If you’re dealing with chronic foot pain that just won’t go away, you may have heard of extracorporeal shock wave therapy, or ESWT. It’s a modern, non-surgical treatment used for stubborn foot and ankle conditions—especially those that haven’t responded to rest, ice, or physical therapy.
So, what exactly is ESWT, and could it be the solution you’ve been looking for?
Key Takeaways
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) uses sound waves to stimulate healing in injured tissue.
- It’s often used to treat plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and chronic heel pain.
- The treatment is non-invasive and performed right in the clinic.
- ESWT helps reduce pain, improve blood flow, and speed up recovery without surgery.
- If other treatments haven’t worked, ESWT may offer lasting relief.
What Is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy?
ESWT is a non-surgical treatment that delivers acoustic energy pulses (shock waves) to damaged or inflamed tissues. These sound waves penetrate the skin and stimulate the body’s natural healing process, encouraging blood flow, cell repair, and pain relief.
The term “extracorporeal” simply means the treatment is done outside the body—no incisions, injections, or invasive procedures involved.
How Does Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Work?
During an ESWT session, a handheld device delivers short bursts of high-energy sound waves to the area of pain. These waves:
- Break down scar tissue
- Improve circulation to injured tissue
- Stimulate the formation of new blood vessels
- Help your body regenerate healthy tissue
Treatment usually lasts about 15–20 minutes and may be repeated once a week for 3–5 weeks, depending on the condition and how your body responds.
Conditions Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Can Treat
At Sole Foot and Ankle, we often recommend ESWT for patients who have not found relief through traditional methods. It’s commonly used for:
- Plantar fasciitis (chronic heel pain)
- Achilles tendonitis
- Heel spurs
- Tendon injuries
- Chronic soft tissue pain
- Delayed healing of muscle or ligament injuries
If you’re an athlete or active individual, ESWT can help you get back on your feet faster—without downtime from surgery.

What Does the Treatment Feel Like?
Most patients describe the sensation as a tapping or pulsing feeling on the skin. Some areas may feel tender during the session, especially if the tissue is already inflamed.
There may be mild discomfort, but it’s typically well-tolerated. And since ESWT doesn’t involve needles or cuts, you can walk out of your appointment and go about your day as usual.
Benefits of Shock Wave Therapy
Patients choose ESWT because it offers several advantages:
- No surgery or injections
- Minimal to no downtime
- Improves long-term healing
- Safe for most people
- Promotes tissue regeneration
- Reduces dependence on pain medications
For people who want to avoid more aggressive procedures, this can be a powerful alternative.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Most side effects are mild and short-lived. You might experience:
- Temporary redness or swelling
- Slight bruising or soreness at the treatment site
- A feeling of tenderness that fades in a day or two
Severe side effects are very rare, and your podiatrist will evaluate whether ESWT is appropriate for you before beginning treatment.
Who Shouldn’t Get ESWT?
Although ESWT is safe for many people, it’s not right for everyone. It may not be recommended if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have a blood clotting disorder
- Use blood thinners
- Have a tumor or infection near the treatment area
- Have a pacemaker (depending on the device used)
Your podiatrist will review your medical history before starting any shock wave therapy sessions.
What Results Can You Expect?
Many patients begin to notice less pain and better mobility within a few weeks of their first treatment. In some cases, relief may take longer, as the body gradually responds to the healing signals created by the shock waves.
ESWT is especially helpful for long-standing conditions that haven’t responded to other treatments.
A Note from Sole Foot and Ankle
If you’ve been struggling with chronic foot pain and feel like you’ve tried everything, extracorporeal shock wave therapy could be the answer. At Sole Foot and Ankle in Valparaiso, we offer ESWT as part of our commitment to helping patients recover faster and get back to doing what they love.
To find out if ESWT is right for you, call us at 219‑464‑9588 or book an appointment online. We’re here to help you move without pain.