shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis, heel pain, Achilles tendonitis
When dealing with Houston heel pain, you have probably tried it all—stretching, icing, insoles, and maybe even cortisone shots. However, what if there was a treatment that could kick that stubborn pain out without surgery or long recovery times? Enter shockwave therapy treatment, the most exciting advancements in podiatry for chronic heel pain.
At Deniel Foot & Ankle Center, we get it—you want answers, not just another “wait and see” approach. So, let us cut through and answer the critical questions Houston patients have about shockwave therapy.
Is Shockwave Therapy, Electric Shock?
No tasers! Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Think of it like a deep-tissue massage at the cellular level—it jumpstarts blood flow, breaks down scar tissue, and helps your body repair itself naturally.
And yes, it is FDA-approved for conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. A 2017 study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research found that shockwave therapy treatment led to a 75% improvement in chronic plantar fasciitis cases than waiting for pain to fade.
Does Shockwave Therapy Hurt?
Most patients describe it as a deep pulsing sensation—not exactly a spa day, but not torture either. Some areas might be tender (especially if Houston heel pain has lingered for months), but the treatment is quick—usually 5-10 minutes per session.
Here’s the kicker: Unlike cortisone shots, which can cause temporary flare-ups, shockwave therapy treatment has minimal side effects. You might feel sore afterward (like a good workout), and you can get back to your day.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most patients see results in 3-5 sessions, spaced about a week apart. Here is the cool part: Unlike medications that mask pain, shockwave therapy treatment fixes the problem at the source.
In a study, Foot & Ankle International in 2019, followed patients with chronic heel pain and found that over 80% had significant pain relief after just three sessions. That’s why so many Houston runners, teachers, and busy parents swear by it—it works fast.
Is Shockwave Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Ah, while some insurance plans cover shockwave therapy treatment, others consider it “investigational” (even though it has been used for decades in Europe and is FDA-approved).
Our team at Deniel Foot & Ankle Center will check your benefits and give you a clear breakdown of costs. And here’s some good news: Many patients find it more affordable than surgery or endless physical therapy—especially when you factor in the time saved.
I Heard Shockwave Therapy Is a ‘Last Resort.’ Is That True?
Not at all! The sooner you try shockwave therapy treatment, the better. Waiting for months (or years) with Houston heel pain can lead to scar tissue and chronic inflammation, making healing harder.
Dr. Sho often tells patients: “If you have tried rest, stretches, and orthotics for 6-8 weeks with no improvement, it is time to consider shockwave.” It is not for desperate cases; it is for patients who want to heal faster.
Can Shockwave Therapy Help If I Have Diabetes or Poor Circulation?
Great question! Shockwave therapy treatment is fantastic for patients with diabetes or circulation issues because it boosts blood flow to injured tissues. A 2020 study in Diabetes Care even found that shockwave improved healing in diabetic foot ulcers.
We evaluate your case to ensure it is the right fit. Your safety comes first—but shockwave is a game-changer for Houston patients with chronic conditions.
What’s the Success Rate?
Science: A meta-analysis of 34 studies (published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine) concluded that shockwave therapy had a 70-80% success rate for chronic tendon pain. Compare that to steroid injections, which often provide only temporary relief (and can weaken tissues over time).
So no, it’s not a fad—it is a proven, drug-free solution that’s helped everyone from NBA players to Houston nurses get back on their feet.
Ready to Walk? Let us Explore Shockwave Therapy.
If you are tired of limping through your day, missing workouts, or popping painkillers to get through work, shockwave therapy treatment might be your answer. At Deniel Foot & Ankle Center, we have helped countless Houston patients ditch heel pain for good—without surgery or long recoveries.
So, Houston, are you ready to step into a life with less pain? Give us a call or book online today. Let us get you back to walking, running, and living—pain-free.
