Shockwave Therapy for the Foot & Ankle
Patient Information Guide | Pathways Foot & Ankle
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged soft tissues and nerves. It is highly effective for chronic foot and ankle conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, peripheral neuropathy, and nerve entrapments that haven't responded to traditional treatments.
How Does It Work?
During treatment, a handheld device delivers acoustic waves directly to the injured area. These waves:
- Increase blood flow to promote natural healing
- Break down scar tissue and calcium deposits
- Stimulate the body's own repair mechanisms
- Reduce pain by overstimulating nerve endings
- Promote nerve regeneration and reduce neuroinflammation
Foot & Ankle Conditions Treated
Tendon & Soft Tissue
- Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Posterior Tibial Tendinitis
- Peroneal Tendinitis
Nerve Conditions
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Morton's Neuroma
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Diabetic Neuropathy
How Shockwave Helps Nerve Issues
Research shows shockwave therapy can help regenerate damaged peripheral nerves by stimulating the release of growth factors, reducing neuroinflammation, and improving blood flow to nerve tissues. Patients with peripheral neuropathy, neuromas, and nerve entrapments often report reduced burning, tingling, and numbness after a course of treatment.
What to Expect
During Treatment
The shockwave device is applied directly to the affected area for about 5-10 minutes. You may feel a tapping or pulsing sensation, but most patients find it tolerable.
After Treatment
Mild soreness or bruising is possible for 24-48 hours. Most patients resume normal activities immediately—no downtime, no needles, no anesthesia.
Treatment Schedule
- Typically 3 to 5 sessions, spaced about 1 week apart
- Each session lasts approximately 15-20 minutes
- Improvement is often noticed after 2-3 sessions
- Full results may take 4-12 weeks as the body continues healing
- Nerve-related symptoms (tingling, burning, numbness) may improve gradually over several weeks
Key Benefits
- No surgery – Completely non-invasive
- No downtime – Return to normal activity immediately
- No needles – No injections or anesthesia required
- No medication – No risk of drug side effects
- High success rate – 70-90% of patients report significant improvement
- Treats the cause – Stimulates healing, not just masking pain
- Effective for nerve pain – Promotes nerve regeneration and reduces neuroinflammation
Shockwave vs. Other Treatments
- vs. Cortisone injections: Treats the underlying problem, not just inflammation; no risk of tendon weakening or rupture
- vs. Surgery: No incisions, no recovery time, no surgical risks
- vs. Physical therapy alone: Jumpstarts healing that may have stalled with conventional therapy
- vs. Nerve medications (gabapentin, etc.): No systemic side effects; addresses nerve health directly rather than blocking pain signals
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
- You've had heel pain, tendon pain, or nerve symptoms (burning, tingling, numbness) for more than 3 months
- Traditional treatments (rest, ice, stretching, orthotics, medications) haven't helped
- You want to avoid surgery or cortisone injections
- You're looking for a treatment with no downtime
What to Expect at Pathways Foot & Ankle
When you come to see Dr. Clifford for shockwave therapy, you can expect:
- A thorough evaluation to confirm you're a good candidate
- Diagnostic ultrasound to precisely locate the source of your pain or nerve irritation
- A clear explanation of the procedure, benefits, and risks
- A personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition
- Transparent pricing with no surprise bills
- Same-day or next-day appointments, no referral needed
Ready to get back on your feet?
Call Dr. Clifford directly at (971) 359-5299 or visit www.pathwaysfoot.com to schedule your consultation.
216 14th St, Oregon City, OR 97045 | Same-day visits available