Short answerIt may help a little for heel pain that has lasted a long time. The research is not consistent, and it works best as one part of a plan.
Probably helps a little
What it is
Plantar fasciitis is pain under the heel from the thick band of tissue along the sole of the foot. Shockwave therapy uses a hand held device that sends pulses of sound energy through the skin to the sore spot. There are two main types. Focused shockwave goes deeper, and radial shockwave spreads over a wider area. A course is usually a few sessions.
What the research shows
pooled nine placebo controlled trials with 935 people with long lasting plantar fasciitis. Focused shockwave gave better pain relief than placebo. The odds of success were about twice as high. Radial shockwave also looked better than placebo, but the trials differed so much that firm conclusions could not be drawn.
The trials used different machines, doses and ways of measuring success. A larger body of research is needed to show how much benefit there is and for whom.
Risks and effort
Treatment can be uncomfortable while it is being done. Redness, bruising or a sore heel for a few days can follow. It is not suitable in some conditions, such as pregnancy or a bleeding disorder, so your clinician will ask about your health first.
What usually works instead
Most heel pain settles with time, calf and plantar fascia stretches, strengthening, supportive shoes and simple pain relief. Shockwave is usually kept for pain that has not settled after several months. See Plantar Fasciitis.
Questions people ask
How many sessions will I need?
Protocols vary, and most use a few weekly sessions. Your clinician will explain their plan, and you can ask what the evidence is for that dose.
Is it better than a cortisone injection?
The trials in this review compared shockwave with placebo, not with injections. Cortisone can give quicker relief but is not a long term fix.
Does it hurt?
It can be sore, and the intensity can often be adjusted. Tell the person treating you if it is too much.
How long until I notice a change?
In most trials, benefit built over several weeks and did not happen straight away.
Sources
Select a source to read what the study or guideline found, in plain words, with a link to the original.
Last reviewed 24 October 2026. Next review due October 2028.
