Shockwave Therapy for Foot & Ankle Pain in Oregon City
Non-surgical, drug-free treatment for chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis, scar tissue, chronic inflammation, and Achilles tendon pain.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses focused or radial acoustic pulses delivered through the skin to stimulate the body's own repair processes. It requires no incisions, injections, or medication. It is best studied for chronic plantar fasciitis (heel pain) and Achilles tendon pain. It is also being used, with growing research, for slow-healing wounds, slow-healing fractures, peripheral neuropathy, and circulation-related leg pain.
How Does It Work?
Shockwave works through several biological effects:
- Stimulating new small blood vessel formation and local blood flow
- Activating collagen production and tissue repair
- Calming chronic inflammation
- Changing how pain signals are transmitted in the treated area
- Supporting bone-forming cells (for slow-healing fractures)
Conditions Treated
Dr. Clifford will tell you honestly how strong the evidence is for your condition before you start treatment.
Heel & Tendon Pain Strongest evidence
- Chronic plantar fasciitis / heel pain
- Achilles tendinopathy (insertional and mid-portion)
Other Tendon & Foot Pain
- Posterior tibial and peroneal tendon pain
- Metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot pain)
- Scar pain
- Chronic inflammation
Healing & Circulation Emerging evidence
- Diabetic foot ulcers (with standard wound care)
- Slow-healing fractures (delayed union / nonunion) and stress fractures
- Calf pain with walking from peripheral artery disease (claudication)
Nerve Pain Early research
- Peripheral and diabetic neuropathy
- Morton's neuroma
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
What to Expect
During Treatment
After a brief setup, the device is applied to the treatment area for several minutes. Most visits take 15–20 minutes. You'll feel a tapping or pulsing sensation, and intensity can be adjusted for comfort. No anesthesia is needed.
After Treatment
Temporary soreness, redness, swelling, bruising, or brief numbness or tingling in the treated area can occur and usually resolves on its own. Most patients return to normal daily activities the same day. We'll give you specific activity guidance.
Typical Treatment Course
- Heel, tendon, and nerve pain: usually about 6 sessions, one week apart
- Wound, circulation, and bone protocols: different schedules, planned individually
- Improvement builds over the ~3 months after your last session as tissue heals
- Works best combined with stretching/strengthening, proper footwear, and orthotics when appropriate
Why Patients Choose Shockwave
- No incisions, non-surgical, in-office treatment
- No injections; no anesthesia needed
- No medication required
- Minimal downtime: most people resume daily activities the same day
- Favorable safety record: side effects are usually mild and short-lived
- An option before surgery for chronic heel and tendon pain
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
You may be a good candidate if:
- Heel or tendon pain has lasted 3 months or longer
- Rest, stretching, orthotics, or physical therapy haven't been enough
- You'd like a non-surgical option, or an alternative to repeated cortisone injections
Your Visit at Pathways Foot & Ankle
- A thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and whether shockwave is a good fit
- In-office diagnostic ultrasound to pinpoint the source of pain
- A clear explanation of expected benefits, risks, and alternatives
- A personalized plan combining shockwave with other proven treatments
- Transparent pricing, with your self-pay price confirmed before treatment
- Same-day or next-day appointments, no referral needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Does shockwave therapy hurt?
Most patients feel a tapping or pulsing sensation that is uncomfortable but tolerable. Intensity can be adjusted during treatment. Temporary soreness, redness, or swelling afterward is common.
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
For heel, tendon, and nerve pain, a typical course is about six sessions, one week apart. Wound, circulation, and bone protocols differ and are planned individually.
How soon will I notice results?
Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, but healing continues for about three months after the final session.
Can I have shockwave therapy if I take blood thinners?
Possibly. Blood thinners and bleeding disorders require individual evaluation, so tell us about all of your medications at your visit.
Take the next step — reach out today
Pathways Foot & Ankle - Dr. Craig Clifford
216 14th St, Oregon City, OR 97045
(971) 359-5299 — Call Dr. Clifford directly
Same-day & next-day appointments available, no referral needed
House calls also available throughout the region.