Shockwave Therapy for Metatarsalgia
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) is an effective, non-invasive treatment option for metatarsalgia, offering faster pain relief, reduced inflammation, and enhanced tissue healing.
When combined with other physiotherapy modalities such as manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and advice on proper footwear, it provides a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of metatarsalgia.
This holistic treatment strategy not only helps clients recover more quickly but also reduces the risk of recurrence, enabling them to return to their daily activities and sports with improved foot function and comfort.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia is a condition characterised by pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot, typically affecting the area under the metatarsal heads - the part of the foot where the toes meet the rest of the foot.
This condition is often caused by repetitive stress, improper footwear, high-impact activities, or foot deformities such as hammertoes or bunions. Individuals who spend a lot of time on their feet are particularly prone to metatarsalgia.
If you think you have metatarsalgia and would like some advice then book your FREE phone consultation online now or drop us an email
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Metatarsalgia
- Reduces pain
- Reduces inflammation
- Promotes healing and tissue regeneration
- Improves metatarsal alignment
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 Metatarsalgia
Typical Course
A course of shockwave therapy for metatarsalgia 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 Metatarsalgia
Non-Invasive and Safe
Focused shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option for treating metatarsalgia, avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with invasive procedures.
Effective Pain Relief
Many clients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions, which can improve their ability to walk, run, and engage in exercise with less discomfort.
Accelerated Healing
By promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation, focused shockwave therapy can speed up the healing process and provide longer-lasting relief compared to traditional treatments.
Improved Foot Function
As pain decreases and tissue health improves, clients often regain better function and strength in their feet, enabling them to return to their regular activities more confidently.
Reduced Dependence on Medication
Effective pain management through shockwave therapy may decrease the need for pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication, minimising potential side effects.
High Success Rate
Clinical studies and/or client outcomes indicate that shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating metatarsalgia, especially in cases where other traditional treatments have failed.
When to Consider Shockwave Therapy for Metatarsalgia
Severe pain is limiting function
If metatarsalgia is causing significant pain that severely limits daily activities or the ability to walk or stand.
Rapidly worsening condition
If the symptoms of metatarsalgia are worsening rapidly.
Chronic condition
For individuals with a history of chronic metatarsalgia or repeated flare-ups.
Resistance to standard treatments
If initial treatments such as orthotics and activity modification show little to no improvement.
To avoid surgery or injections
For clients looking to avoid more invasive treatments like corticosteroid injections or surgery.
Persistent pain
If metatarsal pain persists even after a period of rest and activity modification, particularly when pain interferes with daily activities or performance.
Contributory factors
If metatarsalgia is accompanied by other conditions like Morton's neuroma or plantar fasciitis as fSWT can address these issues simultaneously.
Early intervention with shockwave therapy can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the metatarsal region, promoting faster recovery and preventing chronic foot issues.
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more.
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 !
