Shock Wave Therapy: FAQs

Get the facts about shockwave therapy and how it can ease chronic foot pain.

Suppose you are dealing with chronic foot pain that isn’t responding to home care. In that case, our Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Niceville, FL, foot doctors, Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel, may recommend shockwave therapy. Here’s what you should know about this common and effective in-office treatment.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy or extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a safe, effective nonsurgical treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to treat chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Shockwave therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes while reducing pain and swelling.

What Is Involved?

When you come into our Fort Walton Beach, Crestview or Niceville, FL, practice for shockwave therapy, a handheld device is placed over the foot. This device will deliver shock waves into the tissue to stimulate healing. This procedure is a simple outpatient procedure. Depending on the type of shockwave therapy we administer, you may or may not require local anesthesia. This is only typical with more high-energy shockwaves.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Most individuals will benefit from one or two shockwave therapy sessions. This is something that our Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Niceville, FL, team will determine during your consultation.

What Kind of Recovery Can I Expect?

Most patients will be able to bear weight immediately after treatment. It’s expected to limit activities for at least the first one or two weeks after shockwave therapy.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?

This procedure is ideal for someone who has exhausted other treatment options to manage their chronic heel or foot pain without success and who wants to avoid surgery.

Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?

Absolutely. There are no long-term side effects associated with this procedure. Short-term side effects may include mild tenderness, bruising, numbness or tingling in the treated area.

You might benefit from shockwave therapy if you live with chronic foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. Our Fort Walton Beach, Crestview and Niceville, FL, podiatrists can determine if you’re a good candidate. Call Emerald Coast Podiatry at the Fort Walton office at (850) 862-4119 or the Crestview office at (850) 682-6522.

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Monday:

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Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

8:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-4:00 pm

Saturday:

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Sunday:

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