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Writer's pictureDr. Alfredo Petrone

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and How Shock Wave Therapy Can Help

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel and ankle pain, affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether you're an athlete, a healthcare worker on your feet all day, or someone dealing with the effects of aging, plantar fasciitis can interfere with your daily life and make even simple movements painful. Fortunately, advances in treatment—like Shock Wave Therapy—are offering new hope for long-term relief.


At Coastal Life Wellness, we provide cutting-edge treatments like Shock Wave Therapy to help patients recover from chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis. In this blog, we’ll explore what plantar fasciitis is, how it develops, and how Shock Wave Therapy can support your healing.


What Is Plantar Fasciitis?


Plantar fasciitis is a condition that results from inflammation or small tears in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes. This tissue helps support the arch of your foot and absorb the impact when you walk, run, or stand. When it becomes strained due to overuse, injury, or improper foot mechanics, it can cause intense heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.




Plantar fasciitis is often associated with:

  • Overuse or repetitive stress: Common in athletes, especially runners or those who spend extended time on their feet.

  • Foot mechanics: Having flat feet, high arches, or an abnormal walking pattern can put excess strain on the plantar fascia.

  • Age: People between the ages of 40 and 60 are at higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

  • Weight gain: Extra weight increases pressure on the plantar fascia, contributing to inflammation.


If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can become a chronic issue, affecting mobility and quality of life. This is where Shock Wave Therapy comes in as a potential solution for long-term relief.


What is Shock Wave Therapy?


Shock Wave Therapy (also known as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy or ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. It has been widely used in sports medicine and rehabilitation for various musculoskeletal conditions, including plantar fasciitis. The therapy involves delivering high-energy sound waves to the affected area, which promotes tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and improves blood flow.


Research published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery shows that Shock Wave Therapy can be highly effective in reducing pain and promoting healing for patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, especially when other treatments, such as rest, orthotics, or physical therapy, have not provided adequate relief.


How Does Shock Wave Therapy Help with Plantar Fasciitis?


Shock Wave Therapy works by triggering the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Here's how it can benefit people suffering from plantar fasciitis:


  1. Reduces Pain One of the key benefits of Shock Wave Therapy is its ability to reduce pain quickly. The acoustic waves desensitize the nerve endings in the heel, providing immediate relief from discomfort. According to a study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, patients reported a significant reduction in pain after just a few sessions of Shock Wave Therapy for plantar fasciitis.


  2. Promotes Tissue Healing Shock Wave Therapy stimulates cellular activity and accelerates the healing of the damaged plantar fascia tissue. The sound waves encourage the growth of new blood vessels, improving blood flow to the area and helping to repair the microtears that cause pain and inflammation.


  3. Breaks Down Calcifications In some cases, plantar fasciitis can lead to the development of calcified deposits, which worsen the condition. Shock Wave Therapy helps break down these calcium buildups, allowing for more effective healing and reducing long-term pain.


  4. Improves Mobility As Shock Wave Therapy reduces pain and inflammation, it restores the range of motion in the foot, allowing patients to walk, run, and engage in physical activities without the fear of exacerbating their condition. Improved mobility is essential for preventing the reoccurrence of plantar fasciitis and maintaining an active lifestyle.


  5. Non-Invasive with Minimal Recovery Time Unlike surgical options, Shock Wave Therapy is non-invasive and doesn’t require downtime. Most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after treatment. The sessions are quick, usually lasting around 15-20 minutes, with no need for anesthesia or medication. This makes it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.


What Does the Research Say?


Numerous studies support the effectiveness of Shock Wave Therapy for treating plantar fasciitis. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research concluded that Shock Wave Therapy is a safe and effective treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis, showing greater pain relief compared to other conservative treatments like stretching and steroid injections.


Another study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that patients who received Shock Wave Therapy experienced significant improvements in both pain relief and functional outcomes, with many individuals remaining pain-free for months to years after completing their treatment course.


Is Shock Wave Therapy Right for You?


If you've been suffering from plantar fasciitis and conservative treatments haven’t brought relief, Shock Wave Therapy could be an excellent next step. At Coastal Life Wellness, we use the latest technology to provide this advanced treatment in a comfortable, supportive environment. Our experienced practitioners will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and helps you achieve lasting relief.


Get Relief from Plantar Fasciitis with Shock Wave Therapy at Coastal Life Wellness


Don’t let plantar fasciitis keep you from living your life to the fullest. Shock Wave Therapy offers an effective, non-invasive solution to help you heal faster and reduce pain. Contact Coastal Life Wellness today to learn more or schedule your appointment.



Dr. Alfredo is a health enthusiast who’s goal is to help people and families live healthier, happier lives. My philosophy on health is simple - our body’s have the amazing ability and potential to self-adapt, self-regulate and THRIVE in this world.

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