Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy provides a safe, minimally invasive treatment for various foot and ankle problems, including plantar fasciitis and sports injuries. At Global Podiatry in Arlington Heights, Chicago and Wheeling, Illinois, experienced podiatrists Simon Donets, DPM, Yelena Barsky, DPM, and their team provide shockwave therapy on-site. The quick, painless procedure promotes healing so you can return to your favorite activities immediately. Call the nearest Global Podiatry office today to schedule shockwave therapy, or book your appointment online.

Does shockwave therapy really work?

Yes. Shockwave therapy is effective on soft-tissue injuries in the feet and ankles. It uses high- or low-energy shock waves to promote healing at the cellular level. More specifically, the shock waves penetrate your skin:

• Increasing blood flow to the treatment site
• Breaking down calcified deposits like bone spurs
• Stimulating the creation of new, healthy cells and tissue
• Reducing pain by overstimulating nerve endings in the affected area

When combined, these things significantly reduce pain so that you can get back on your feet and move on with your life.

Which problems benefit from shockwave therapy?

The Global Podiatry team uses shockwave therapy to treat various foot and ankle problems, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon injuries
• Heel spurs
• Morton’s neuroma (a nerve tumor that forms between the third and fourth toes)
• Sports injuries like shin splints

You might benefit from shockwave therapy if you sprain your ankle or suffer ankle instability.

Can anyone undergo shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is safe and typically well-tolerated, but it isn’t for everyone. Surgery is the only effective way to promote healing if your Achilles tendon is completely ruptured. Other foot or ankle conditions can also require a treatment other than shockwave therapy.

Let your provider know if you have an underlying medical condition, like a blood clotting or nerve disorder. Shockwave therapy can make these problems worse, increasing your risk of complications. Also, let them know if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking a blood thinning medication.

What happens during shockwave therapy?

Shockwave therapy is an outpatient procedure that takes 20-30 minutes.

Your Global Podiatry provider holds a wandlike device against your skin during treatment. The device emits bursts of low- or high-energy shock waves that penetrate your skin and stimulate the injured tissues. This process promotes healing at the cellular level by increasing blood flow to the treatment site, reducing inflammation, and promoting new tissue growth.

Does shockwave therapy require more than one appointment?

The Global Podiatry team recommends a minimum of three shockwave therapy treatments spaced about a week apart. The results are cumulative, meaning they add up over time. Some people need more than three sessions*, but the team tailors treatment to your needs. Follow your provider’s instructions and attend each of your scheduled checkups.

Call the nearest Global Podiatry office today to schedule shockwave therapy, or book your appointment online.

*Results may vary.