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.
Unfocused Shockwave Therapy penetrates a wider and deeper area of tissue than focused shockwaves or radial waves. SoftWave for achilles tendonitis is the only unfocused shockwave treatment widely available in the US. Unfocused 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. Unfocused shockwaves may also require fewer sessions compared to radial or focused shockwave treatments.
