Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, is a common condition among athletes and active individuals. Various treatments are available, but not all guarantee effective and long-term relief. In their quest for better alternatives, many have found shockwave therapy as an effective option for managing Achilles tendonitis without the costs or side effects associated with surgery or medication.

In this blog post, we’ll investigate:

Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis
How Shockwave Therapy Works
What is a Shockwave?
How do Shockwaves Treat Achilles Tendonitis?
Types of Shockwave Therapy
Who is a Good Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
The Shockwave Therapy Procedure
Shockwave Therapy Side Effects
The Best Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis

Causes of Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis can be triggered by a variety of factors, including physical activity and underlying medical conditions. Here are some of the most prevalent causes of Achilles tendonitis:

Overuse or strain: Excessive running, jumping, or other high-impact activities can lead to strain or injury in the Achilles tendon, resulting in pain.
Age: The risk of Achilles tendonitis increases with age, as the tendons naturally become less flexible and more prone to injury.
Inappropriate footwear: Shoes that do not properly support the foot and ankle can contribute to Achilles tendonitis.
Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can increase the risk of developing Achilles tendonitis.
Flat feet: Flat feet can put extra strain on the Achilles tendon, leading to tendonitis.

It’s important to note that these are just some of the most common causes of Achilles tendonitis. If you are experiencing knee pain, you can learn if your condition is suitable for treatment and try shockwave therapy with our New Patient Special.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis

When it comes to treating Achilles tendonitis, shockwave therapy is a promising non-invasive option that provides a plethora of benefits. This therapy uses high-energy shock waves to stimulate healing in the affected area. Here are some advantages of using shockwave therapy for Achilles tendonitis:

Accelerated Healing

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to spur the body’s natural healing process, accelerating the repair of damaged tissues, including tendons. This can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with chronic or recurring Achilles tendonitis.

Reduced Need for Medications

Conventional treatments for Achilles tendonitis often involve medications that can lead to unwanted side effects. Shockwave therapy is a drug-free alternative that can minimize the need for pain medication or other treatments, making it an appealing option for those who prefer non-pharmaceutical treatments.

Improved Quality of Life

Achilles tendonitis can significantly impact quality of life, making it challenging to perform daily activities or engage in hobbies. Shockwave therapy can help alleviate pain and improve mobility, enabling patients to resume their normal activities and enhance their quality of life.

Non-Invasive and Safe

Unlike many Achilles tendonitis treatments, shockwave therapy is non-invasive and safe. It does not necessitate incisions or anesthesia and poses a low risk of complications. This makes it a favorable choice for those who wish to avoid more invasive treatments.

Overall, shockwave therapy holds promise as a treatment option for those suffering from Achilles tendonitis.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Here’s how it operates:

What is a Shockwave?

Shockwaves are rapid acoustic pulses that consist of a high-pressure surge followed by a relatively lower-pressure trough. These phenomena occur in our everyday lives and can be produced by a range of sources such as supersonic aircraft, explosions, lightning, earthquakes, or any other event that causes a change in air pressure.

How do Shockwaves Treat Achilles Tendonitis?

A device is utilized to generate and safely administer shockwaves to the affected area of the foot. These shockwaves can enhance healing at the cellular level, improve blood supply, and initiate the body’s natural healing process.

Types of Shockwave Therapy

Several types of shockwave therapy are available in the market, the most common of which are radial shockwave therapy (RSWT), focused shockwave therapy (FSWT), and acoustic wave therapy (AWT).

Radial Shockwave Therapy applies pressure waves to the skin’s surface using a hand-held device. This type of shockwave therapy is a popular option for treating conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and tennis elbow. However, it might not be effective for deeper tissue injuries, and multiple treatment sessions may be necessary.

Focused Shockwave therapy delivers high-intensity shockwaves directly to the affected area using a specialized device. This type of shockwave therapy is often used to treat chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis and slow-healing bone fractures. However, some patients may find it uncomfortable, and the intensity of the treatment may need adjustment based on individual needs.

Acoustic Wave Therapy uses a device to administer low-intensity shockwaves to the affected area. This type of shockwave therapy is commonly used to improve blood flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and promote tissue healing. It is frequently used to treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction and cellulite. However, the low-intensity shockwaves may not be effective for treating some conditions.

broad-focused Shockwave Therapy penetrates a wider and deeper area of tissue than focused shockwaves or radial waves. SoftWave for achilles tendonitis is the only broad-focused shockwave treatment widely available in the US. broad-focused shockwaves can treat the same conditions as traditional focused shockwave therapy, offering superior relief for large joint and muscle issues such as shoulder, neck, or foot pain. broad-focused shockwaves may also require fewer sessions compared to radial or focused shockwave treatments.

Who is a Good Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?

Some factors that make a patient a suitable candidate for shockwave therapy include:

Patients with chronic Achilles tendonitis
Patients who have had limited success with other therapies
Patients who prefer non-invasive treatment options

Patients struggling with chronic Achilles tendonitis may find shockwave therapy to be an effective treatment option. In cases where traditional treatments like medication and physical therapy fail to provide substantial relief, shockwave therapy may offer a promising alternative.

Additionally, patients who have tried other therapies with limited success may also benefit from shockwave therapy for their Achilles tendonitis. These individuals may have tried numerous conservative treatment options without achieving sufficient pain relief.

For patients who prefer non-invasive treatments, shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical approach that does not require incisions or anesthesia. This can make it an attractive treatment option for those who wish to avoid more invasive procedures.

The Shockwave Therapy Procedure

Understanding what to expect during a shockwave therapy session is an important step for patients considering this treatment option for their Achilles tendonitis. In this section, we’ll break down the shockwave therapy procedure:

Preparation: Before the procedure, ultrasound gel is applied to the affected area of the Achilles tendon. The shockwave device is then gently placed on the skin.

During the Procedure: Patients will feel a gentle tapping or pulsing sensation as shockwaves are delivered to the injured tendon. Some may experience mild pain or discomfort, but anesthesia or numbing agents are not necessary. Effective communication between the patient and provider can help identify treatment hotspots and track progress.

After the Procedure: After the 10-15 minute procedure, patients can typically resume normal activities, with no downtime for recovery required. Some doctors will recommend avoiding high-impact movements or exercise for 24-48 hours.

Shockwave Therapy Side Effects

Shockwave therapy is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with minimal side effects. However, like any medical procedure, there is a small risk of side effects. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of shockwave therapy for Achilles tendonitis include:

Pain or discomfort during or after treatment
Swelling or bruising
Redness or skin irritation
Numbness or tingling

It’s important to note that these side effects are typically mild and short-lived. Most patients are able to resume their normal activities immediately following the procedure.

FDA-cleared SoftWave is a safe and effective shockwave therapy for Achilles tendonitis. Side effects from SoftWave are minimal and non-restrictive. It does not cause bruising or swelling, and any slight redness or soreness typically subsides within one to two days.

The Best Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis

Are you looking for safe, reliable, and effective relief from Achilles tendonitis?

SoftWave therapy is FDA-cleared, patented, and nationally recognized for its leading tissue regeneration technology. Unlike other types of high-energy shockwave treatments, SoftWave is the only shockwave therapy on the market that uses true broad-focused shock waves that treat larger and deeper areas of tissue.

Thousands of patients have experienced the benefits of SoftWave for Achilles tendonitis, including: