Chronic foot pain forces impossible choices. You can live with discomfort that limits your daily life, or you can consider surgery with all its inherent risks and downtime. What if there was a treatment that didn't require surgery or weeks of recovery? Shockwave Therapy delivers exactly that: a non-invasive solution that targets pain at its source without the risks that come with surgical intervention.
Wilks Advanced Foot Care specializes in helping patients understand Radial Shockwave Therapy safety and whether this form of treatment is right for their specific condition and health profile. Here’s what you need to know to start a conversation.
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How Does Radial Shockwave Therapy Work?
This approach uses acoustic waves—high-energy sound pulses—to stimulate healing in damaged tissue. When applied to areas such as the heel or Achilles tendon, these waves prompt your body’s natural healing response and:
- Increase blood flow.
- Break down scar tissue.
- Stimulate the body's natural repair process.
Dr. Jason Wilks, your Douglas County podiatrist, and his team use EnPul Radial Shockwave Therapy to help with:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Morton’s neuroma
- Forefoot pain
- Shin splints
Results build over time as your body responds to the stimulation, with improvement often noticed within just a few weeks.
Shockwave Therapy doesn't require incisions, anesthesia, or downtime, which makes it appealing for people who want results without surgical risk. Sessions typically last 10–15 minutes. Many patients experience a tapping or pulsing sensation during the procedure, with some describing mild discomfort, but it's not unbearable. The intensity can be adjusted based on your tolerance, and most people return to normal activities immediately afterward.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe for Most Patients?
Yes! It's been used for decades in sports medicine and orthopedics, with thousands of successful treatments documented in clinical settings. Side effects are minimal and usually temporary, including mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness at the treatment site, which typically fades within a few days.
Unlike surgery, there's no risk of infection, scarring, or prolonged recovery. Unlike corticosteroid injections, Shockwave Therapy doesn't weaken tissue or mask symptoms temporarily—it promotes actual healing. For patients who've exhausted conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and cortisone shots, but may not require surgical correction, this treatment offers an effective middle-ground solution to relieve the pain associated with certain foot problems.
Who Should Avoid Shockwave Therapy?
People with certain medical conditions might not be the best candidates for this treatment. During your first consultation with Wilks Advanced Foot Care, we take a comprehensive health history to ensure you avoid complications and receive the best possible care.
Shockwave Therapy contraindications often include:
- Pregnancy. The effects of this treatment on fetal development haven't been studied enough to confirm safety, so expectant mothers should wait.
- Blood clotting disorders or anticoagulant use. Shockwave Therapy can cause minor tissue trauma, which may lead to excessive bruising or bleeding in patients with clotting issues.
- Nerve disorders near the treatment area. Conditions affecting nerve function may increase sensitivity or interfere with the body's healing response. Our team reviews individual medical issues, such as peripheral neuropathy, to determine if Shockwave Therapy is the best care solution.
- Active infections or open wounds. Treating inflamed or infected tissue might worsen the condition and delay healing.
- Malignancies or tumors in the area. Shockwave Therapy stimulates cell activity, which could theoretically affect cancerous tissue.
Transparency about all your health conditions protects you and helps Dr. Wilks develop the safest, most effective plan to relieve foot pain.
What Questions Should You Ask Our Douglas County Podiatrist?
Before starting Radial Shockwave Therapy, take time to have a real conversation with us. Understanding the process, timeline, and expectations sets you up for better results and fewer surprises.
Key questions to ask include, but aren’t limited to:
- How many sessions will I need? Most patients require 3–6 treatments, spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart, but your specific treatment protocol depends on the severity of your condition.
- What results should I realistically expect? Shockwave Therapy has high success rates, especially for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis, but outcomes vary. Ask about typical improvement timelines.
- Are there any activities I should avoid after treatment? Most patients resume their normal routines immediately, but Dr. Wilks may recommend avoiding intense exercise for a day or two after a session.
- What if Shockwave Therapy doesn't work for me? Understanding your backup options—whether that's different therapy, custom orthotics, or another approach—gives you confidence moving forward.
Shockwave Therapy offers a safe, non-invasive path to relief for patients dealing with stubborn foot pain. When you choose skilled providers like our team at Wilks Advanced Foot Care who take time to assess your unique situation, you're not just treating symptoms—you're investing in long-term healing.