Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) is an innovative, FDA-approved treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissue. Unlike focused shockwave therapy, radial waves spread outward from the treatment head, providing gentle yet effective therapy over a broader area.
Radial shockwave therapy works through several biological mechanisms specific to pressure wave treatment:
At Denton Foot and Ankle Surgery, our podiatrists use shockwave therapy to treat a variety of
foot and ankle conditions, including:
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common conditions treated with shockwave therapy. When the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot (plantar fascia) becomes inflamed, it can cause debilitating heel pain. Shockwave therapy is particularly effective for chronic cases that haven’t responded to conservative treatments.
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can cause persistent pain and limit mobility. Shockwave therapy helps stimulate healing in this large tendon, reducing pain and improving function
These bony growths on the underside of the heel bone can cause significant pain. Shockwave therapy helps manage the pain associated with heel spurs and promotes healing in the surrounding tissues.
Various tendon problems in the foot and ankle can benefit from shockwave therapy, including posterior tibial tendonitis and peroneal tendonitis.
Some stress fractures that are slow to heal may benefit from shockwave therapy to stimulate bone healing.
Plantar fibromas are hard, benign nodules that develop along the plantar fascia (the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of your foot). These fibrous growths can cause discomfort and create a noticeable lump in the arch area. Injections only reduce the inflammation around the lesion whereas shockwave treatment can reduce the size and even resolve the lesions.
Shockwave therapy can help break down dense, disorganized scar tissue and promote the formation of healthier, more flexible collagen structures.
Shockwave therapy accelerates wound healing through multiple mechanisms: it increases blood flow to the wound site, promotes the development of new capillary beds for enhanced circulation, stimulates healthy collagen deposition for proper tissue repair, and helps reduce bacterial load in the wound. This comprehensive approach creates an optimal healing environment that promotes faster, more effective recovery.
Our approach to shockwave therapy is designed to be comfortable, efficient, and effective.
Here’s what you can expect during your treatment at our Denton clinic:
Shockwave therapy offers numerous advantages as a treatment option for foot and ankle conditions:
Most patients benefit from a series of treatments rather than a single session. At Denton Foot and Ankle Surgery, we typically recommend:
While individual results vary, patients often experience:
Shockwave therapy is ideal for patients who:
While shockwave therapy is safe for most patients, it’s not recommended for individuals with:
Our podiatrists will carefully evaluate your medical history to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate for your specific situation.
Our practice offers several advantages for patients seeking shockwave therapy in the Denton
and DFW area:
Most patients describe the sensation as a series of mild to moderate pulses or tapping feelings. Some discomfort may be felt, but the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted to your comfort level.
While some patients experience improvement after just one or two sessions, most notice gradual improvement throughout the treatment course, with maximum benefits appearing 2-3 months after completing therapy.
No downtime is required after shockwave therapy. You can return to work and most normal activities immediately following your treatment session.
Unlike cortisone injections, which mask pain but don’t address the underlying cause, shockwave therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. Additionally, shockwave therapy doesn’t have the potential side effects associated with repeated cortisone injections.
Yes, shockwave therapy often works well in conjunction with other treatments such as custom orthotics, stretching exercises, and physical therapy. Our podiatrists will create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Don’t let chronic foot or ankle pain limit your activities and reduce your quality of life. Contact
Denton Foot and Ankle Surgery today to learn if shockwave therapy could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
