Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendon Pain

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body. Extending from your heels to your calf muscles, you use this tendon for everyday activities, like walking and jumping. 

Because it is engaged so often, the Achilles tendon is one of the most commonly injured tendons, especially for frequent runners and those involved in sports or heavy exercises.

However, 33% of Achilles tendon injuries happen to less active individuals as well. If you’re suffering from Achilles tendon pain, we’re here to help. We’ll cover the different types of injuries and why shockwave therapy may be the right foot-happy solution for you.

Types of Achilles Tendon Injuries

One of the main causes of pain in Achilles tendons is Achilles tendonitis— an acute inflammation of the tendon due to strain or overuse. 

Another common cause of pain is Achilles Tendinopathy, a condition where the Achilles tendon develops microscopic degeneration from chronic damage over time.

Both of these conditions are caused by repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles tendon, and without treatment, can result in tears to the tendon. Symptoms to look out for include:

• Pain along the back of your leg and/or heel when you first walk each day.
• Pain that worsens when you’re active.
• Persistent ache and/or shooting or burning pain.
• Pain when you press the area where the tendon meets the heel bone.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, here are a few treatment options to consider.

Treatment for Achilles Tendon Pain

Basic treatment for Achilles tendon pain typically consists of:

• Rest.
• Ice.
• Heel lifts.
• Physical therapy.

These are more conservative treatment options and may not be enough to alleviate your pain. However, if these options don’t work, it doesn’t mean surgery is the only alternative. 

Shockwave therapy can help relieve Achilles tendon pain, symptoms, and injuries. It can also help you avoid surgery, which we only suggest as a last resort option.

Achilles Tendon Shockwave Therapy

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)is a noninvasive therapy that high-energy shockwave impulses through the Achilles tendon. These shockwaves help stimulate the body’s natural recovery process to heal damaged Achilles tendon tissue.

For patients with chronic tendon pain, tendonitis, or tendinopathy in the Achilles tendon region who’ve tried the conservative treatment options with no success, ESWT is an effective alternative. Not only is it FDA-approved, it’s simpler, safer, and swifter than surgery.

Zimmer Shockwave Therapy For Achilles Tendon Pain Relief

At Foot and Ankle Group, we use the Zimmer machine to administer ESWT for various forms of tissue and tendon pain, including the Achilles tendon. 

Our shockwave therapy relieves sends radial  shockwaves into the soft tissue that’s causing you pain by:

• Accelerating regeneration and repair of damaged tendons.
• Stimulating cell growth and blood vessel formation.
• Reducing inflammation in the affected area.

With an 85% success rate, shockwave therapy can be an effective alternative when conservative treatments don’t relieve tendon pain.

Foot and Ankle Is Here to Help You With Shockwave Therapy

There’s a common misconception that surgery is the only alternative to at-home treatment options, but we’re here to provide a non-surgical, pain-free option.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you with our non-invasive shockwave therapy for Achilles tendon pain, schedule a consultation with us today!