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:
Collapsible content
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:
Collapsible content
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.
I tore my rotator cuff several years ago and despite all the physio the hospital gave me and pain injections I was still left sore and frustrated. It never seemed to heal properly and exercise aggravated it. My Osteopath recommended Shock Wave Therapy.
I can safely say (without exaggeration!) that the treatment with Nim has changed my life! I booked a course and Nim explained everything really clearly, I was skeptical because nothing else had worked. I’m so grateful to Nim because I can now move freely and get back to proper exercise!
I would highly recommend Nim and the Shock Wave Therapy treatment .
I had a bad run in with sciatica earlier this year and I cannot recommend Nim enough. I couldn't sit upright or walk for more than a few minutes at a time before the pain would make me have to lie flat again, so I booked here because it was close enough to my flat that I felt like I could probably hobble over.
I'm glad I did, because Nim was fantastic. I've seen a couple of other physios a few years ago for a hamstring issue and they'd usually do a couple of sessions of massage, recommend a couple of stretches and send me off. Nim preferred to try and work out the root of my problem from the first session and came up with a treatment plan that has worked fantastically and fixed a couple of other issues that weren't bad enough for me to seek treatment. I went from bedbound with pain to being able to do normal activities pain-free, which has been a huge relief.
Thank you Nim!
As a keen tennis player, I had been suffering from painful Achilles tendinopathy with bursitis for several frustrating months.
I had spent lots of money with many physios and tried numerous treatments without much success. I was running out of ideas!
Nim’s approach to my condition was very positive, knowledgeable and caring. She explained in detail the cause of my injury and we agreed a course of treatment.
After one or two sessions with Nim’s superb Focused Shockwave Therapy machine and physio the pain had dramatically reduced.
I am now on a programme of treatments and exercises with full recovery, at last, in sight.
For Focused Shockwave Therapy and physiotherapy, I highly recommend Nim. Thank you Nim!
Nim's magic machine (focused shockwave) is nothing less than miraculous. I first saw Nim 2 years ago with 3 lumbar herniated and degenerated discs, degenerated facets joints and invertebratal endplate degeneration (all confirmed by MRI). The only option I was being offered was spinal fusion once I was in a wheelchair. I had just 6 sessions and I was completely cured and returned to my weightlifting. 2 years later and an accident at work and unfortunately I had new sciatica pain and a new MRI. The MRI confirned a recurring disc protrusion pressing on a nerve and I was pretty much bedridden and in extreme pain. HOWEVER, the new MRI confirmed that one of discs Nim had previously treated was now perfect and rehydrated, the facet joints were normal, the stenosis was cured and the end plates were now only "mildly" degenerated (and the others were cured). To my mind this is absolute scientific, MRI proven testimony to the effectiveness of shockwave. Nim and I are now on our 5th session and I've gone from extreme pain, unable to even wash myself, and lying on the clinic floor crying out in agony (despite very strong painkillers), to being up and about and walking each day. I'm hoping to be back to normal after a few more sessions. For anyone with disc issues seeking to avoid surgery, I can't recommend Nim highly enough! Thanks Nim!
I just recently finished treatment with Nim after suffering with plantar fasciitis and then just as I was due to begin treatment, I unfortunately sprained my foot. Nim’s knowledge and guidance was invaluable and her focused shockwave machine, a godsend. Nim was so supportive and approachable for me in a time that I found difficult both physically and mentally and she was a wonder to work with! After extensive research into other, perhaps less costly options for plantar fasciitis, I decided to bite the bullet after seeing so many great reviews and I’m so glad that I did, I’d never look back now! The treatment has delivered results even better than I could have hoped! Thank you so much Nim !
