Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Heel Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
Persistent heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or tendon pain can make walking, working, and exercising difficult. At Mount Joy Foot Clinic, our registered chiropodists provide radial shockwave therapy in Markham as part of an individualized treatment plan for suitable patients.
Shockwave therapy uses acoustic pressure waves to support the body’s healing response in painful soft-tissue conditions. Following an assessment, your chiropodist will determine whether shockwave therapy, custom orthotics, exercise therapy, footwear changes, or a combination of treatments is appropriate for you.
Book a shockwave therapy assessment in Markham.
Conditions We Treat With Shockwave Therapy
At Mount Joy Foot Clinic, shockwave therapy may be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan for appropriate patients with persistent foot and ankle pain. Following a full assessment, your chiropodist will determine whether radial shockwave therapy may be helpful alongside other treatments such as footwear advice, custom orthotics, stretching, strengthening, activity modification, or rehabilitation.
Plantar Fasciitis, Chronic Heel Pain and Heel Spurs
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Many people notice sharp pain with their first steps in the morning, after sitting for a prolonged period, or when standing after rest. Although symptoms may ease as you begin moving, heel pain can return after long periods on your feet, exercise, or work.
Some patients with plantar fasciitis also have a heel spur identified on X-ray. A heel spur does not always cause pain, and successful treatment should focus on the irritated plantar fascia, foot mechanics, activity demands, and contributing factors—not the spur alone.
For patients with persistent or chronic plantar fasciitis that has not improved sufficiently with initial conservative care, shockwave therapy may be considered. It is a non-invasive treatment that delivers acoustic pressure waves to the affected area and may be used as part of a broader plan for chronic heel pain. Evidence and clinical consensus support ESWT as an option for plantar fasciitis, particularly when symptoms continue despite initial treatment.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy can cause pain, stiffness, or thickening along the Achilles tendon, either at the back of the heel or higher in the tendon. Symptoms may be most noticeable when first getting out of bed, at the beginning of activity, during running or climbing stairs, or after exercise.
Treatment usually focuses on identifying aggravating factors and building a progressive loading and strengthening program. For selected patients with persistent Achilles tendon symptoms, shockwave therapy may be discussed as an adjunct—not a replacement—for a structured rehabilitation plan. The evidence for shockwave therapy in Achilles tendinopathy is less consistent than it is for plantar fasciitis, so suitability, potential benefits, risks, and alternatives should be reviewed carefully during your assessment.
Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a painful irritation or thickening of a nerve, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It can feel like burning, tingling, numbness, or a sharp pain in the ball of the foot. Some people describe the sensation as walking on a pebble, fold in a sock, or small lump beneath the forefoot.
Your chiropodist will assess your symptoms, footwear, foot mechanics, and other possible causes of forefoot pain. Care often includes footwear modifications, metatarsal offloading, padding, custom orthotics, activity changes, and other appropriate treatments. Shockwave therapy may be considered in selected cases only after clinical assessment; it is not automatically appropriate for every patient with Morton’s neuroma.
Experiencing persistent heel, Achilles, or forefoot pain? Book a shockwave therapy assessment at Mount Joy Foot Clinic in Markham to discuss your diagnosis and treatment options.
What to Expect with Shockwave Therapy
What to Expect With Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to treat certain persistent foot and ankle conditions. Your chiropodist will first assess your diagnosis, medical history, medications, goals, and suitability before recommending treatment.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy uses targeted sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response in painful tissue. Think of it as a “wake-up call” for an area that has remained irritated or slow to heal.
The treatment may improve blood flow and encourage the tissue to repair and remodel itself. It may also help reduce pain over time. Shockwave therapy is often combined with exercise, supportive footwear, custom orthotics, and activity guidance for the best overall treatment plan.
Book Your Shockwave Assessment Today
Ready to take the next step toward a better stride? Schedule your comprehensive assessment today to discover a personalized recovery plan tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions? We Have Answers.
You do not need a physician’s referral to book an assessment with a registered chiropodist at Mount Joy Foot Clinic. However, some extended-health plans may require a referral for reimbursement, so it is important to confirm your individual insurance requirements before beginning treatment.
Treatment plans are individualized. If shockwave therapy is appropriate, a series of appointments may be recommended, often spaced about one week apart. The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated, how long you have had symptoms, your response to treatment, and whether shockwave therapy is being combined with orthotics, exercise therapy, footwear changes, or other care.
This is your answer.You may feel a tapping sensation, pressure, or discomfort during treatment as the energy is applied to the affected area. Your chiropodist can adjust the intensity to an appropriate, tolerable level. Some people experience temporary tenderness, redness, mild swelling, bruising, or altered sensation afterward; these effects generally settle over the following days.
One of the biggest benefits of shockwave therapy is that it requires no anesthesia, no injections, and zero surgical downtime. Side effects are minimal and typically limited to brief, mild redness, swelling, or aching in the treated area. You can generally return to work and light daily activities immediately following your appointment.
Most people can return to regular daily activities, including work, after an appointment. However, you may be advised to temporarily reduce high-impact, strenuous, or pain-provoking exercise—such as running, jumping, or intense sport—depending on the condition treated and your symptoms. Your chiropodist will provide activity guidance tailored to your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Yes! In fact, combining therapies often yields the best long-term outcomes. While shockwave therapy breaks down chronic scar tissue and kickstarts healing, our Markham chiropodist may also recommend custom foot orthotics, orthopedic footwear, night splints (like the Strassburg Sock), or targeted stretches to correct underlying biomechanical issues and prevent your pain from returning.
Shockwave therapy is not covered by OHIP. Some extended-health insurance plans may reimburse treatment provided by our chiropodist Please contact your insurer before treatment to confirm if shockwave therapy is an eligible expenses. Mount Joy Foot Clinic can provide documentation (estimate) for submission if needed.
