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

Where Does It Hurt?

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?

See Shockwave Treatment In Action

Patient Education Video: How Does Shockwave Work?

From EPAT to Riding The Waves: How One Pro Athlete Tackled His Pain

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 to filter clinical research based on your condition. Topics include:

Shockwave therapy for back pain
Shockwave therapy for shoulder pain
Shockwave therapy for elbow pain
Shockwave therapy for knee pain
Shockwave therapy for ankle pain
Shockwave therapy for foot pain
Shockwave therapy for hip pain

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.

Discover a Faster, Safer Way to Treat Acute And Chronic Pain

Where Does It Hurt?

How Can Shockwave Help Me?

What Would Treatment Look Like?

See Shockwave Treatment In Action

Is Shockwave Supported by Research?

Research Library: The Applications Of Shockwaves In Medicine

Find a Center Near Me

Research Library:
The Applications Of Shockwaves In Medicine