Should I Consider Shockwave Therapy or Laser Therapy For Foot Pain?

Shockwave therapy and laser therapy are both non-surgical treatments that may help relieve chronic foot and ankle pain, but they work in different ways. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic energy delivered into injured tissue, while laser therapy uses therapeutic light energy. Neither treatment is automatically better for every patient. The right option depends on your diagnosis, how long you have been in pain, the tissue involved, previous treatments, and your individual treatment goals.

At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, our podiatrists offer both ShockWave Therapy for chronic foot and ankle pain and laser therapy for foot pain. Evaluating the underlying cause of your symptoms is the first step in deciding which treatment may be appropriate.

How Does Shockwave Therapy Work for Foot and Ankle Pain?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy, commonly called ESWT or ShockWave Therapy, uses acoustic pulses directed into a specific area of injured or painful tissue. At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, we use the Zimmer enPuls 2.0 radial pulse system.

The goal of ShockWave Therapy is to stimulate a healing response in tissue that has remained painful despite rest and other conservative treatments. It is often considered for chronic conditions involving tendons, fascia, and other soft tissues.

Our podiatrists may consider ShockWave Therapy for conditions such as:

• Chronic plantar fasciitis and heel pain
• Achilles tendinitis and Achilles tendinopathy
• Other chronic tendon problems in the foot or ankle
• Morton's neuroma
• Persistent soft-tissue pain that has not improved with more traditional treatment

For example, patients with stubborn heel pain can learn more about Shockwave Therapy for plantar fasciitis, while patients with ongoing tendon pain may benefit from our information about Shockwave Therapy for tendonitis.

How Does Laser Therapy Work for Foot Pain?

Laser therapy takes a different approach. Instead of acoustic pulses, therapeutic laser treatment delivers light energy into the treatment area. This type of treatment is sometimes referred to as photobiomodulation.

Laser therapy may be incorporated into a treatment plan for foot and ankle pain, inflammation, sports injuries, and certain soft-tissue conditions. Treatment is non-invasive, does not require an incision, and is typically performed during a brief office visit.

At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, laser therapy may be considered for problems such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, heel pain, neuromas, sports injuries, arthritis, and other causes of foot or ankle discomfort.

What Is the Difference Between Shockwave Therapy and Laser Therapy?

The biggest difference between ShockWave Therapy and laser therapy is the type of energy used and how that energy is delivered to the injured area.

• Shockwave therapy uses acoustic energy. Pulses are directed into the painful tissue to stimulate a local healing response.
• Laser therapy uses light energy. Therapeutic wavelengths are directed into the treatment area without needles or incisions.
• Shockwave treatment is usually more noticeable. Patients may feel tapping, pressure, or temporary discomfort as the device works over a sensitive area.
• Laser treatment is generally very comfortable. Many patients feel little or nothing during treatment, while some notice mild warmth.
• Both treatments usually require a series of visits. The number and frequency of treatments depend on the condition and the patient's response.
• Both generally involve little downtime. Most patients can continue normal daily activities, although temporary activity modifications may be recommended.

Is Shockwave Therapy or Laser Therapy Better for Plantar Fasciitis?

There is no single treatment that is best for every case of plantar fasciitis. The better option depends on the reason your heel continues to hurt, how long symptoms have been present, and which treatments you have already tried.

ShockWave Therapy is frequently considered when plantar fasciitis has become chronic and has not responded adequately to stretching, shoe changes, orthotics, activity modification, or other conservative measures.

Laser therapy may also be incorporated into a treatment plan for plantar fasciitis and heel pain. Rather than choosing a treatment solely because it is newer or more advanced, our podiatrists look at the underlying condition and determine which treatment approach makes sense for the individual patient.

Which Treatment Is Better for Achilles Tendon Pain?

Both treatments may be considered for certain Achilles tendon problems. ShockWave Therapy is commonly used for chronic tendinopathy, particularly when symptoms have persisted despite conservative treatment. Laser therapy may also be used as part of a non-surgical treatment program for tendon pain and sports injuries.

However, Achilles pain can have several causes, and treatment for chronic tendinopathy is different from treatment for an acute or partially torn tendon. A proper diagnosis is important before starting either therapy. Learn more about how our podiatrists diagnose and treat Achilles tendonitis and tendinopathy.

Can Shockwave Therapy and Laser Therapy Be Used Together?

In some cases, a podiatrist may use more than one treatment method as part of a comprehensive plan. Shockwave therapy, laser therapy, custom orthotics, stretching, physical therapy, footwear changes, and other treatments may address different aspects of a foot or ankle problem.

That does not mean every patient needs multiple therapies. The goal is to use the treatments that make sense for your diagnosis rather than simply adding more procedures.

How Do I Know Which Foot Pain Treatment Is Right for Me?

The best way to decide between ShockWave Therapy, laser therapy, or another treatment is to first identify why you are experiencing pain. Chronic heel, arch, tendon, or ankle pain can result from several different conditions, and similar symptoms do not always have the same underlying cause.

During an evaluation, our Annapolis podiatrists can examine the painful area, review your medical history and activity level, determine which treatments you have already attempted, and recommend an individualized plan.

If conservative treatment has not resolved your foot or ankle pain, contact Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center to schedule an evaluation and learn whether ShockWave Therapy, laser therapy, or another treatment may be appropriate for you.