Shockwave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis: What Works and When

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain we see at My Family Podiatry, and it is also one of the most frustrating for patients. Many people come into the clinic after weeks or months of trying stretches, rest, massage guns, night splints or new shoes, only to find the pain is still there.

Over the past few years, shockwave therapy has become one of the most talked about treatment options for plantar fasciitis. Patients often ask whether it is better than traditional treatments, whether it should be tried early, or whether it is only for stubborn cases.

At our Albany Creek clinic, the real question is not whether shockwave therapy works. It is when it makes sense, who it is most appropriate for, and how it fits into a broader treatment plan. This guide explains how plantar fasciitis treatment has evolved, how shockwave therapy works, and how we decide which approach is right for each patient across North Brisbane.

The Evolution of Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Traditionally, plantar fasciitis was treated with a combination of rest, stretching, footwear changes, orthotics and time. In many cases, this approach still works well. Early stage plantar fasciitis often settles once load is reduced and the tissue is allowed to calm down.

The problem is that not all plantar fasciitis behaves the same way. Some cases become persistent and can linger for months or even years. This is often because the condition shifts from an inflammatory phase to a degenerative one, where the tissue struggles to heal despite rest and basic treatment.

This is where frustration sets in. Patients reduce activity, avoid exercise, change shoes repeatedly and still wake up with sharp heel pain each morning. Research over the last decade has shown that chronic plantar fasciitis needs more than rest alone. Treatments that actively stimulate healing have become increasingly important.

Shockwave therapy emerged from this research and has since become a widely used option in sports medicine and podiatry. Clinics across Australia, including here in Albany Creek, now use it as part of a modern approach to heel pain rather than a last resort.

Understanding Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy, uses controlled acoustic waves to stimulate healing in injured tissue. These sound waves are delivered directly to the painful area using a handheld device.

Rather than masking pain, shockwave therapy works by triggering a biological response. It increases local blood flow, stimulates cellular repair and helps reset pain sensitivity in chronically overloaded tissue. This makes it particularly useful for plantar fasciitis that has not responded well to rest or stretching alone.

At My Family Podiatry, we use both radial and focused shockwave depending on the presentation. Radial shockwave spreads energy across a broader area and is commonly used for muscular and tendon related pain. Focused shockwave delivers energy deeper and more precisely, which can be beneficial for stubborn heel pain closer to the bone.

A typical course involves several sessions spaced over a few weeks. Treatment is done in clinic, requires no anaesthetic and does not involve injections. Most patients describe the sensation as uncomfortable but tolerable, and the discomfort usually reduces with each session.

Shockwave therapy is not suitable for everyone. It is avoided in certain medical conditions and is not a magic fix. When used appropriately and combined with good load management, footwear advice and strength work, it can be highly effective.

Traditional Plantar Fasciitis Treatments Compared

Traditional treatment options still play a critical role in managing plantar fasciitis, especially in early or mild cases.

Stretching and strengthening programs target the calf muscles and plantar fascia to improve load tolerance. Footwear changes help reduce strain through better cushioning and support. Custom foot orthotics can improve force distribution and reduce repetitive stress through the heel.

Activity modification is also essential. Continuing high impact exercise without adjustment is one of the most common reasons plantar fasciitis becomes chronic.

Ice and anti-inflammatory strategies may help short term symptom relief, although plantar fasciitis is not always a purely inflammatory condition.

Night splints can be helpful for some patients, particularly those with severe morning pain, but compliance can be difficult.

Cortisone injections are sometimes discussed, but they come with risks and are not something we routinely recommend as a first line treatment.

Traditional methods often work best when plantar fasciitis is caught early. When pain has been present for several months and keeps returning with activity, advanced treatments such as shockwave therapy are often considered.

The Cost and Recovery Considerations

One of the most common questions we hear is whether shockwave therapy is worth the cost. At My Family Podiatry, there is an additional fee on top of the appointment consult for shockwave therapy (at time of writing, this is $30)

Ongoing pain can lead to months of reduced activity, time off work, poor sleep and repeated appointments without progress. Failed treatments often cost more in the long run.

Shockwave therapy can shorten recovery time in appropriate cases and reduce the risk of long term recurrence. For many patients across Albany Creek and North Brisbane, the goal is not just pain relief but getting back to walking, running or standing comfortably without constant flare ups.

Health insurance coverage varies, and we always discuss expected costs and alternatives before starting treatment.

Real Patient Outcomes in Albany Creek

We regularly see a range of plantar fasciitis presentations at our clinic. Some patients are runners trying to return to training. Others are teachers, tradespeople or parents who are on their feet all day.

In chronic cases where pain has been present for six months or more, shockwave therapy combined with orthotic support and progressive strengthening often leads to significant improvement. Patients commonly report reduced morning pain within weeks and improved tolerance to daily activity.

It is important to set realistic expectations. Shockwave therapy supports healing but still requires sensible load management and follow up care.

Making the Right Treatment Choice

The most important step is a proper assessment. Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis, and not all plantar fasciitis needs shockwave therapy.

At My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek, we assess foot posture, walking mechanics, footwear, activity levels and pain history before recommending treatment. We may also do an ultrasound in clinic to assess the plantar fascia and guide our treatment decisions. 

Some patients do very well with conservative care alone. Others benefit from earlier intervention with shockwave therapy. The right choice depends on how long symptoms have been present, how they respond to load, and what your goals are.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does plantar fasciitis feel like?

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes sharp heel pain with the first steps in the morning or after rest. Pain often eases as you move but returns later in the day.

How long does plantar fasciitis take to heal?

Mild cases may improve within weeks. Chronic cases can take several months to years without targeted treatment.

Can plantar fasciitis go away on its own?

Some cases do settle with rest and footwear changes, but persistent pain often needs professional care.

What is the fastest way to treat plantar fasciitis?

There is no single fastest option. A combination of load management, footwear, strengthening and in some cases shockwave therapy tends to produce the best results.

Does shockwave therapy work for plantar fasciitis?

Yes, particularly for chronic or recurring cases that have not responded to traditional treatment.

How many shockwave sessions are needed?

Most treatment plans involve three to five sessions, depending on response.

Is shockwave therapy better than cortisone injections?

Shockwave therapy stimulates healing rather than suppressing symptoms and does not weaken tissue.

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

It can be uncomfortable, but sessions are short and tolerable for most patients.

Is shockwave therapy covered by health insurance?

Coverage varies depending on your provider. We can discuss this during your appointment.

Where can I get shockwave therapy in Albany Creek?

Shockwave therapy is available at My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek.

Final Thoughts

Plantar fasciitis treatment has changed significantly over the past few years. Shockwave therapy has become an important option when used at the right time and for the right reasons.

If heel pain is limiting your ability to work, exercise or enjoy daily life, an assessment is the best place to start. Our team at My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek works with patients from across North Brisbane to create practical, evidence based treatment plans that actually work.

To discuss your options or book an appointment, contact My Family Podiatry today.