Shockwave Therapy vs Steroid Injections for Plantar Fasciitis
Compare extracorporeal shockwave therapy with corticosteroid injections for treating chronic plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
Comparison at a Glance
Shockwave Therapy
Non-invasive treatment using acoustic waves to stimulate healing in the plantar fascia tissue.
Pros
- Treats the underlying pathology
- No risk of tissue atrophy or rupture
- Single session or 3 sessions protocol
- Cumulative benefit over time
- Very low risk profile
- No medication involved
Cons
- Moderate discomfort during treatment
- Not immediately effective (2-4 weeks for results)
- Higher upfront cost per session
- May require multiple sessions
- Not suitable for everyone
Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injection directly into the painful area of the plantar fascia to reduce inflammation rapidly.
Pros
- Rapid pain relief (24-72 hours)
- Single procedure
- Relatively low cost per injection
- Widely available (GPs can administer)
- Can help break acute pain cycle
Cons
- Does not address underlying cause
- Risk of plantar fascia rupture (2-4%)
- Fat atrophy at injection site
- Effectiveness decreases with repeat use
- Maximum 3 injections per year
- May weaken tissue long-term
Plantar fasciitis affects millions, and when conservative treatments fail, two common interventions are shockwave therapy and steroid injections. Here's how they compare.
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