ESWT for Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis

You know how frustrating it can be if you’ve been battling stubborn heel pain or an aching ankle. Everyday activities like walking, running, or even standing can become uncomfortable — or unbearable.

A treatment option that’s gaining popularity for its effectiveness in treating Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis is extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). And it’s available from Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, in Lutherville, Maryland.

What is ESWT exactly and how does it work? Our team has the answer here.

Understanding ESWT

Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues.

During the procedure, we use a specialized device that delivers high-energy sound waves directly to the damaged area, creating tiny microtrauma in the tissue.

This may sound alarming, but it’s a good thing. The controlled damage triggers your body’s natural healing response, increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and encouraging cell regeneration.

ESWT and your foot and heel pain

ESWT is a versatile treatment, and we often use it for common conditions such as Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Here’s a closer look at how each condition responds.

Achilles tendonitis

Your Achilles tendon — the thick band of tissue connecting your calf muscle to your heel bone — takes on a lot of stress, especially if you’re active. Overuse, tight calf muscle, or improper footwear can lead to Achilles tendonitis, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling near the back of your heel.

Shockwave therapy targets and treats Achilles tendonitis by breaking down scar tissue, promoting new blood vessel growth, and stimulating collagen production.

Plantar fasciitis

This condition causes sharp, stabbing pain in the heel, particularly in the morning or after long periods of rest. It’s often linked to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot.

With ESWT, we can reduce inflammation, encourage tissue regeneration, and improve blood flow. Many patients experience reduced fasciitis pain and improved mobility after a series of treatments combined with rest, gentle stretching exercises, and custom orthotics.

An inside look into ESWT

Shockwave therapy is a quick and painless procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia or downtime.

Dr. Geoghan begins by prepping the treatment area with a gel that improves sound wave transmission. Next, she applies the handheld device to the injured area to deliver sound waves. You might feel mild discomfort, but she can adjust the intensity to ensure your comfort.

We typically recommend 3-5 treatments, spaced about a week apart, depending on how severe your condition is.

Results vary, but many patients experience improvement after just one or two sessions. The most significant relief usually develops within 8-12 weeks as your body continues to heal.

The ideal candidate for ESWT

Shockwave therapy is best for patients with:

Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis that hasn’t improved with traditional treatments
Pain that’s lasted six months or longer
Difficulty walking, exercising, or performing daily activities

We don’t recommend ESWT if you’re pregnant, taking a blood thinner, dealing with a nerve disorder or circulation problem, or recovering from a recent foot fracture. We thoroughly evaluate your conditions and medical history to make sure you’re a match for ESWT.

Don’t be held back by foot and heel pain any longer. To find out if ESWT could be right for you, contact Kelly L. Geoghan, DPM, today to schedule an appointment.