Plantar Fasciitis Shockwave Therapy in Ottawa and Waterloo: Heel Pain That Won’t Settle
Plantar fasciitis is pain in the thick band of tissue — the plantar fascia — that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain. The classic pattern is sharp pain with the first steps in the morning, or after sitting for a while, which may ease as you move and return after standing or walking for a long time. It can affect runners, people who stand all day, and people whose footwear or foot mechanics put extra load on the fascia.
What plantar fasciitis is — and what it is not
Despite the “-itis” ending, plantar fasciitis is often more about degeneration and overload of the tissue than about simple inflammation. That is why rest alone, or a single anti-inflammatory approach, does not always settle it. Other causes of heel pain — including stress fractures, nerve irritation, and Achilles problems — can feel similar, so assessment matters before assuming the diagnosis.
How focused shockwave therapy is thought to work for plantar fasciitis
FocusWave Clinic uses the Storz Medical DUOLITH SD1, a Health Canada licensed device, to deliver focused low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT). Focused pulses are directed at the painful area of the fascia and heel.
Plantar fasciitis is the orthopaedic area with the strongest published support for shockwave therapy, with larger studies showing meaningful pain improvement for many patients. Factors such as how long symptoms have been present, activity load, footwear, and other foot conditions all affect the outlook, and they are discussed at assessment.
What a first visit and assessment involves
A first visit starts with an assessment: history of the heel pain, what activities make it worse, footwear and activity review, and an assessment by the clinic team, followed by a suitability check. The chronic pain program is $1,250 if a person is suitable and chooses to proceed. Practical advice on load, footwear, and activity is part of the discussion, not an afterthought — shockwave is not presented as a substitute for addressing what is overloading the tissue.
Who should call first instead of assuming treatment is suitable
Call before assuming treatment is suitable if you have a pacemaker or implanted device, an infection or open wound in the treatment area, cancer in the treatment area, or a bleeding disorder or use of blood thinners. A recent fracture, a sudden inability to bear weight, or rapidly worsening swelling should also be discussed promptly.
Talk to FocusWave Clinic in Ottawa or Waterloo
FocusWave Clinic has clinics in Ottawa and Waterloo.
If heel pain is limiting your walking, work, or sport, call first to discuss an assessment.
- Ottawa: 2249 Carling Ave, Suite 201, Ottawa ON K2B 7E9 — 613-422-9283
- Waterloo: 109 Erb St. W, Suite B, Waterloo ON N2L 1T4 — 226-476-4147
- Toll-free: 888-558-9283 | info@focuswaveclinic.com | www.focuswaveclinic.com
