might also benefit from shockwave therapy if you run or play sports and suffer an activity-related injury.

What does shockwave therapy involve?

At Southwest Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Lewis performs shockwave therapy with the Zimmer system. During treatment, she carefully runs a handheld device that looks similar to an ultrasound paddle across your heels or another part of your feet.

Dr. Lewis moves the device very slowly, making circular motions. It emits high-frequency sound waves that penetrate your skin. The resulting microtrauma then increases blood flow to the area, relieving pain and encouraging the production of new and healthy tissue.

How many shockwave therapy treatments will I need?

The number of shockwave therapy treatments you need depends on various factors, including your medical history, the underlying problem, and the severity of your symptoms. 

Usually, Dr. Lewis recommends a series of 4-5 treatments once a week. If your symptoms persist after that period, additional treatments might be necessary.

What are the benefits of shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy offers various benefits compared with traditional treatments like physical therapy, including:

• Quicker results
• Fewer visits
• More affordability
• Few side effects

That means you can return to work, exercise, and do other activities you love much sooner.

Is shockwave therapy safe?

Shockwave therapy is safe and typically well-tolerated, but it can present side effects. For example, after treatment, you might feel sore or stiff, like you would after an intense workout. After each session, get plenty of rest and drink lots of water.

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of shockwave therapy, request an appointment at Southwest Foot & Ankle Center by calling the office or booking online today.