Why Does My Heel Pain Keep Coming Back?

Shockwave Therapy Bishops Waltham Heel Pain Relief | First Choice Therapy

Heel pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting up to 1 in 10 people during their lifetime. Despite being commonly referred to as "plantar fasciitis", research suggests that long-standing cases are often less inflammatory and more degenerative in nature, which may explain why rest alone is often insufficient. Persistent walking and activity can create a reactive pattern within the tissue not allowing it to heal fully.

Common symptoms include:

> Sharp pain with the first few steps in the morning

> Pain after prolonged standing or walking

> Symptoms that improve temporarily but repeatedly return

> Pain that has persisted for several months

For patients with chronic heel pain, Shockwave Therapy has become one of the most researched non-surgical treatment options available.

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis involving over 1,100 patients found that extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) was more effective than corticosteroid injections at improving pain and foot function at both 3 and 6 months follow-up.

Research has also shown that Shockwave Therapy can improve pain during activity, patient satisfaction and overall treatment success when compared with some other conservative treatment approaches.

While no treatment works for everyone, the current evidence supports Shockwave Therapy as a safe, non-invasive option for chronic plantar heel pain, particularly when symptoms have persisted despite stretching, exercise programmes or other conservative treatments.

📍 First Choice Therapy – Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire - 07597703213

👉 If heel pain has been affecting your walking, exercise or daily activities for more than a few weeks, book an assessment to discuss whether Shockwave Therapy could be appropriate for your condition.

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