How effective is Shockwave Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis?
Updated: Oct 20
When it comes to MSK injuries, Achilles Tendonitis stands out as a very common yet debilitating condition that can significantly impair a person's quality of life. For those suffering with the persistent pain and discomfort associated with Achilles Tendonitis, the search for effective treatment options often leads to many different choices - each promising varying degrees of success and it is very confusing for people. With all these different types of treatment modalities, one innovative approach people are now turning to, is Shockwave Therapy. It has been gaining interest for its potential to help manage pain in long-standing (chronic) Achilles tendon problems, and it is non-invasive.
At The Shockwave Therapy Clinic UK, Achilles tendonitis is one of the most common condition we treat, and it's common in people who run or play sport.
Understanding Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis is a condition, characterised by inflammation of the Achilles tendon – the band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone and typically manifests as pain and swelling in the affected area. Achilles Tendonitis can arise from a multitude of factors, including overuse, improper footwear, biomechanical issues, or sudden changes in physical activity that the body isn't used to.
VISA-A Scale (The test for patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy)
The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) Scale aims to evaluate the clinical severity for patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy. It's a straightforward easily self-administered questionnaire that evaluates the symptoms and their effect on a persons physical activity. It can be used to determine the patient’s clinical severity and provide a guideline for treatments, as well as for monitoring the effect that the treatment has.
The VISA-A is very user friendly, and takes only a few minutes to complete, even for patients with chronic and severe symptoms. The questionnaire represents a valid, reliable and disease-specific questionnaire to measure the condition of a persons Achilles tendon, but it is not a diagnostic tool.
The questionnaire contains eight questions, covering three necessary parts:
Pain
Functional status
Activity
Shockwave therapy for Achilles tendon pain
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves which aim to stimulate the body's natural healing response. By targeting the affected area, it aims to promote tissue repair, increase blood flow and ease pain associated with Achilles tendonitis. Focused shockwave therapy may help some people with long-standing Achilles pain. Results vary from person to person.
Understanding the science behind Shockwave Therapy
The mechanism of action behind Focused Shockwave Therapy hinges on the principle of mechanotransduction, whereby mechanical stimuli are translated into biochemical signals within the body. When applied to the affected area, the shockwaves prompt an inflammatory response that kick starts the body's natural healing process, which aims to support repair of the tendon. Moreover, by disrupting the cycle of chronic inflammation often seen in achilles tendonitis, research suggests focused shockwave therapy can help kick-start healing in chronic Achilles tendinopathy.
Efficacy and Outcomes
Some studies have reported improvements in pain and function for people with long-standing Achilles tendinopathy, although results vary from person to person. NICE guidance (HTG426) says the evidence on how well it works is inconsistent. Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, such as redness, tenderness or occasionally bruising.
Embracing Innovation in Orthopaedic Care
Focused shockwave therapy is one of a number of options for people with ongoing Achilles pain. Research is still developing, and results vary from person to person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Achilles tendon problems can take time to settle. If yours hasn't improved, an assessment can help you find out whether focused shockwave therapy might be suitable for you. As we navigate the complexities of orthopaedic care, focused shockwave therapy is one option that research suggests may help some people with long-standing Achilles problems.
Comments