--- title: Applications of Shockwave in Medicine description: There are several applications of shockwave in medicine for painful orthopedic issues. See the list of conditions, plus read patient stories and clinical evidence. --- [![CuraGenex_logo](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CuraGenex_logo.png?width=270&height=54&name=CuraGenex_logo.png "CuraGenex_logo")](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/) - Specialties - [Orthopedic Pain](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/shock-wave-therapy-orthopedics) - [Urologic Issues](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/shock-wave-therapy-in-urology) - Conditions - [Orthopedic Conditions](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/shock-wave-orthopedic-conditions) - [Urology Conditions](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/urologic-conditions-treated-by-shock-wave) - [About](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/excellence-shock-wave-therapy) - [Contact Us](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/find-shock-wave-provider) - [Blog](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/shock-wave-therapy-blog) [![Find a Center](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5895248/bd169566-383b-477a-a343-fac4087d10b8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5895248/bd169566-383b-477a-a343-fac4087d10b8) [![CuraGenex_logo](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/hubfs/CuraGenex_logo.png "CuraGenex_logo")](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/) - Specialties - [Orthopedic Pain](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/shock-wave-therapy-orthopedics) - [Urologic Issues](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/shock-wave-therapy-in-urology) - Conditions - [Orthopedic Conditions](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/shock-wave-orthopedic-conditions) - [Urology Conditions](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/urologic-conditions-treated-by-shock-wave) - [About](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/excellence-shock-wave-therapy) - [Contact Us](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/find-shock-wave-provider) - [Blog](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/shock-wave-therapy-blog) - [Find a Center](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/find-shock-wave-provider) - [Search](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/search-our-site) ![](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/hubfs/logos/the-orthopedic-center-logo-A6C093.svg) [Conditions We Treat](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/shock-wave-orthopedic-conditions) [Services We Offer](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/shock-wave-orthopedic-technologies) [Research Library](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/orthopedic-shock-wave-evidence) [Patient Successes](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/orthopedic-patient-stories) # Discover a Faster, Safer Way to Treat Acute And Chronic Pain Acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain can significantly impair your mobility — as well as affect your quality of life. At CuraGenex, we’re looking to change that by helping you address that pain. Skilled medical professionals use innovative technologies that address the root of your pain, not just your symptoms — so you can get back to doing what you love. The first step is locating the source of your pain. Where does it hurt? What’s causing your pain? What specific conditions are you experiencing? The chart below offers some key information to help you along. ![treat-acute-and-chronic-pain](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Website%20Images/treat-acute-and-chronic-pain.jpg?width=700&name=treat-acute-and-chronic-pain.jpg) ## Where Does It Hurt? Foot & Ankle Lower Extremity Knee Pelvis & Hip Hand & Wrist Upper Extremity Shoulder Back & Chest Neck Head & Face Bone Disorders Conditions Causes Signs & Symptoms Conditions - Plantar Fasciitis - Achilles Tendonitis - Plantar Plate Injuries - Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction - Peroneal Tendonitis - Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - Bursitis **Other Conditions:** Ankle Sprains Neuropathy Neuroma Bone related issues to include Non-Union, Delayed-Union, Stress Fractures Osteoarthritis (OA)- Arthritis Myofascial Pain Syndrome (Trigger Points) Fascia Pain Syndrome Acute Muscle Injuries Causes - Tension or stress in arch of foot that leads to small tears in the fascia - Repeated stretching or tearing - Being on feet for extended time periods - Foot mechanics (i.e., "flat feet') - Certain types of exercise (long-distance running) - Contributing factors such as age and obesity Symptoms - Heel pain on bottom, front edge of heel or back underside of heel - Tenderness over bottom of foot - Pain (to various degrees) when walking - Pain that is worse in the morning and improves throughout the day Causes - Lack of training, overuse or improper technique in sports - Repetition of tasks like typing - Intense strain such as from carrying heavy objects - Injury, fall or continued reinjury - Age can be a factor Symptoms - Often begins as mild ache at back of leg or above heel - Can be felt when ankle is stretched or standing on toes - Tenderness, stiffness and/or swelling Causes - Poor shoes such as heels - Walking barefoot on hard surfaces - Bunions or the tendency to roll feet inwards - Having a short first toe or long second toe Symptoms - Pain under second toe when walking - A V gap between second and third toes - Ongoing pain and swelling under the ball of the foot Causes - A fall or other acute injury - Overuse from high-impact sports - More common in women and those 40+ - Risk factors include diabetes, obesity and hypertension Symptoms - Felt along the inside of the foot and ankle - Pain worsens with activity, particularly high-impact - Difficulty walking or standing for long periods Causes - Runners, especially those who run distance, intervals or hills - A recent increase in high-impact activity - Ill-fitting shoes - Having a high arch or tight calves Symptoms - Pain upon waking or that worsens with activity - Tenderness or swelling around the back and outside of foot or ankle - Difficulty walking - Ankle instability Causes - Swelling due to an injury, such as a sprained ankle - High arch or flat feet - The presence of a growth such as a bone spur - Certain health conditions like diabetes, arthritis or low thyroid function Symptoms - Burning, numbness or tingling on the bottom of foot and toes - Weakness of the toes, ankle or foot - Pain on the bottom of the foot and toes Causes - Ankle overuse or strain due from repeat physical activity - Improper stretching or training, particularly for uphill running - Worn-out shoes or improper fit - New or previous injury - Conditions like ankle arthritis, gout or rheumatoid arthritis Symptoms - Pain when applying pressure to back of heel when flexing foot - Pain when standing on tiptoes or leaning on heels - Difficulty walking - Swelling or redness - Fever or chills (could be sign of infection) Conditions - Tibial Stress Syndrome - Anterior (Shin Splints) - Posterior (Shin Splints) - Stress Fracture - Non-Union/Delayed Union - Hamstring Tendonitis **Other Conditions:** Myofascial Pain Syndrome (Trigger Points) Fascia Pain Syndrome Acute Muscle Injuries Causes - Also known as medial tibial stress syndrome or "shin splints" - Caused by repetitive stress - Often seen in runners or those who have a recent increase in exercise - Improper shoes or training techniques - Activity that involve sudden stops and starts such as basketball or military training - Flat feet or high arches are risk factors Symptoms - A dull ache in the front part of the lower leg - Possible mild swelling or tenderness - Pain worsen with exercise or is better with rest Causes - Shin splints on the front of the shinbone - Tend to affect those new to an activity such as running, particularly downhill - Seen in those who run on the balls of their feet or overpronate - When shoes have poor shock absorption Symptoms - Shin pain increases when lifting toes while keeping heels on the ground - While pain can decrease after warm up, it may return at end of the activity. Causes - Shin splints felt on the inside rear part of the shinbone - More likely to occur in runners with high arches and who supinate - Can be caused by overtraining, hard surfaces and the wrong type of shoes Symptoms - Tenderness, soreness or pain on the inside rear edge of shinbone - The presence of small bumps on the shinbone - Pain is generally felt at the start of activity and gets better after a short time Causes - A small crack in the bone that can occur anywhere in the foot - Overuse is a common cause - Seen with an increase in activity or repetitive/high-impact activities - Those with osteoporosis may be at increased risk Symptoms - Pain that may develop gradually and decrease with rest - Pain is more intense with activity - Bruising and swelling is not as likely Causes - A broken bone takes longer or fails to heal due to lack of stability and/or blood flow - More common in breaks from a high-impact injury like a car accident - Lifestyle risks include use of tobacco/nicotine - Those who are elderly or have certain conditions (such as diabetes) are more prone Symptoms - Chronic lingering pain at the site of the break - May be constant or only when affected area is used - Tenderness or swelling - Weakness Causes - Cause by overuse, particularly while running, jumping or kicking - Seen in athletes that have sudden changes in movement or direction - Common in runners, swimmers and cyclists Symptoms - Pain in or close to the knee that may radiate upwards - Difficulty moving or bending the knee - Pain worsens with activity - Swelling or inflammation in knee or thigh Conditions - Patella Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) - Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee) **Other Conditions:** Osteoarthritis (OA)- Arthritis Knee Arthroplasty (post surgical) Causes - Injury to the tendon that connects the knee and shin - Commonly seen in sports with frequent jumping - Tight leg muscles or muscular imbalance can be factors - Risk factor: chronic diseases that disrupt blood flow to the knee Symptoms - Pain between the knee and shin ranging from mild to severe - Pain worsens with time and use - Swelling and burning in kneecap Causes - Often caused by running or jumping sports - Can occur due to injury or as a result of knee surgery - Those with muscle weakness or imbalance may be at increased risk Symptoms - Dull ache in front of knee - Pain may worsen when joint is bent, such as kneeling, squatting or using stairs Conditions - Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome - Bursitis - Piriformis Syndrome **Other Conditions:** Trochanteric Insertional Tendonitis Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (Musculoskeletal) Osteoarthritis (OA)- Arthritis Avascular Necrosis (AVN/bone disorder) Causes - Often seen in runners - Those with weak hip muscles or who experience trauma to the hip - Females 50+ are at increased risk as are those who are obese Symptoms - Hip pain and tenderness, particularly along the outer hip - Pain onset can be sudden or gradual - Symptoms may worsen with walking or pressure - Pain at night that interferes with sleep Causes - Repetitive activities like running, biking, and stair climbing or standing for long periods - Can be brought on by a hip injury or spine disease such as scoliosis - Most common in women and those who are middle-aged or elderly - Risk factors include rheumatoid previous surgery, gout, diabetes and obesity Symptoms - Pain at the point of the hip and may extend to the outside of the leg - Usually sharp and intense, particularly early on - Symptoms may be at night, after being seated or with movement Causes - May result from muscle overuse from running or repetitive activities - Also seen in patients who sit for extended periods - Can be trigger by a fall, accident or sports injury Symptoms - Pain, tingling or numbness in buttocks and possible down the leg - May worsen when climbing stairs, applying pressure or sitting for long periods Causes Symptoms Conditions - Finger Tendonitis - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Dupuytren’s Contracture - De Quervain Syndrome **Other Conditions:** Osteoarthritis (OA)- Arthritis Causes - Can be brought on by repetitive activities that are sports or job related - More common in older adults - RIsk factors: Diabetes, arthritis and gout Symptoms - Pain that increase with movement - Swelling, heat or redness in the affected finger - A lump or bump on or near the tendon Causes - Can be caused by repetitive motion from work or leisure activities - More common in women age 30-60 - Risk factors: Diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and certain lifestyle indicators Symptoms - Numbness, tingling and pain in the thumb and first three fingers - Wrist pain at night that impedes sleep - Pain or burning in the hand or arm - Weakness in the hand muscles Causes - Men are more prone, particularly as they age - Ancestry and heredity play a factor - Those with diabetes and seizure disorders are at increased risk Symptoms - One or more small lumps on palm of hand that are initially tender - Skin on palm may appear dimpled or puckered - Difficulty straightening or spreading fingers Causes - Also known as de Quervain's tenosynovitis - May be caused by repetitive motion - Can also be the result on a hand or wrist injury - Occurs in patients with inflammatory arthritis Symptoms - Pain near base of thumb - Swelling near base of thumb - Difficulty moving thumb and wrist when grasping or pinching Conditions - Medial Epicondylitis (Golfers Elbow) - Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) - Bicep Tendonitis **Other Conditions:** Osteoarthritis (OA)- Arthritis Myofascial Pain Syndrome (Trigger Points) Fascia Pain Syndrome Acute Muscle Injuries Causes - Often seen in those who play tennis, golf or baseball - Triggered through shoulder movement like swinging a club or serving a tennis ball - Can also result from carrying a heavy suitcase, chopping wood or operating hand tools Symptoms - Pain along the little finger/palm side of the forearm from elbow to wrist - Pain when wrist is bent toward palm or when squeezing a ball Causes - Seen in athletes as well as others who perform repeated activities with wrist and hand - Common in painters, plumbers, carpenters cooks, butchers and auto workers. Symptoms - Pain on the outside of elbow that may travel down the forearm - Pain may be triggered by activity - May be tender to the touch Causes - Can be caused by normal wear-and-tear and tendon weakening due to aging - Repetitive use, particularly overhead motion - Certain sports activities may ba a factor Symptoms - Pain or tenderness in the front of the shoulder - Symptoms worsen with activity - Pain or ache that moves down the upper arm - Possible popping sensation in the shoulder Conditions - Shoulder Tendonitis - Calcific Shoulder Tendonitis - Bursitis - Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder) **Other Conditions:** Osteoarthritis (OA)- Arthritis Myofascial Pain Syndrome (Trigger Points) Fascia Pain Syndrome Acute Muscle Injuries Causes - Most commonly brought on by repetitive arm use from sports activities - Athletes in volleyball, weight lifting, tennis, baseball and swimming are especially prone - Poor posture can play a role as can muscle weakness, tightness or imbalance Symptoms - Inability to hold arm in certain positions - Pain or tenderness at tip of shoulder and upper outer arm - They may be a clicking sensation, stiffness, loss of mobility or strength Causes - Can affect anyone, but athletes are particularly vulnerable - Common in adults age 40-60 and women are more likely to be affected - Risk factors include genetics and diabetes Symptoms - Sudden pain with shoulder movement - Decreased range of motion - Tenderness or stiffness Causes - Can be brought on by a variety of factors - Repetitive motion is a common cause - Athletes are susceptible - Risk factors: diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and other conditions Symptoms - Swelling that may be prolonged - Warmth, redness and tenderness in some cases - In some instances, fever and pain Causes - Occurs more often in those with diabetes, thyroid conditions, Parkinson's disease and cardiac disease - Having the shoulder immobilized for a prolonged period (surgery, injury) - More at risk: Those 40+ and women Symptoms - Symptoms increase over time - Begins with ache or dull pain on the outer shoulder or upper arm - There may be limited range of motion Conditions - Lower Back Pain **Other Conditions:** Myofascial Pain Syndrome (Trigger Points) Fascia Pain Syndrome Acute Muscle Injuries Causes - Repeated activity or sudden awkward movement - Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and other conditions/diseases - Risk factors: age, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking Symptoms - Pain ranges from muscle aches to stabbing, shooting or burning pain - May also radiate down leg - Pain may worsen with movement such as walking, standing, bending or twisting Conditions - Cervicobrachial Neuralgia Trapezius tension **Other Conditions:** Causes - Stress/fatigue - Holding head in the same position for long periods of time - Overexertion - A past or recent injury - Clenching jaw/grinding teeth - Repetitive activities (sports, lifting heavy objects, etc.) - Acute or continual muscle stress - Damage of a nerve as the result of an injury (for Cervicobrachial Neuralgia) Symptoms - Stiffness of neck muscles - Pain that persists or worsens - Numbness - Weakness - Limited range of motion - Dull pressure or a squeezing pain - Tightness and soreness in neck, shoulders, and jaw muscles - Possible difficulty sleeping or eating - Tender knots in muscles (for Myofascial Trigger Points) - Headache starts at the back of your head and spreads forward Conditions - Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ) **Other Conditions:** Causes - Clenching or grinding of teeth - Poor posture - Can be triggered by stress or anxiety - Jaw trauma or poorly positioned teeth - At risk: women 18-44, those with chronic inflammatory arthritis Symptoms - Jaw discomfort or soreness - Ear or tooth pain - Pain in face, shoulder neck or back - Headaches, dizziness or blurred vision - Clicking or popping in jaw - Ringing, crackling or sensation of fullness in ears - Limited mouth/jaw movement Conditions - Stress Fracture - Non-Union - Delayed Union - Avascular Necrosis (AVN) **Other Conditions:** Causes - A small crack in the bone that can occur anywhere in the foot - Overuse is a common cause - Seen with an increase in activity or repetitive/high-impact activities - Those with osteoporosis may be at increased risk Symptoms - Pain that may develop gradually and decrease with rest - Pain is more intense with activity - Possible swelling - Bruising and swelling is not as likely Causes - Broken bone fails to heal due to lack of stability and/or blood flow - More common in complicated breaks or those from a high-impact injury like a car accident - Lifestyle risks include use of tobacco/nicotine or poor nutrition - Older age or certain conditions such as diabetes, severe anemia or low vitamin D level - Some medications can increase risk such as anti-inflammatories Symptoms - Chronic lingering pain at the site of the break - May be constant or only when affected area is used - Tenderness or swelling - Weakness Causes - A broken bone takes longer to heal due to lack of stability and/or blood flow - More common in complicated breaks or those from a high-impact injury like a car accident - Lifestyle risks include use of tobacco/nicotine or poor nutrition - Older age or certain conditions such as diabetes, severe anemia or low vitamin D level - Some medications can increase risk such as anti-inflammatories Symptoms - Chronic lingering pain at the site of the break - May be constant or only when affected area is used - Tenderness or swelling - Weakness Causes - Joint or bone trauma from an injury - Medical conditions such as pancreatitis or diabetes - Steroid, bisphosphonate or excessive alcohol use - Certain medical treatments (such as radiation or organ transplantation) Symptoms - Joint pain when in use - Mild or severe pain, usually comes on gradually - Can occur on both sides (such as in hips or knees) ## How Can Shockwave Help Me? ### What Would Treatment Look Like? Shockwave repairs and regenerates damaged tissue and vascular structure in the body — without needles, knives or downtime. Physicians use a handheld device to apply acoustic pressure waves to the affected areas of your body where tissue is weakened, damaged or degenerated, stimulating blood flow to those areas and kick-starting your body’s natural healing response. Over 80% of patients report being satisfied with shockwave treatment — that’s equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods (including surgery) — but without the risks, anesthesia, scarring or lengthy recovery time. Treatment is performed right in your physician’s office. A typical procedure includes 3-5 in-office sessions approximately 5-10 minutes each at weekly intervals. [What Services and Solutions Are Available? ](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/shock-wave-orthopedic-technologies) [![Check Out Our Patient Brochure](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/5895248/d9bb5522-9c2e-4aee-b217-3def15928e5f.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/5895248/d9bb5522-9c2e-4aee-b217-3def15928e5f) ### **See Shockwave Treatment In Action** **![shock-wave-treatment](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shock-wave-treatment.jpg?width=600&name=shock-wave-treatment.jpg)** **[Patient Education Video: How Does Shockwave Work?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAXRuP6eBmQ&feature=emb_logo)** **[From EPAT to Riding The Waves: How One Pro Athlete Tackled His Pain](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJB_KWuB7hM&feature=emb_logo)** ## Is Shockwave Supported by Research? Yes. Shockwave is evidence-based, meaning there is extensive medical evidence supporting its effectiveness as a treatment option for a wide variety of medical conditions. Shockwave treatment has been around since the 1980s, when it was first used to disintegrate kidney stones without surgical intervention. Since then, the technologies have continued to evolve and expand in multi-discipline medicine. That’s why a growing number of patients are turning to this treatment option so they can feel better faster, without the risk or downtime associated with surgery. #### **Research Library: The Applications Of Shockwaves In Medicine** Want to dig in further to the research behind shockwave? **[Access our research library here](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/orthopedic-shock-wave-evidence)** to filter clinical research based on your condition. Topics include: [Shockwave therapy for back pain](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/orthopedic-shock-wave-evidence) [Shockwave therapy for shoulder pain](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/orthopedic-shock-wave-evidence) [Shockwave therapy for elbow pain](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/orthopedic-shock-wave-evidence) [Shockwave therapy for knee pain](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/orthopedic-shock-wave-evidence) [Shockwave therapy for ankle pain](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/orthopedic-shock-wave-evidence) [Shockwave therapy for foot pain](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/orthopedic-shock-wave-evidence) [Shockwave therapy for hip pain](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/orthopedic-shock-wave-evidence) Please Note: This content is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. If you are struggling with an orthopedic condition, talk to your doctor or [contact one of our providers](https://www.curagenexhealth.com/find-shock-wave-provider). ## Find a Center Near Me CuraGenex offers treatment solutions in a variety of locations across the country. Need help finding a location? We’ll help connect you right now to the locations near you. 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