Shockwave Therapy for Gout
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an effective treatment option for managing the pain and inflammation associated with gout, particularly in chronic cases or during flare-ups. It is most effective as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to intense pain, swelling, and redness.
Gout is characterised by:
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Sudden Onset of Severe Pain
Often in the big toe but it can affect other joints such as the ankles, knees, wrists, and elbows.
Swelling and Redness
The affected joint becomes swollen, warm, and red.
Tophi Formation
Chronic gout can lead to the development of tophi, which are hard lumps of uric acid crystals under the skin.
Recurring Attacks
Gout can recur if not properly managed, leading to long-term joint damage.
If you think you have gout and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Gout
- Provides pain relief
- Reduces inflammation
- Improves blood flow
- Breaks down crystals and tophi
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for Gout
Typical Course
A course of focused shockwave therapy for gout usually involves 5 to 8 sessions, spaced about one week apart. Each session lasts 30 minutes. The exact number of sessions may vary depending on the severity of the condition and the client’s response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
The intensity and frequency of the shockwaves are carefully adjusted based on the client’s pain tolerance and the characteristics of the tendinopathy.
Minimal Downtime
Clients can usually resume normal activities immediately after treatment, although they will be advised to avoid strenuous or high-impact activities for a short period if possible.
Post-Treatment Sensation
Some clients may experience mild soreness or swelling in the treated area. This typically resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Gout
Pain Reduction
Clients will experience a reduction in pain associated with gout, particularly during flare-ups.
Improved Joint Function
Reduction in inflammation and pain leads to better joint function and mobility.
Longer Remission Periods
As shockwave therapy helps manage symptoms effectively, it can contribute to longer periods between gout attacks.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating Gout, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Gout
Fast pain relief
If gout is causing severe pain that interferes with daily activities, work, or sleep, and faster pain relief is needed.
Contributory factors
If you have developed tophi (deposits of uric acid crystals in soft tissues) that are causing pain, swelling, or joint dysfunction, or if you have other conditions, such as tendinopathy or joint degeneration, that are exacerbating the symptoms of gout.
Chronic or persistent symptoms
If you have developed chronic joint damage due to recurrent gout attacks, leading to persistent inflammation and stiffness.
To avoid surgery or injections
If you prefer to avoid more invasive treatments such as corticosteroid injections or surgery to remove tophi or address joint damage.
Standard treatments ineffective
If you experience ongoing joint pain and inflammation despite using standard treatments such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), colchicine, or urate-lowering drugs.
To avoid or reduce medication
If you have been treated with traditional gout medications for several weeks or months but continue to experience significant pain and limitations in joint function.
Focused shockwave therapy may provide early pain relief and reduce inflammation in gout-affected joints, potentially improving mobility and quality of life.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Having previously tried radial shockwave treatment, which was painful (due to the hammering action) and ineffective, I did some research and decided to try FSWT. I noticed an immediate pain reduction in relation to my plantar fasciitis, which had been persistent for over 6 months. The improvement to my knee pain came more gradually, but it had been an issue for many years. But after 5 treatments I was almost pain free. Nim was very professional and friendly and also offered advice on when to avoid and start normal activities and also included stretching programmes. I'm glad I made the investment and managed to get myself back to my outdoor hobbies before summer.
After almost two years of either living in (sometimes debilitating) pain with plantar fasciitis (PF) and not doing anything about it or having some unproductive and even counterproductive osteopathy and physiotherapy sessions/advice, I did some research into best treatments for PF and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy (FSWT).
After 3 sets of FSWT sessions I'm now almost pain free, and I'm certain that a few more sessions will completely eradicate the PF. Unfortunately, at the end of last year I was hit with painful sciatica, and an MRI confirmed that I have two herniated discs (HDs). Nim advised me that FSWT works wonders with HDs, and since this is now my main complaint, we decided to focus on the sciatica, and will then intercalate the PF treatment. I'm feeling very positive about it!
Nim is a very knowledgeable, competent and professional physiotherapist, and an incredibly kind and caring person. She is always patient and keeps reassuring me every time I get frustrated. In addition to the FSWT sessions, I was given a tailored home stretch and self-treatment programme, both for the PF and for the HDs/sciatica.
I cannot recommend Nim and her magical machine enough! Thank you for everything, Nim :)
I came to Nim several months ago frustrated and in pain with a herniated disc what just wasn't healing. I arrived with restricted movement and pain everyday, even when I coughed of sneezed! I paid for 2 sets of shockwave therapy and it is the first time in a year where I feel like myself again. She not only provided the treatment but also was kind, and incredibly reassuring in my moments of frustration. Thank you for everything!
I had started to develop pain in the ball of my foot when I ran and then the pain continued when I walked. I went to the docs and got a diagnosis of a mortons neuroma. After trying various ways to manage the pain, I did some research and found Nim's focussed shockwave therapy. It was a tough commitment to come to 5 sessions in London when I live in Redcar (North East of England) but totally worth it. The pain I had when I run has gone and hopefully it won't come back as I start to increase my distance and frequency.
I 100% recommend Nim, she is such a lovely caring person and made me feel very comfortable during the treatment and also gave me plenty of good advice ☺️
I was struggling with bi-lateral achilles tendinopathy and retrocalcaneal bursitis which was impacting my ability to play sport. Over a number of sessions the Shockwave reduced the swelling, scar-tissue and most importantly the pain and both issues are now completely resolved. I also found Nim extremely professional and really nice to deal with. Recommended.
