What it is
Chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy are, at the tissue level, failures of healing rather than ongoing inflammation. That is why anti-inflammatories often stop working after the first few months.
Shockwave therapy delivers controlled mechanical energy into the affected tissue, stimulating blood flow and cellular repair. It requires no incision, no anaesthetic and no downtime — most patients walk out and drive themselves home.
Symptoms we look for
- Heel or Achilles pain lasting longer than three months
- Symptoms that returned after injection therapy
- Chronic tendon pain without acute swelling
- Reluctance to pursue surgery
How we treat it
- Typically three to five sessions spaced one week apart
- Each session runs roughly fifteen minutes
- No anaesthesia, no incision, no downtime
- Often combined with orthotics and a stretching protocol
- Considered before surgical release for chronic fasciitis
When to see a podiatrist
Shockwave is worth discussing if you have had heel or Achilles pain for more than three months, or if injections helped only briefly. It is frequently the step that lets patients avoid an operation.
Common questions
Does it hurt?
Most patients describe it as a strong tapping sensation, uncomfortable but tolerable, and it stops the moment the session ends.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. Our staff will verify your specific benefits before scheduling so there are no surprises.