Shockwave Therapy for Heel & Foot Pain (ESWT)
University Foot Associates offers extracorporeal shockwave therapy at our Gurnee podiatry office for eligible patients with persistent foot and heel pain. This nonsurgical treatment may be recommended for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and other chronic soft-tissue problems that have not improved with conservative care. Learn how shockwave therapy works, its potential benefits, what to expect during treatment, and whether it may be an appropriate option for you.
What is ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy Treatment)?
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment offered at our Gurnee, IL podiatry office to relieve chronic foot and ankle pain. This advanced therapy uses a machine that generates high-energy acoustic sound waves to penetrate deep into damaged tissue, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. It precisely targets areas of pain with varying levels of energy waves to stimulate blood flow and healing in the region. This non-invasive alternative to surgery is proven to be safe, effective, and beneficial for persistent foot issues like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, neuroma, chronic pain and more. Because it is administered extracorporeally (outside of the body) the expense and risks associated with surgery are avoided as well.
At University Foot Associates, we customize ESWT treatments based on the severity and location of your condition, adjusting energy levels to precisely target problem areas while keeping the procedure comfortable and efficient. If you’re searching for shockwave therapy near you around Gurnee, IL, this proven treatment offers a safe, effective solution to get you back on your feet faster.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
ESWT produces sound waves to dissolve calcifications in soft tissue, promote the production of collagen, release of beneficial growth factors, and increase blood flow, thereby stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms to alleviate pain, heal chronic conditions. This method improves blood flow and accelerates the recovery of stubborn musculoskeletal issues in bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Conditions We Treat With Shockwave Therapy
Dr. Nasser and his team at University Foot Associates explore all non-invasive (non-surgical) treatment options before recommending surgery. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy is a great and effective tool to treat a variety of foot problems. Generally shockwave therapy for feet is recommended after other therapies have been ineffective. There is a high success rate when treating common foot issues like:
Benefits of ESWT Include:
One of the biggest benefits of ESWT Shockwave therapy is that it is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option to treat your pain. When a patient undergoes shockwave therapy, there is no need to spend hours a day applying ice to a painful area, and no need to take multiples doses of NSAIDs like Motrin or ibuprofen. It has been shown that long term use of NSAIDs can lead to stomach ulcers, kidney injury, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes with chronic use.
A further benefit of ESWT is that it can be used to target specific areas of the foot and ankle. This means that it can be used to treat specific areas of pain, rather than treating the entire foot or ankle. This can be beneficial for those who have localized pain in one area. Additionally, ESWT is easy to administer and can be done at our medical clinic in a relatively short time.
Additional benefits include:
• Reduced pain and inflammation: ESWT can reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area, allowing for improved mobility and a quicker return to activity.
• Improved healing: ESWT can help improve healing time by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
• Improved range of motion: ESWT can help improve range of motion in the affected area, allowing for improved flexibility and performance.
• Increased quality of life: ESWT shockwave therapy can help reduce pain and improve mobility allowing you to get back on your feet, which can lead to an overall improved quality of life. Get back to doing the things you love quicker!
• Non-invasive: ESWT shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option that does not require surgery or medication, making it a safer and less risky option for patients.
• Quick recovery time: ESWT shockwave therapy is a quick and easy treatment option that does not require a long recovery time.
• Cost-effective: Shockwave therapy eliminates the need for long-term medication, physical therapy, and multiple steroid injections, making it a cost-effective option for treating foot pain.
• High success rate: Studies have shown that Shockwave therapy has a high success rate in treating foot pain, with many patients experiencing significant improvements in their symptoms.
• Repeatable: Shockwave therapy can be repeated as needed, which is beneficial for patients that have chronic conditions or if the condition returns.
• Increased blood flow: The use of Shockwave therapy stimulates blood flow to the affected area, which can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissue and promote healing.
• Better than conservative treatment: Shockwave therapy has been found to be more effective than standard conservative treatment options such as physical therapy, long hours of icing, and taking pain medications.
• Improves function: By reducing pain and promoting healing, Shockwave therapy can help to improve function in the affected area, allowing patients to return to their normal activities more quickly.
No Steroids Injections Or Surgery!
ESWT not only helps to avoid surgery and treat conditions that cannot be resolved through surgery, but it also allows patients 18 years and older to avoid repeated steroid injections, which can cause long-term tissue damage. Traditional treatment for plantar fasciitis has been multiple steroid injection use. These injections can be very painful, and normally given as a series of three injections every few weeks. Steroid injections use can damage cartilage, cause weakness within the tendons and ligaments, put a patient at risk for ruptures with overuse, and cause fat pad atrophy. This can all be avoided with the use of shockwave therapy.
Additionally, ESWT can be used in cases of nonunion fractures, where layers of damaged cells impede the reconnection of broken bones. By applying targeted force inside the bone, ESWT creates small cavities where a hematoma (a pool of blood) can form, which promotes the removal of damaged cells and the growth of healthy bone, facilitating proper reconnection.
Who May Be a Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy may be an option for adults with persistent foot or heel pain caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy. It is often considered when symptoms have not improved enough with conservative treatments such as rest, stretching, supportive footwear, orthotics, physical therapy, or activity modification.
You may be a candidate if:
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Your pain has continued despite appropriate nonsurgical care.
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Your symptoms interfere with walking, work, exercise, or everyday activities.
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Your condition involves a chronic tendon or soft-tissue problem that may respond to shockwave therapy.
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You want to explore a nonsurgical treatment with little or no downtime.
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A podiatric evaluation confirms that shockwave therapy is appropriate for your diagnosis.
Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. Certain health conditions, medications, pregnancy, poor sensation or circulation, an open wound or infection, and other factors may affect whether treatment can be performed safely. During your evaluation, our podiatrists will review your symptoms and medical history, confirm the cause of your pain, and discuss whether shockwave therapy or another treatment is the best option for you.
Why Choose University Foot Associates for Your ESWT Treatment?
When it comes to treating chronic foot and ankle pain, experience and specialization matter. At University Foot Associates, our team focuses exclusively on foot and ankle conditions—giving you a level of expertise and precision that general clinics simply can’t match.
Specialized Foot & Ankle Expertise
Unlike general physical therapy or chiropractic offices, our providers are trained specifically in diagnosing and treating foot-related conditions. This allows us to accurately identify the root cause of your pain and apply ESWT where it will be most effective.
Trusted Board-Certified Podiatrists
Our board-certified podiatrists Dr. Nasser and Dr.Tikiwala specialize exclusively in foot and ankle care. They are board-certified by both the American Board of Podiatric Medicine as well as the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
Contact University Foot Associates to schedule an evaluation at our Gurnee office and find out whether shockwave therapy may be right for you.
Start living pain-free again
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What foot conditions can be treated by ESWT?
A: ESWT can be used to treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, neuromas, sprains, and heel spurs. It can also be used to treat other conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis, chronic pain and arthritis. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. It is most used to treat chronic tendon and ligament injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and tennis elbow. ESWT can also be used to treat muscle injuries, such as myofascial pain syndrome, and joint pain, such as shoulder impingement syndrome. In addition, ESWT has been used to treat chronic pain conditions, such as chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
Q: What is the recovery process for shockwave therapy?
A: Post operation, patients typically experience some discomfort after anesthetic wears off, so mild pain medication may be given. Patients should avoid stressful activities like jogging for several weeks. Patients will be advised on a case-by-case basis, as healing progresses at different rates for different people. As opposed to surgery, there is no need for heavy medication or to completely avoid walking.
Q: Who is a candidate for shockwave therapy?
A: People who have experienced persistent symptoms and have tried multiple other therapies with their podiatrist will be recommended for ESWT. It is best to get all foot issues checked out as soon as possible and start the process to find out if shockwave therapy is an option.
Q: What Are the Potential Risks and Side Effects?
A: ESWT is considered safe and there are few risks or side effects associated with the procedure. However, some people may experience temporary soreness, bruising, skin irritation or swelling at the site of the treatment. In rare cases, the sound waves may cause nerve damage or tissue damage. Before starting you shockwave therapy treatment at University Foot Associates we will discuss potential risks that may occur, and decide if this treatment is the right option for you.
Q: How long does a typical ESWT session last?
A: typical extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) session typically lasts between 10-20 minutes. During the session, a shockwave device is used to deliver high-energy sound waves to the affected area. The number of pulses and intensity of the shockwaves will depend on the individual and the condition being treated.
Q: What is the difference between ESWT and other forms of shockwave therapy?
A: ESWT, or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy, is a type of shockwave therapy that uses high-energy sound waves to treat a variety of medical conditions. Unlike other forms of shockwave therapy, ESWT is non-invasive and does not require any incisions or needles. Instead, the sound waves pass through the skin and target the affected area, providing relief from pain and inflammation. ESWT is typically used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, neuromas, scar tissue, and many other conditions.
Q: How often do patients need to receive ESWT treatments?
A: The frequency of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) treatments will depend on the condition being treated and the severity of the symptoms. Generally, patients may receive ESWT treatments once or twice a week for 3-5 weeks. After your initial treatment are completed, some patients may need to receive maintenance treatments every few months. We will discuss our treatment protocols with you at our clinic.
Q: What is the recovery time for ESWT?
A: The recovery time for ESWT depends on the severity of the condition being treated. Generally, most people experience some relief from their symptoms within a few days of treatment. However, it can take several weeks or even months for the full effects of the treatment to be felt. It is important to follow our instructions that will be provided and to take any prescribed medications as directed in order to ensure a successful recovery.
Q: How does ESWT compare to other forms of physical therapy?
A: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a relatively new form of physical therapy that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It involves the use of sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Unlike other forms of physical therapy, ESWT does not require the use of any drugs or invasive procedures. Instead, it uses sound waves to penetrate the skin and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. This makes it a safe and effective alternative to traditional forms of physical therapy. Additionally, ESWT can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis.
Q: What is the cost of extracorporeal shockwave therapy?
A: The cost of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) can vary depending on the severity of the condition being treated and the number of treatments required. At University Foot Associates we have the most advanced Shockwave therapy device on the market today and offer the most reasonable prices for treatments.
At University Foot Associates our goal is to help you decrease your pain and get you back on your feet in the quickest and safest way possible. Dr. Nasser will go over all treatments available and discuss thoroughly which treatment options may be best for you. Our state of art Shockwave Therapy has helped many of our patients with severe chronic pain and helped them avoid undergoing surgery.
Shockwave Therapy near Gurnee, IL
If you are experiencing chronic foot or heel pain, contact University Foot Associates to learn more. Get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment today. Located in Gurnee, Illinois University Foot Associates serves the greater North Chicago area including Grayslake, Lake Forest, and Lake County
731 S IL Route 21, Suite 140 Gurnee, IL 60031
(630) 326-6401