Struggling with heel pain in Campbell CA? Shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option for long-lasting plantar fasciitis relief.

Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis in Campbell CA

Plantar fasciitis is a frequent source of heel pain, especially for adults who stand or walk for long hours. The discomfort often settles at the base of the heel and tends to be strongest during the first few steps in the morning. When symptoms linger for months, they can interfere with work, exercise, and basic daily movement. Shockwave therapy has become a dependable option for patients who want a non-surgical method to recovery. Dr. Bradley Mouroux and the Spine & Injury Center team provide this treatment at both San Jose and Danville clinics (Weil et al., 2002; Sun et al., 2023). (Weil et al., 2002; Weil ET AL., 2002; Sun et al., 2023).

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a firm band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. It supports the arch and absorbs impact with each step. When this structure is strained, small tears can appear, which leads to irritation and pain. Common contributors include long periods of standing, tight calf muscles, unsupportive footwear, flat feet, or high arches. Many patients describe a gradual onset, although the pain can become sharp after rest. If early signs are ignored, the condition can become persistent and restrict normal activity.

Why Heel Pain Becomes Chronic

Chronic symptoms usually develop from repeated micro-tearing that never fully heals. Limited ankle mobility, high training loads, and poor shock absorption from shoes can maintain the cycle of irritation. Extra body weight can add to the strain, while long working hours on hard floors often delay recovery. Over time, this pattern weakens the tissue and prolongs the pain.

Shockwave Therapy as a Treatment Option

Ideal for chronic heel pain unresponsive to stretching, orthotics, or rest. Treatment requires no downtime. Shockwave therapy offers a structured, non-invasive option that is most suitable for patients whose symptoms have lasted several months. Many clinics include it when basic measures no longer bring improvement or when heel pain interferes with daily function. Treatment is performed in an outpatient setting and does not require medication or downtime.

Expected Course of Care

Most patients receive a short series of sessions, often once a week for several weeks. The appointment is brief, and patients usually return to their routine right after. Some feel mild soreness after treatment, though this usually resolves quickly. Noticeable improvement often develops gradually over the following weeks. Clinicians monitor progress and adjust care as needed.

Complementary Approaches

Stretching routines for the calf and plantar fascia support recovery by easing tension in the area. Supportive footwear with firm heel counters and proper arch support can reduce daily strain. Strengthening the foot and lower-leg muscles helps prevent recurrence. Combining these measures with shockwave therapy is common when symptoms are long-standing or when occupational demands slow healing.

Evidence Supporting Shockwave Therapy

Multiple controlled and systematic studies confirm its effectiveness for persistent plantar fasciitis:

• A controlled study published in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine found that patients receiving radial shockwave therapy showed significant improvements in pain and function over six months when compared with other conservative options (Weil et al., 2002).
• A systematic review in Frontiers in Immunology reported strong evidence that extracorporeal shockwave therapy improves pain and mobility in the short, mid, and long term for plantar fasciitis (Sun et al., 2023).
• Another review in Foot & Ankle International noted consistent benefits in chronic cases where standard treatments had not produced lasting relief, with marked gains in walking comfort and reduction of morning pain (Weil et al., 2002, Wang et al., 2006).

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