Heel pain, while quite common, can be extremely uncomfortable and painful if not met with proper care or treatment. Heel pain may occur if you injure or overuse the heel. If left uncared for, the affected area may worsen, limiting your mobility and making it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as walking.

There are many different causes of heel pain, including strains or sprains, tarsal tunnel syndrome, stress fractures, Achilles tendonitis, and heel bursitis. One of the most common causes of heel pain for children and teenagers specifically is Sever’s disease. Sever’s disease can develop due to overuse or repetitive microtrauma of the heel bone's growth plates. This condition is often seen among those who are active in sporting activities.

Other causes of heel pain may include issues with poor circulation, poor posture when walking or running, a soft tissue mass, and a rupture of the Achilles tendon. To help ease the discomfort of heel pain, it’s advised that you get plenty of rest, apply ice to the affected area, and wear shoes that fit properly. In some more serious cases, a podiatrist might recommend the use of custom orthotics or shoe inserts for extra support.

If you’re experiencing heel pain, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Shockwave therapy, or Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), is an effective non-surgical treatment for managing pain caused by a variety of disorders. In podiatry, shockwave therapy can be used to manage painful conditions in the foot and ankle that negatively affect mobility and quality of life.

Shockwave therapy works by generating pulse waves to produce kinetic energy. The kinetic energy is then converted into sound energy before being transmitted into the affected tissue to treat the pain at its source.

Shockwave therapy delivers successful non-surgical treatment to patients seeking convenience, less downtime, and less risk. A session of treatment typically lasts less than 10 minutes and allows patients to quickly return to regular activities.

Benefits:

• Non-invasive
• No anesthesia required
• No risk of infection
• No scarring
• No downtime
• Faster, easier healing

If you are suffering from heel pain, ankle pain, or general foot pain, shockwave therapy may be the solution for you. Please contact our offices at Chelmsford (978) 441-9241 or Newburyport (978) 463-0086 for more information.