Does Shockwave Therapy Work for Tendon & Foot Pain? Here’s What Science Says

If you’re considering shockwave therapy for chronic pain conditions like patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee), Achilles tendinopathy, or plantar fasciitis, you might be wondering: Does it really work?

A scientific review and meta-analysis (a study that examines results from multiple high-quality clinical trials) looked at the effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for these conditions. Here’s what they found:

Key Findings:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Strong evidence supports the use of shockwave therapy for reducing pain and improving function in both the short and long term. Patients with plantar fasciitis saw significant benefits compared to other treatments.

• Achilles Tendinopathy: The results are inconclusive. While some studies showed slight improvement in pain, others found no major difference compared to other treatments like eccentric exercises. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

• Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper’s Knee): Shockwave therapy did not show significant improvements in function or pain relief in the short term when compared to placebo treatments. However, it may still be beneficial in certain cases, especially alongside other treatments.

  
  

What This Means for You:

• If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, shockwave therapy is a great option backed by strong scientific evidence.

• For Achilles tendinopathy, results vary—some patients improve, while others may need additional treatments.

• If you have jumper’s knee, you may want to combine shockwave therapy with rehab exercises for the best results.

How This Study Was Done:

• The researchers analyzed 63 clinical trials from multiple databases.

• They followed strict research guidelines to ensure the studies were high quality and unbiased.

• They used a grading system to determine how strong the evidence is for each condition.

Final Takeaway:

Shockwave therapy is a proven, effective treatment for plantar fasciitis and may help with other conditions, but results can vary depending on the condition, treatment protocol, and individual factors. If you’re considering it, consult a specialist to see if it’s right for you.