Achillodynia is a pain syndrome of the Achilles tendon, the tendon that connects the musculature of the calf to the calcaneus bone, and is caused by overstraining of the tendon. It is an inflammatory reaction to a mechanical injury of the tendon through micro-trauma and is very common. Changes to tendon tissue are generally found around 2-6 cm above the calcaneus bone but may also occur at the bony attachment of the tendon. Patients complain of strong acute or chronic pain around the Achilles tendon with thickening in some areas.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a popular treatment method used to combat common concerns including heel pain, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendonitis, lateral epicondylitis, and more.
Extracorpeal Shock Wave Therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving areas where major connective tissues attach to bones.
Most patients treated with shockwave experience a marked improvement within several weeks. Range of motion increases and freedom from symptoms is usually achieved after a single treatment.