Does shockwave therapy help with heel pain?

Heel pain has several possible sources, including the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, nerves, joints, or a stress injury. Assessment helps identify the painful structure before treatment. A device delivers pulses through the skin to the target area; the procedure may be uncomfortable and can leave short-lived soreness, bruising, or swelling. Footwear changes, calf and foot exercises, and a gradual return to walking or sport often form part of the same plan. Improvement may be gradual rather than immediate.

Book an assessment if heel pain continues or alters your walking. Describe whether the first steps of the day, prolonged standing, running, or rest makes it worse. Ask whether shockwave therapy fits the diagnosis and what loading plan should accompany it. Choose supportive, comfortable footwear and avoid sudden increases in running, jumping, or long walks until your symptoms are understood.

Get prompt care after an injury if you cannot bear weight, heard a snap, or have sudden weakness at the ankle. Seek urgent assessment for a hot, red, rapidly swollen foot with fever, or for new numbness or colour change. Heel pain that persists, recurs, or causes a limp should be examined so a stress injury or another cause is not missed.

Which structure is causing my heel pain? What would shockwave therapy add to exercises and footwear changes? How should I pace walking or sport after a session? Could I need imaging or another treatment instead?