How effective is shockwave therapy for achilles tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis, also called Achilles tendinopathy, involves pain and reduced load tolerance in the tendon at the back of the ankle. Shockwave therapy delivers mechanical pulses through the skin to the painful area. The aim is to support symptom improvement so the tendon can gradually tolerate useful loading again.

It does not repair a complete tendon rupture and may not suit every cause of heel pain. A clinician should distinguish tendon pain from a tear, bursitis, nerve irritation or another condition before treatment.

A physiotherapist can assess walking, calf strength, ankle movement and recent changes in activity. Treatment commonly works with a graded exercise plan: loading is adjusted to the tendon response, then increased as control and strength improve. Wear supportive footwear and avoid sudden sprinting, jumping or hill work while symptoms are irritable.

Tell the provider about pregnancy, bleeding problems, medicines, nerve symptoms or a recent injection. Mild tenderness after treatment can occur; follow the specific activity advice you receive.

Seek urgent assessment after a sudden snap, immediate loss of push-off, a hollow in the tendon or inability to walk normally, because these features can indicate rupture. Contact your clinician for increasing swelling, redness, severe pain, fever or worsening weakness.

Ask whether the pain is coming from the Achilles tendon, what rehabilitation will accompany treatment, how activity should be modified and when progress will be reviewed. Discuss alternatives if symptoms do not improve or if a rupture is suspected.