As a podiatrist, you aim to help your patients move comfortably and freely. In addition, you strive to provide them with the best possible treatment options that improve their quality of life. But to do so, it’s essential to stay abreast of new and transformative treatment options, such as shockwave therapy.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to promote healing and reduce pain. This therapy has been used for over 30 years to treat various conditions, such as kidney stones, joint inflammation, and bone fractures. In recent years, podiatrists have started using this therapy to treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions.
One of the most common foot conditions that podiatrists treat is plantar fasciitis, which is a degeneration of the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition is characterized by severe pain, especially when the patient first wakes up in the morning. Studies show that shockwave therapy is especially effective in treating plantar fasciitis, as it stimulates the body’s natural healing process, promotes new tissue growth, and reduces inflammation.
Although the name sounds like something from a Ken Kesey novel, Shockwave therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment, typically performed in an outpatient setting. The procedure involves applying a gel to the affected area and using a handheld device to deliver high-energy acoustic waves to the tissue. The patient may feel mild discomfort during the procedure, but this typically subsides within a few hours.
One of the most significant advantages of shockwave therapy is that it allows podiatrists to free up time and see more patients each day. Furthermore, shockwave therapy is non-invasive and requires minimal downtime, so patients can often return to normal activities immediately after treatment. This results in podiatrists being able to see more patients daily and provide more effective treatment options — the epitome of a win-win scenario.
Shockwave therapy can also benefit patients with various foot and ankle conditions. In addition to plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy can treat conditions such as Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, and stress fractures. It has also proven to be effective in treating diabetic foot ulcers, a painful condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Taking everything into account, shockwave therapy is a safe and effective treatment option for podiatrists looking to provide their patients with the best possible care. It is especially effective in treating plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition affecting millions worldwide. By offering this treatment, podiatrists can improve the quality of life for their patients, free up time, and increase profitability. If you’re a podiatrist looking to put your best foot forward, consider incorporating shockwave therapy into your practice.
