A Treatment Option for Foot and Ankle Pain

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Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for foot and ankle conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and heel spurs. The treatment uses high-frequency sound waves to stimulate the body's natural healing process, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve function and mobility.

• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Improved function and mobility
• Faster healing times compared to other treatment options
• Non-invasive procedure with minimal risks

• Proliferative connective tissue disorders such as Plantar Fasciitis
• Tendinopathies (both firstly diagnosed and chronic ones)
• Trigger points and myofascial pain syndrome
• Chronic muscle pain and acute muscle aches with no pathological correlate of injuries such as strains, bruises, sprains, muscle fibre tears, etc.
• Synovitis
• Nerve pain
• Painful exostoses such as Heel Spur
• Patellar tendinopathy
• Arthritic pain

DOLORCLAST® shockwave therapy affects the musculoskeletal system through a variety of molecular and cellular mechanisms

1. NERVES
   – Hyperstimulation of nerves, activation of the gate control mechanism
   – Removal of substance P from C-fibers
   – Blockade of neurogenic inflammation
2. CARTILAGE
   – Reduced cartilage degradation
   – Limits progression of osteoarthritis
3. TENDONS
   – Improved gliding of the tendon due to Lubricin
   – Stimulation of the tendon remodeling
4. BONES
   – Stimulation of proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts
   – New bone remodeling thanks to increased microcracks / bone formation
5. MUSCULATURE
   – Removal of substance P from trigger points
   – Functional angiogenesis – improved blood circulation
   – Mechanical muscle relaxation

• Treatment over air-filled tissue (lung, gut)
• Treatment of pre-ruptured tendons
• Treatment of pregnant women
• Treatment of patients under the age of 18 (except for the treatment of Osgood-Schlatter disease)
• Treatment of patients with blood-clotting disorders (including local thrombosis)
• Treatment of patients treated with oral anticoagulants
• Treatment of tissue with local tumours or local bacterial and/or viral infections
• Treatment of patients treated with cortisone (within the 6-week period following the last local cortisone injection)

Shockwave therapy is performed in-office by a trained podiatrist or other healthcare provider. During the procedure: 

• The patient is positioned comfortably
• A gel is applied to the treatment area
• The shockwave device is applied to the skin and delivers high-frequency sound waves to the affected area
• The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the size and severity of the area being treated
• Patients may experience some discomfort during the procedure, but this is typically mild and temporary

While shockwave therapy is generally considered safe, there are some potential risks and side effects, including:

• Bruising, swelling, or redness at the treatment site
• Mild to moderate discomfort during or after the procedure
• Rarely, more serious complications such as numbness, tingling, or blood vessel damage

Before undergoing shockwave therapy, patients should:

• Inform their healthcare provider of any medications, supplements, or medical conditions they have
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can easily be moved to expose the treatment area