Shockwave Therapy

If you have foot or ankle pain, shockwave therapy might be the cutting-edge, noninvasive treatment you need. Board-certified podiatrists Leland Gilmore, DPM, and Shalin Panchigar, DPM, at Capital Podiatry Associates in Alexandria, Virginia, offer shockwave therapy as a safe alternative to surgery or medication. It eases pain, reduces inflammation, and promotes the healing of problems like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and heel spurs. Book an appointment today by calling the office or scheduling your visit online.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses sound waves to boost the healing of injured or painful areas of your body. These high-energy sound waves promote blood flow, speed tissue repair, and reduce pain by stimulating cellular activity and breaking down scar tissue.

Commonly used in orthopedics, physical therapy, and sports medicine, shockwave therapy is an excellent treatment choice if you’re looking to avoid surgery and medication.

Which podiatry problems can shockwave therapy address?

Shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating various foot and ankle conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis: a leading cause of heel pain caused by plantar fascia inflammation
• Achilles tendinopathy: chronic pain in the Achilles tendon due to overuse or injury
• Heel spurs: calcium deposits causing pain in the heel
• Morton’s neuroma: painful thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerves in the foot
• Shin splints: pain along the shinbone often caused by repetitive stress

If you suffer from pain in your feet or ankles, book an appointment at Capital Podiatry Associates for effective treatment.

Are there different types of shockwave therapy

Yes. The two main types of shockwave therapy are:

Radial shockwave therapy (RSWT)

RSWT targets a broader area and delivers lower-energy waves. It’s ideal for less severe conditions.

Focused shockwave therapy (FSWT)

FSWT penetrates deeper into tissues with higher-energy waves. It’s suitable for chronic or severe conditions.

Other therapies include:

Zimmer shockwave therapy

Zimmer devices deliver high-frequency radial waves, focusing on stimulating your body’s natural healing processes. Practitioners widely use these system to treat podiatry problems due to their precision and effectiveness.

Multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy

This therapy uses MLS lasers to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting tissue repair. Unlike shockwave therapy, it uses light energy rather than acoustic waves.

Massage gun therapy

A massage gun is a handheld device that delivers percussive vibrations to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation. While less intensive than shockwave therapy, it’s often used as a complementary treatment.

How many shockwave therapy treatments will I need?

The number of treatments varies depending on how severe your condition is. Most patients require three to five sessions spaced one to two weeks apart. You might notice improvement after the first session or need the entire course for the best results.

You don’t have to suffer from foot or ankle pain. Contact the Capital Podiatry Associates team today by calling or booking online.