How Shockwave Therapy Works to Ease Heel and Achilles Pain

There is a common saying that “a little goes a long way.” While this is true in regards to seasoning a recipe, for example, it can also apply to your feet. Even a little bit of heel or Achilles pain can go a long way in causing discomfort and disrupting your activity level. When pain in this area becomes chronic, it can be very frustrating and even affect your mobility. The recovery time and possible complications that come with surgery, make it a daunting treatment option. It is for this reason that we make every effort to offer other treatment options to our patients, including shockwave therapy—a non-invasive alternative to surgery that may finally rid you of your heel and Achilles pain.

Hindering Heel Pain

Heel pain can be more difficult to treat at times simply because there are many different causes. It usually is not just a case of “old age aches and pains.” Most often there is a reason for your discomfort and it is important to get to the bottom of it. The pain can arise due to plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or even a stress fracture. Another common reason is Achilles tendonitis, which is when the Achilles tendon becomes strained and inflamed.

Sometimes foot pain requires more than conservative treatment options can accomplish. If you have been dealing with the discomfort of heel or Achilles pain, and have tried other remedies but would like to avoid surgery, then our state-of-the-art shockwave therapy may be the ticket to finally getting relief. There are several reasons why this is such an effective and desirable alternative to going under the scalpel: it can be done right here in our office, there are no anesthetics necessary, there are minimal side effects and risks, and there is a short recovery period.

How Does it Work?

Shockwave Therapy for Heel and Achilles Pain Our Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment (EPAT) uses “pressure waves” to target damaged tissues. In the process, blood flow is increased in the injured area, which brings essential nutrients needed for your cells to repair themselves and for the damage to heal. A gel similar to the kind used for ultrasounds will be applied to your heel or Achilles tendon. A wand that pulses waves of energy is moved gently in circles over the injured area.

An added benefit to this treatment is that it does not take much time out of your day.

Generally, the procedure lasts around fifteen minutes. It may take three or more treatments for the pain to fully resolve, but this is a much easier alternative than surgery. There may be some residual discomfort for a few days, but you should be able to walk out of the office in your normal shoes. Most patients can immediately go back to work, although if you have a lot of strenuous activity involved in the day, you may need a day or two of rest. This treatment uses your body’s natural healing responses to speed up your recovery and the complications are virtually non-existent.

You don’t have to simply accept your heel or Achilles discomfort as a permanent problem. Our EPAT shockwave treatments have been very successful in stimulating healing and helping resolve chronic pain. Contact Dallas Podiatry Works for an appointment or more information. Call us in Dallas, TX at 972.853.7100 or in Plano, TX at (972) 943-3323 or visit our online contact page.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.