August 08, 2025
Heel pain can sneak up on you. One day you’re walking fine, and the next, every step feels like a jab to your foot. If you’ve tried stretching, ice, orthotics, and rest—but the pain keeps coming back—shockwave therapy might be the solution you didn’t know you needed.
At Step Ahead Podiatry in Edmonton, we’ve helped many patients find relief from chronic heel pain using this non-invasive, clinically backed treatment. Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or just mystery heel pain that won’t go away, this article breaks down what shockwave therapy is, how it works, and when it’s most effective.
[sora: podiatrist applying shockwave therapy to patient’s heel in a modern clinic]
Alt text: Edmonton podiatrist providing shockwave therapy for heel pain at Step Ahead Podiatry
Key Takeaways
- Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that promotes natural healing by sending acoustic waves into the tissue.
- It’s most commonly used for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and chronic heel pain.
- Treatments are quick (15–30 minutes) and typically done weekly over several sessions.
- Most patients experience significant pain relief within 4–6 weeks.
- Step Ahead Podiatry offers in-clinic shockwave therapy for Edmonton patients who haven’t had success with conservative treatments.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy—also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)—uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Originally developed to treat kidney stones, it’s now a proven treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, including heel pain caused by inflammation or overuse.
The waves trigger a biological response that improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes the regeneration of soft tissues.
It sounds high-tech—and it is—but the treatment is safe, well-studied, and widely used by podiatrists and physiotherapists across the globe.
How Shockwave Therapy Works for Heel Pain
The most common cause of heel pain we see at Step Ahead Podiatry is plantar fasciitis—inflammation of the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. Over time, this ligament can become irritated or even partially torn, especially in people who are on their feet a lot.
Shockwave therapy helps by:
- Increasing blood circulation to the affected area
- Stimulating collagen production, which is essential for tissue repair
- Breaking up scar tissue or calcification that may be impeding healing
- Reducing inflammation and nerve sensitivity, which in turn reduces pain
It’s especially effective for chronic heel pain, meaning you’ve had symptoms for more than 6 months and haven’t seen improvement with stretching, icing, or orthotics.
[sora: diagram showing how shockwave therapy penetrates the plantar fascia in the foot]
Alt text: visual breakdown of how shockwave therapy works for plantar fasciitis in Edmonton clinic
Conditions We Treat with Shockwave Therapy
While heel pain is the most common reason patients seek this treatment, shockwave therapy can also help with a range of chronic foot and ankle conditions, including:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Heel spurs
- Insertional tendinopathies
- Medial arch pain
- Chronic tendon inflammation
At Step Ahead Podiatry, we assess your specific diagnosis before recommending shockwave. It’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment, but when used appropriately, it can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility without the need for surgery or injections.
What to Expect During Treatment
A lot of people hear “shockwave” and imagine something painful or surgical—but it’s quite the opposite. Shockwave therapy is performed entirely on the surface of the skin, and while you might feel some discomfort, it’s usually very tolerable.
Here’s what to expect:
Initial Consultation
First, we’ll evaluate your condition to ensure you’re a good candidate for shockwave therapy. This includes reviewing your medical history, examining your feet, and sometimes ordering imaging to confirm the diagnosis.
The Procedure Itself
- The podiatrist will apply a gel to the treatment area (usually your heel or Achilles tendon).
- A handheld device is used to send acoustic waves into the tissue.
- You’ll feel rhythmic pulses—like a deep tapping sensation.
- Each session lasts between 15–30 minutes.
Some patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable, while others barely feel it. The treatment is designed to provoke a healing response, so mild soreness afterward is normal.
Post-Treatment Care
There’s no downtime. You can walk out of the clinic and return to most of your usual activities right away—though we recommend avoiding high-impact sports for a day or two.
[sora: smiling patient walking out of podiatry clinic after receiving heel pain treatment]
Alt text: heel pain patient leaving Step Ahead Podiatry after shockwave therapy in Edmonton
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your condition and how your body responds, but most patients need 3 to 6 weekly treatments to see full results.
Improvement often begins within the first two sessions, but peak relief typically comes 4–6 weeks after your final treatment as your body completes the healing process.
At Step Ahead Podiatry, we customize your shockwave schedule based on your level of pain, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
Who is a Good Candidate for Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is best suited for patients with chronic, stubborn heel pain that hasn’t responded to rest, orthotics, or stretching. It’s also a great option for those looking to avoid:
- Steroid injections
- Surgery
- Long-term reliance on painkillers
You may be a good candidate if:
- Your heel pain has lasted more than 6 months
- You’ve already tried conservative treatments with little success
- Your condition is not caused by a fracture or systemic disease
- You’re looking for a non-invasive, drug-free solution
If you're unsure, our team at Step Ahead Podiatry will assess your condition and let you know if shockwave is right for you—or if another treatment might work better.
When It Might Not Be the Best Fit
Shockwave therapy isn’t recommended for:
- Patients with blood-clotting disorders
- Pregnant patients
- Those with certain implanted medical devices (e.g., pacemakers)
- Acute injuries (swelling, bruising, or fractures)
That’s why a professional consult is so important—we’ll walk through your history to ensure shockwave is a safe and effective option for you.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain
- Non-invasive – no needles, no scalpels, and no downtime
- Fast treatments – done in less than 30 minutes per session
- Safe and effective – backed by decades of clinical studies
- Long-lasting relief – promotes natural healing, not just symptom relief
- Cost-effective – fewer sessions than long-term therapy or failed OTC remedies
Many of our patients say they wish they’d tried it sooner!
[sora: patient doing light stretches post-treatment while smiling with relief]
Alt text: Edmonton shockwave therapy patient stretching foot after successful heel pain treatment
Why Choose Step Ahead Podiatry for Shockwave Therapy in Edmonton?
Not every clinic is equipped or experienced in delivering shockwave therapy—but at Step Ahead Podiatry, it’s part of our regular treatment protocol for chronic heel conditions.
Here’s why patients choose us:
- Expert diagnosis: We don’t guess—we use physical exams and imaging to pinpoint the root of your pain.
- Tailored treatment plans: No cookie-cutter therapy—we customize every shockwave schedule.
- Modern equipment: We use the latest FDA-approved shockwave devices for optimal results.
- Whole-person care: We combine shockwave therapy with orthotics, stretching plans, and follow-ups for full recovery.
Our goal isn’t just to treat your pain—it’s to get you moving again without fear of it coming back.
Final Thoughts
Heel pain can take a toll on your mood, your mobility, and your everyday life. If you’ve been trying home remedies or even professional treatments with little success, shockwave therapy might be the missing piece.
It’s safe, fast, and backed by science—and at Step Ahead Podiatry, we’ve seen it transform lives. Whether you’re an athlete, a teacher on your feet all day, or just someone tired of hobbling out of bed each morning, we’re here to help you find lasting relief.
Next Step: Book Your Shockwave Consultation
If you’re ready to explore shockwave therapy for heel pain, don’t wait. Book a consultation with Step Ahead Podiatry in Edmonton today. We’ll evaluate your condition, answer your questions, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Let’s get you back on your feet—pain-free.
