Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain
What is RWST Shockwave Therapy?
RWST is an innovative procedure used to treat chronic heel pain caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis or heel spur syndrome. The term “extracorporeal” means “outside the body,” highlighting that this is a non-invasive treatment where targeted sound waves are directed at the source of pain. The device operates on technology similar to that used for non-surgical kidney stone removal.
Dr. Michaels Says:
After thousands of daily steps over decades, the plantar fascia can sometimes say, “I’ve had enough,” Dr. Michaels said. “You can get plantar fasciitis from running off a bus,” Micahels said. “When you land on the front part of your foot, your heel is in the air and you’re asking the plantar fascia, for a split second, to bear the whole brunt of your body’s weight.”
What happens during RWST?
Preparing for Your Procedure
Prior to your treatment, your doctor will instruct you to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications approximately three days in advance.
What to Expect During & After Treatment
The procedure takes about 30 minutes and is performed under minimal anesthesia. During the treatment, high-energy sound waves penetrate the heel to stimulate your body’s natural healing response. As an outpatient procedure, no overnight hospital stay is required, allowing you to return home the same day.
Who should not be treated with RWST?
Contraindications & Precautions
RWST is not suitable for patients with bleeding disorders or those taking medications that affect blood clotting or prolong bleeding, nor should it be performed during pregnancy. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of RWST have not been evaluated in individuals with pre-existing nerve damage, severe peripheral vascular disease, metabolic disorders, or active infections.
What happens after treatment?
Following RWST, patients may experience mild, temporary discomfort, numbness, or tingling in the treated heel. Light daily activities can generally be resumed the next day; however, strenuous exercise should be avoided. To support optimal healing, patients should refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications and avoid heavy lifting, running, aerobic classes, and competitive sports for four to six weeks post-procedure.
As with any procedure, complications may occur, though they are uncommon. Clinical trials for shockwave therapy reported complications in less than 1% of cases. The most frequently reported side effects include localized skin bruising, swelling, mild pain, and temporary numbness or tingling. These mild reactions typically resolve on their own within a few days post-treatment.
RWST may not be covered by your insurance but we can find out and let you know if this treatment is an option for you.
