Heel Pain Relief, Without Drugs
ActiPatch® is a drug-free, over-the-counter wearable device for the adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain, including heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
ActiPatch® is an FDA 510(k) cleared (K192234), drug-free wearable that delivers pulsed shortwave therapy at 27.12 MHz for over-the-counter adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain. One device provides 720 therapy hours and costs $39.99 at painkiller.care. It may be positioned over musculoskeletal pain associated with plantar fasciitis; individual results vary and it does not address the underlying condition.
Up to 720 Hours of Continuous Therapy
ActiPatch® utilizes pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT) to deliver electromagnetic energy directly to the source of pain. Designed to easily incorporate into your daily routine, a single device provides up to 720 hours of continuous treatment.
The device contains no drug ingredients. It is a non-invasive, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief tool that serves as an adjunct to your current care.
Important Usage Guidelines
- Not a Cure: ActiPatch is intended for the symptomatic relief and management of musculoskeletal pain. It is not a cure for plantar fasciitis.
- Water Resistance: The device is not waterproof. You must remove it before showering, bathing, or swimming to avoid damaging the electronics.
- Contraindications: Do not use if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other active implanted metallic or electronic device.
- Pregnancy: Do not use if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Not for children: Not for use by or on children under 17.
- Pain of unknown cause: Do not use for sudden or unexplained pain, or if the cause of the pain is unknown. Not for pain deep in the body such as the chest or stomach, and not for cancer-related pain.
- Open wounds: The device is not sterile. Do not place it in direct contact with open wounds.
- If pain does not improve: If pain does not improve after 7 days of use, stop and consult a doctor. If you are under a doctor's care, consult your doctor before use.
See the package insert for full contraindications, warnings and precautions.
Why Heel Pain Can Limit Your Day
Heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis can make the first steps of the day, standing, and walking uncomfortable. ActiPatch® is for musculoskeletal pain relief only; it does not address the underlying condition.
Targeted Therapy for Heel Pain
Position the treatment loop over the painful heel following the supplied instructions. The self-contained device delivers nonthermal, noncontact pulsed shortwave therapy without electrode pads or lead wires.
What You May Notice
- Getting started: Place the loop over the site of pain as directed in the package insert.
- With regular use: Notice whether heel pain changes with use.
- Over time: Ask a clinician about heel pain that persists or worsens.
There is no guaranteed relief schedule; individual results and timing vary.
Where to Place It
Position the treatment loop over the painful heel or arch according to the package insert. Wear ActiPatch® directly on the skin secured with the included tape or wrap, or over thin/light clothing such as a t-shirt or leggings. Thick fabric can reduce therapy reaching the area. Keep the device dry and remove it before showering, bathing, or swimming.
The Science Behind It
ActiPatch® uses pulsed shortwave therapy (PSWT), a nonthermal, noncontact form of PEMF technology operating at 27.12 MHz. Unlike TENS, it is a self-contained wearable—no electrode pads or lead wires to manage. Designed to operate without perceptible heat or tingling from the device. FDA 510(k) K192234 clears ActiPatch® for over-the-counter adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain.
What plantar heel pain can feel like
Heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis is often particularly noticeable during the first steps after getting out of bed or standing after sitting. Some people feel it beneath the heel; others describe discomfort along the arch. A similar sensation may have another cause, so tell a clinician where and when it happens.
Common musculoskeletal contributors
Repeated loading of the structures under the foot can contribute to plantar heel discomfort. Activity, footwear, and time on your feet can affect how symptoms feel, but none of these by themselves establishes a diagnosis. ActiPatch is for adjunctive musculoskeletal pain relief; it does not change the underlying plantar fascia condition.
When to see a clinician
Seek assessment for heel pain after injury, an inability to bear weight, a red or hot foot, or a new wound. Sudden unexplained pain or numbness warrants medical advice. If first-step pain does not improve or becomes more persistent, ask a clinician to evaluate it rather than assuming all heel pain is plantar fasciitis.
Where to position the loop
Follow the package insert and position the loop over the painful heel or arch rather than on a different part of the foot. Avoid direct contact with a blister or open wound. The device is for pain relief at the site of discomfort, not for correcting foot mechanics or replacing a clinician's recommended care.
Wearing it during your day
Check placement after putting on shoes so that the loop has not slid away from the painful spot. Wear it on skin with included tape or a wrap, or over a single thin sock if positioning allows. Thick socks or bulky footwear between device and skin can reduce therapy reaching the area. Remove before getting wet.
What does the published evidence say?
Brook and colleagues published a double-blind, placebo-controlled plantar fasciitis trial in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery (2012). It reported a difference in first-step morning heel pain between active and placebo groups. The outcome concerns pain relief; it does not show that a wearable repairs the plantar fascia or that every person will respond. The science page discusses this study alongside other evidence and limits.
Source: Brook et al., Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery, 2012. Read the ActiPatch science overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear it over clothing?
Yes. Wear ActiPatch® directly on the skin with the included tape, or over a thin layer of clothing such as a t-shirt or leggings. Avoid thick fabric between the device and the skin. Follow the package insert for positioning.
Does ActiPatch® address the underlying plantar fasciitis?
No. It is for musculoskeletal pain relief only; it does not address the underlying condition.
How soon might I notice relief?
Response varies; some people may not experience relief. Follow the package insert and ask your clinician about persistent pain.
Can I wear it in the shower?
No. The device is not waterproof. Remove it before showering, bathing, or swimming.
Take Control of Your Heel Pain
Experience drug-free, targeted relief with ActiPatch. See exactly what comes in the box and calculate your savings across single, double, and triple packs.
View Pricing & Packs