Shock wave therapy for Achilles tendinopathy

Abstract

Achilles tendinopathy has been reported as the most common overuse injury in sports medicine clinics (Clement et al. Am J Sports Med 12: 179–184, 1984). Standard treatment regimens include activity modification, heel lifts, arch supports, stretching exercises, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and eccentric loading. There is a lack of consensus regarding treatment. Even so, most athletes will respond to this regimen. However, conservative management will prove to be inadequate for a subset of patients. When conservative therapy fails, other noninvasive treatment measures may be considered. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been used in soft-tissue disorders including lateral epicondylitis, plantar fasciitis, and calcific tendonitis of the shoulder. Conclusive evidence recommending ESWT as a treatment for Achilles tendinopathy is lacking. This article explores the role of shock wave therapy in the management of recalcitrant Achilles tendinopathy in patients attempting to avoid an invasive intervention.