Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Chronic Heel & Foot Pain Relief in St. Louis

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) may be the next step.  It's a non-surgical treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to trigger your body's natural healing in the damaged tissue, reducing pain and helping you move more comfortably. 

What to expect

• Quick visits: Each session takes about 20 minutes
• Few sessions: Most patients need up to 3, depending on condition severity
• No surgery, no stitches: Minimal risk and no extensive aftercare
• Back to daily life fast: Most patients resume normal activities within a few days. We ask that you avoid high-impact activity, like running or jumping, for 2 weeks after treatment
• Minor side effects: Occasional mild bruising, soreness, redness, mild swelling, or sensitivity in the treated area that resolves quickly

Plantar fasciitis

• The most common cause of heel pain. If your first steps out of bed or after sitting are the worst, and the pain sits at the bottom of your heel, this is often the culprit.  Shockwave targets the irritated band of tissue along the bottom of your foot and stimulates it to heal when stretching, orthotics, and medication haven't been enough.

Achilles tendinitis

• Pain, stiffness, or swelling in the back of the heel or just above it, often worse with running, climbing stairs, or after a period of rest.  Shockwave helps jump-start repair in a tendon that has struggled to heal on its own.

Heel spurs

• Often linked to long-standing plantar fasciitis. Shockwave focuses on the inflamed tissue causing the pain, not the spur itself.

Other chronic foot pain

• If your pain has lingered despite conservative care, we'll evaluate whether shockwave fits your situation.

Shockwave works best for chronic problems, meaning pain that has lasted months and hasn't responded to other treatment.

Shockwave isn't for everyone.  An accurate diagnosis is essential before beginning treatment.  Dr. Meghan Arnold will evaluate the cause of your pain and review your medical history to determine whether ESWT is appropriate.  Pregnancy, active infection, open wounds, reduced sensation, and certain bleeding risks may affect your eligibility.

Shockwave is a self-pay treatment, and we accept HSA and FSA cards. Call us for pricing and package options. 

Schedule Your Shockwave Consultation