Radial Shockwave Therapy

Radial Shockwave Therapy for Foot and Ankle Pain

Dr. Kamel Foot & Ankle – Pomona, Claremont, Rancho Cucamonga, and Inland Empire

Chronic foot and ankle pain can take a major toll on your daily life. Whether it’s sharp heel pain when you get out of bed in the morning or lingering tendon pain that keeps you from enjoying sports and activity, many patients reach a point where traditional treatments no longer provide relief.

At Dr. Kamel Foot & Ankle, I offer radial shockwave therapy (ESWT) as a safe, effective, non-surgical treatment option designed specifically for chronic foot and ankle conditions. For many patients, this advanced therapy can jump-start the healing process, reduce pain, and get you back on your feet without surgery.

What is radial shockwave therapy?

Radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (rESWT) uses controlled acoustic pressure waves applied through the skin to the injured tissue. These pulses increase blood flow, stimulate cellular healing, and reduce pain signals.

Unlike cortisone injections or surgery, radial shockwave therapy is noninvasive, requires no anesthesia, and has virtually no downtime. Most treatments take just five to ten minutes, and you can walk out of the office and resume your daily routine immediately.

Foot and ankle conditions treated with shockwave

As a foot and ankle specialist, I focus on using radial shockwave therapy for chronic conditions that often fail to respond to stretching, orthotics, medications, or physical therapy. The most common conditions I treat with ESWT include:

• Plantar fasciitis / plantar fasciopathy
  The leading cause of heel pain, especially first-step pain in the morning. Shockwave helps reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia and stimulate long-term healing.

• Achilles tendinopathy
  Both insertional (pain where the tendon attaches to the heel) and midsubstance (pain in the tendon itself). ESWT improves blood flow and tissue regeneration in the tendon.

• Chronic heel pain syndrome
  For patients who have persistent heel pain despite orthotics, night splints, or injections, shockwave is an evidence-backed next step.

• Peroneal tendinopathy
  Pain on the outside of the ankle due to chronic tendon strain can often improve with shockwave combined with strengthening.

• Posterior tibial tendinopathy
  Shockwave may help stabilize pain from tendon dysfunction that contributes to flatfoot deformity.

• Sesamoiditis
  Inflammation of the small bones under the big toe joint can be stubborn; shockwave helps reduce pain without steroid risks.

• Chronic ankle pain after sprains
  In select patients, ESWT can improve lingering tendon or fascia irritation that hasn’t healed after repeated sprains.
  

What does the research show?

Strong clinical evidence supports the use of ESWT in foot and ankle conditions, especially plantar fasciopathy and Achilles tendon pain.

• Plantar fasciitis: Multiple meta-analyses have shown that shockwave provides greater long-term pain relief than corticosteroid injections, with better improvement in function and plantar fascia thickness over time.
  

• Achilles tendinopathy: Results are mixed if used alone, but outcomes improve significantly when combined with eccentric loading programs. Shockwave stimulates tendon remodeling and has been shown to reduce pain scores compared to exercise alone in many patients.
  

• Other foot & ankle conditions: While fewer studies exist, emerging evidence supports shockwave as a helpful adjunct in stubborn cases of peroneal tendinopathy, posterior tibial tendon pain, and sesamoiditis.
  

In summary: ESWT is safe, evidence-based, and highly effective for chronic heel and tendon pain that hasn’t responded to standard treatment.

Benefits of radial shockwave therapy

Patients often choose ESWT because it offers:

• Non-surgical pain relief – no anesthesia, no incisions, and no downtime.
  

• Quick treatment – in-office sessions lasting only minutes.
  

• Durable results – clinical studies show long-lasting pain relief compared to injections.
  

• Low risk – side effects are minimal, typically just temporary soreness or redness.
  

• Return to activity – most patients resume walking and light exercise right away.
  

Preparing for treatment

Before your appointment:

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to the treatment area.
  

• Stay hydrated the day of treatment.
  

• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen) for 48 hours before and after therapy, unless instructed otherwise. Shockwave works by triggering a controlled healing response, and anti-inflammatories may blunt its effectiveness.
  

What to expect during treatment

During the session, Dr. Kamel or a member of his team will identify the most painful areas of your foot or ankle, sometimes with the help of ultrasound. The handpiece delivers a series of acoustic pulses to the area.

Most patients describe the sensation as a tapping or vibration that is strong but tolerable. The intensity is adjusted to your comfort level. Sessions last about five to ten minutes, and you can walk immediately afterward.

Aftercare and recovery

You may experience mild soreness for a day or two. Ice can be used if needed, but avoid anti-inflammatories for 48 hours after treatment.

Many patients begin to notice improvement within a few weeks, with full results building over 6–8 weeks as the tissue remodels and heals. For best outcomes, Dr. Kamel often combines shockwave therapy with stretching, strengthening, and footwear modifications.

Treatment frequency

Most patients need five sessions, spaced one week apart. Severe or long-standing conditions may require up to six treatments. Improvement is usually gradual, with pain relief continuing to build over several weeks after the final session.

Is shockwave therapy right for you?

Radial shockwave therapy is safe for most patients. However, it is not recommended if you:

• Are pregnant
  

• Have an open wound or active infection at the site
  

• Have a blood clotting disorder or are on high-dose blood thinners
  

• Have a tumor or cancer in the treatment area
  

During your consultation, I will carefully review your medical history and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Why choose Dr. Kamel Foot & Ankle?

As a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Kamel specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of complex heel and tendon pain. By focusing solely on foot and ankle conditions, he provides highly targeted care that blends advanced technology with evidence-based treatment plans.

At Dr. Kamel Foot & Ankle, patients benefit from:

• Expertise in plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon disorders, as well as any other foot/ankle complaint.
  

• Customized treatment protocols based on the latest research
  

• Integration of orthotics, physical therapy, and shockwave for the best outcomes
  

• A patient-centered approach where education and long-term recovery come first
  

Take the next step

If you’ve been struggling with chronic heel or tendon pain and want to avoid surgery, radial shockwave therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Call Dr. Kamel Foot & Ankle today or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to get you back to walking, running, and living pain-free.