Shockwave Therapy for Heel Spurs
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is a highly effective non-invasive treatment option for heel spurs, particularly when associated with plantar fasciitis.
By breaking down the heel spur, reducing pain, decreasing inflammation, and promoting tissue healing, shockwave therapy can significantly improve symptoms and enhance the quality of life for clients with this condition.
Early fSWT can prevent the condition from worsening or becoming chronic.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus) and is often linked to chronic strain on the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.
Heel spurs develop due to:
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Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
Prolonged inflammation of the plantar fascia can lead to the development of a heel spur as the body tries to heal the repeated micro-tears by depositing calcium.
Repetitive Strain
Activities like running, jumping, or prolonged standing can stress the plantar fascia and contribute to heel spur formation.
Improper Footwear
Shoes that lack proper support can exacerbate the condition.
Symptoms of Heel Spurs:
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Sharp Pain
Often felt under the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning.
Chronic Pain
Persistent pain during prolonged standing or walking.
Inflammation
The area around the heel may be tender and swollen.
If you think you have a heel spur 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 Heel Spur
- Stimulates healing
- Reduces pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Breaks down calcifications
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 Heel Spur
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for heel spur 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 condition.
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 Heel Spur
Non-Invasive
Focused shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with surgical intervention.
Effective Pain Relief
Significant pain relief is often reported after a few sessions, with continued improvement
over the course of treatment.
Accelerated Healing
Shockwave therapy can accelerate the healing process, helping clients return to normal
activities more quickly.
Improved Functionality
Many clients experience better foot function and mobility, with a reduction in morning stiffness and pain.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that focused shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating heel spurs, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Heel Spur
Severe pain is restricting function
If heel spurs cause severe pain that significantly limits the ability to walk, stand, or perform daily activities.
Fast recovery
For individuals who are highly active and want to expedite recovery and return to their usual activities.
Rapidly worsening condition
If the pain associated with heel spurs is worsening quickly early fSWT can prevent further deterioration and manage pain more effectively.
Chronic heel pain
For individuals with a history of chronic heel pain or recurrent plantar fasciitis.
No surgery or injections
For clients who prefer to avoid invasive treatments like corticosteroid injections, surgical intervention or are not candidates for surgery.
Focused shockwave therapy applied early can break down calcium deposits, relieve pain, and improve mobility in the heel, potentially avoiding surgical interventions.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
It’s difficult to know where to start but I found Nim after hearing a podcast about shockwave therapy, Google led me there and my first meeting with her gave me the reassurance to give her a go.
I suffered a spinal fracture nearly ten years ago, recurring sciatica, lower back pain, daily aches and stiffness. A diagnosis of arthritis and years of chiropractors, osteo’s, physio’s and rheumatologists.
Nim took one look at me and noticed my pelvic twist, my imbalance caused from years of compensating for pain. Coupled with focused shockwave to repair the damage that never properly healed and targeted stretches, nothing rocket science or hard to fit in to a busy schedule. Now I am pain free for the first time that I can remember, my mobility has returned and the ‘arthritis’ gone.
Thankyou Nim, you are a true healer and proof that there is help out there if you are strong and willing enough to refuse a lifelong diagnosis and find the help you need. 11 stars from me.
I was told how good Nim was by another satisfied client which was why I decided to finally tackle a decades old problem - a horrible crunchy rotator cuff which was limiting my arm movement. The shockwave therapy really works and Nim is both very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, supporting the therapy with a programme of exercises to do at home. I've got far more movement in my shoulder now, thanks to Nim!
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!
