Plantar fasciitis and heel spurs are common causes of heel pain. For many people suffering from plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy is an effective treatment to reduce pain and promote healing. What is shockwave therapy, and how do we use shock wave treatment for bone spurs and plantar fasciitis?
Understanding heel bone spurs and plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is swelling of the plantar fascia, a thickened band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. Swelling of the plantar fascia at the heel causes heel pain. At the same time, plantar fascia swelling causes bone spur formation at the attachment to the calcaneus or heel bone. We think heel pain is due to the thickening of plantar fascia rather than the bone spur. Generally, pain from plantar fasciitis worsens in the morning and worsens with activity.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy delivers sound waves to the heel, reducing swelling and pain. There are two types of shock wave treatment for bone spurs and plantar fasciitis:
- Radial shockwave therapy uses lower-energy sound waves that disperse energy over a larger area.
- Focussed shockwave therapy delivers a more targeted higher-wave sound wave over a smaller area.
We generally recommend five sessions of shock wave therapy at weekly intervals. Each session lasts 5-10 minutes and has minimal downtime afterwards. It is unsuitable for individuals with blood clotting disorders and nerve damage.
Shock wave treatment for bone spurs of heel: how does it work?
Shockwave therapy works by desensitising nerve endings, increasing blood circulation, and stimulating new collagen production. The overall effect is to reduce pain and accelerate recovery.
Benefits of shock wave treatment for bone spurs of heel
Research supports shockwave therapy’s effectiveness in treating heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Studies show that both radial and focused shockwave therapies can significantly reduce pain and improve function for patients suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. One recent study on shockwave treatment for bone spurs and plantar fasciitis showed that focused shockwave is better than radial.
For patients who don’t respond to other treatments, shockwave therapy offers a promising alternative, especially for those seeking to avoid injections or surgery. Some people may experience temporary soreness or mild discomfort, but it typically subsides quickly. Generally, people can continue with rehab and activity during their treatment.
Additional treatments for plantar fasciitis
While shock wave for bone spurs and plantar fasciitis are effective, we can combine other treatments to improve pain.
- Rest and Activity Modification
Resting the foot and modifying impact activities and sports can allow the fascia to heal.
- Orthotic Inserts and Supportive Footwear
Custom orthotics or supportive shoes can reduce pressure on plantar fascia.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Recent evidence suggests that stretching the calf muscles and strengthening the calf and small foot muscles can reduce strain on the plantar fascia. Typical exercises include towel stretches, toe curls, and calf raises.
- Anti-Inflammatory treatment
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation. Applying ice to the heel for 10-15 minutes can help reduce inflammation, especially after impact activity.
- Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections may provide short-term pain relief. However, we should use them sparingly, as repeated injections can weaken the fascia over time and cause a plantar fascia tear. These injections also have other potential troublesome side effects, including fat atrophy. Recent evidence suggests that PRP injections are better than cortisone in the medium term without the harsh side effects.
Other frequently asked questions about shock wave treatment for bone spurs and plantar fasciitis
How many sessions of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis are needed?
Generally, we recommend a shockwave session every week for five weeks. Each session lasts 5-10 minutes and has minimal downtime afterwards.
Does insurance cover shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis?
In the UK, insurance will cover multiple sessions of shockwave therapy for plantar fasciitis and other tendonitis.
Final word from Sportdoctorlondon about shock wave treatment for bone spurs of heel
Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive, effective solution for treating problematic bone spurs and plantar fasciitis. For those struggling with persistent heel pain, you should see a sports medicine doctor to discuss this treatment and other treatments for plantar fasciitis.
Related conditions:
Do shock wave treatments damage your bones in any way? I have a meniscus issue and the chiropractor wants me to do shock wave treatments. I’ve been told Ultrasound treatments can cause bone damage but I’m not even sure if that is true. I had surgery and before I had it I could still run my 5K races but afterwards I couldn’t even walk without sever pain10 times worse then before. I had a PRP injections and at least now I can walk it’s been 3 weeks now and it seems to be getting better every week I am now using a stationary bike to rehab which I believe is also helping but I have not tired to run yet. I was also told not to ice my knee and I have not I’m using a Hot Tub jet to massage it for 10 minutes twice a day and still No pain killers since two days before the injection but I am drinking coffee. LOL Anyway they have no idea why they told me my knee was in amazing condition and Arthritis was nil right after the surgery then after going to another Dr who told me I’d need a knee replacement my research lead to the PRP which seems to be working and at least I can walk mostly pain free but I want to run I win almost every race for my age group over 60 and I’m 73 in amazing condition before I fell 9 feet into an empty swimming pool helping put a new liner in it.
So to answer you question regarding bone damage – no shockwave does not damage bone if used properly. In fact, we sometimes use shockwave to help heal stress fractures.
Regarding your issue with your knee joint, injectables are an option for knee pain secondary to mild arthritis. I outline options here: https://sportdoctorlondon.com/no-cartilage-in-knee/
Lorenzo
Bone spurs under the small toe and heel of both my feet have developed over the past year. The pain is extremely debilitating. I use to run, now it’s difficult to even walk. Is surgery to remove the osteophytes under the small toes possible?
Hi Elizabeth, Are you sure the lumps are bone spurs? Soem possible causes of lumps on the foot https://sportdoctorlondon.com/lump-on-the-side-of-my-foot/
If the lumps are bone spurs – yes you can have them excised.
Lorenzo