For patients that suffer from chronic plantar fasciitis and other foot issues that have exhausted conventional treatments, shockwave therapy is a non-invasive and clinically proven option. To learn if shockwave therapy is right for you, make an appointment at the Foot Doctor of the East Bay in San Leandro, CA. Dr. Michael Stein and his committed team of medical professionals believe in offering personalized and comprehensive care to anyone with foot or ankle issues.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

During shockwave therapy, a specialized medical device utilizes a slight shockwave to stimulate blood flow and encourage healing in your heel or elsewhere on your foot. One of the many benefits of shockwave therapy is that it is non-invasive, meaning that there is no cutting of the skin or insertion of a medical device into your body. By stimulating the blood flow in your foot, shockwave therapy relies on your body's natural biological responses to spur tissue regeneration. Typically, patients see results within 4 to 6 weeks of treatment with typical outcomes being reduced pain and inflammation. Prior to recommending shockwave therapy, the team at the Foot Doctor of the East Bay in San Leandro, CA will take the time to learn your timeline with plantar fasciitis, past treatments tried, and your lifestyle goals so that we can recommend the right treatment for your needs.

What Happens During Shockwave Treatment?

With shockwave therapy, you do not need to stay overnight in a hospital or medical facility after treatment and can return home the same day. Prior to the procedure, we'll ask that you avoid taking anti-inflammatory medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen at least five days before the shockwave treatment. During the procedure, you'll lie flat on your stomach with your legs supported by pillows to ensure your comfort. Next, we'll apply ultrasound gel to the heel area of the impacted foot and then the shockwave will be administered via a handheld machine. You can expect to feel some slight discomfort during the procedure, but it should not be painful or overly uncomfortable. Each treatment takes about 10 to 20 minutes. To ensure appropriate recovery, you'll need to rest and elevate the foot for one to two days, along with avoiding strenuous activities for the first few days.  

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stein, give the Foot Doctor of the East Bay in San Leandro, CA a call at (510) 483-3390.