Thinking About Surgery? Why You Should Try Shockwave First

Many people assume that surgery is the ultimate solution to foot pain, but the reality is that any surgery must be carefully considered as it naturally comes with risks, high costs, a long recovery period, and like any treatment on the market, no guarantee of being able to achieve the exact results you want. 

Ever since introducing shockwave therapy to our Remuera podiatry clinic, we’ve been using it to help many of our patients with their recovery. In some cases, it has been part of a treatment plan that has helped patients avoid surgery for certain conditions. 

Here’s a closer look at shockwave and why you should consider trying it if you’re considering surgery for certain foot pains and problems, starting with some important considerations for surgery.

Considerations For Surgery

Surgery is often seen as a last resort for chronic foot and ankle pain, but it’s important to carefully weigh the factors involved before making a decision. While surgery can sometimes be necessary, it carries certain risks and long-term implications that should be fully understood.

• Recovery time can be extensive. Depending on the type of surgery, you may need weeks or even months of rehabilitation, limited mobility, and physical therapy before fully returning to normal activities. Time off work, daily movement restrictions, and post-operative care are all factors that need to be planned for.
  
• Surgical risks should always be taken into account. Infection, nerve damage, blood clots, and complications from anesthesia are some of the risks associated with foot surgery. Even when the procedure is successful, post-operative pain and swelling can persist for some time. While this is often part of the procedure, it’s something that you should discuss with your surgeon.
  
• Surgery doesn’t always guarantee the pain will be gone. While many procedures are successful, there are cases where pain persists due to nerve sensitivity, scar tissue formation, or other structural changes. In some instances, the outcome may not meet expectations.
  
• Once surgery is done, it cannot be reversed. Unlike other treatment methods, surgical procedures permanently alter the anatomy of the foot or ankle. If issues arise later, they may require further intervention or management. We see this periodically, especially with bunion surgery where patients come with us to help manage issues that have presented after their surgery.
  
• Exploring non-invasive options first can be beneficial. Before deciding on surgery, it’s often worth trying other approaches such as podiatry-led rehabilitation programs, orthotic therapy, and medical treatments like shockwave therapy. These methods can help manage pain and encourage healing without permanent surgical changes.
  

What is Shockwave Therapy and How Does it Work?

If you've never heard of shockwave, the name might sound intense or intimidating. In reality, it’s a gentle, non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate healing and repair damaged tissue.

Shockwave uses high-energy sound waves that penetrate deep into the affected area, stimulating cell regeneration, blood flow, and pain reduction. It has been used for years in sports medicine and rehabilitation with outstanding results, particularly for chronic foot and ankle conditions that have failed to heal on their own.

Conditions Shockwave Therapy Can Help With

Shockwave has been scientifically proven (via research) to improve recovery in a variety of foot and leg conditions, including:

✔ Heel pain (plantar fasciitis). Studies show shockwave therapy significantly reduces pain and improves function in people suffering from chronic plantar fasciitis, with results appearing in as little as three weeks and continuing to improve over time.

✔ Achilles tendinopathy. Shockwave has been shown to provide significant pain relief and contribute to an "excellent" or "good" recovery of the Achilles tendon, even in cases where the pain has been long-standing.

✔ Heel spurs. Because shockwave breaks down calcium deposits while also treating soft tissue pain, it’s highly effective for people suffering from heel spurs.

✔ Knee pain. Shockwave has been found to reduce pain and improve mobility in those suffering from knee osteoarthritis and tendinopathies.

✔ Shin splints. Combining shockwave with an exercise program has led to faster recovery times compared to exercise alone.

✔ Hip pain (greater trochanteric pain syndrome). Shockwave has been used as an effective non-surgical treatment for hip pain caused by tendon dysfunction.

✔ Tendon pain, trigger points, and calcifications. Whether it’s chronic tendon pain, tight muscle fibres, or calcium build-up in soft tissue, Shockwave Therapy has been proven to help break down problematic tissue and encourage natural healing.

How Shockwave Therapy Works to Heal Foot Pain

Unlike medications that simply mask pain, shockwave targets the root cause of the problem by stimulating the body’s natural healing process. Here’s how it helps:

1. Reduces Pain Naturally
Shockwave decreases the levels of substance P, a neurotransmitter involved in pain perception. This immediate reduction in pain sensitivity allows for better mobility and function.

2. Promotes Blood Vessel Growth
Healthy blood flow is essential for healing. Shockwave Therapy stimulates new blood vessel formation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area to accelerate recovery.

3. Stimulates Collagen Production
Collagen is crucial for tendon and ligament repair. Shockwave Therapy boosts collagen production, strengthening the affected area and preventing future injuries.

4. Resets the Inflammation Cycle
Chronic conditions often involve low-grade, persistent inflammation that prevents proper healing. Shockwave resets the inflammation process, allowing the body to restart natural tissue repair.

5. Releases Muscle Trigger Points
Many cases of foot pain stem from tight, knotted muscle fibres. Shockwave Therapy releases trigger points, relieving tension and discomfort.

6. Breaks Down Calcifications
Some foot and tendon injuries lead to calcium deposits that worsen pain and stiffness. Shockwave Therapy breaks down these calcifications, helping to restore normal movement and function.

Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain & Achilles Tendinitis

Two of the most common conditions we see in our clinic are heel pain (plantar fasciitis) and Achilles tendinitis. Shockwave has been extensively researched in both areas, with studies showing:

• Significant reductions in pain for plantar fasciitis patients, even in cases where other treatments had failed.
  
• Faster healing and improved function for Achilles tendinitis, even in chronic cases.
  
• Long-term improvements in mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life.
  

Shockwave At Perform Podiatry, Remuera

To see if shockwave is right for you and if it could be part of your treatment plan in the hopes of avoiding surgery, book an appointment with our experienced podiatry team. Book your appointment by calling us on 09 523 2333 or book online here.

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