Pain & Conditions Resource Center

Whether you know exactly what's wrong or you're just trying to figure out why something still hurts, start here. Browse by where it hurts, search by name, and get a straight answer about whether shockwave therapy is something worth discussing with a provider.

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70 conditions

Achilles TendinopathyAchilles tendinopathy is a chronic, overuse-related problem in the Achilles tendon — the thick cord connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It typically causes pain, stiffness, and sometimes thickening at the back of the ankle or a bit higher up the tendon. A medical evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis and its exact location (insertional vs. midportion), since that affects the treatment approach; shockwave therapy is one option sometimes considered for cases that persist despite initial care.
Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) is progressive hair thinning related to genetics and hormones. We want to set expectations accurately: the shockwave therapy evidence here is limited to a single small, uncontrolled study — real, but far too preliminary to call this an established hair-loss treatment.
Ankle ImpingementAnkle impingement is a condition where soft tissue or bone gets pinched at the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the ankle at the extremes of motion, causing sharp pain with certain movements. It's common in athletes, particularly dancers and soccer players. A medical evaluation, often including imaging, determines whether the impingement is primarily soft-tissue or bony, since that distinction matters for treatment.
Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head (Early-Stage, Adjunct)Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) of the femoral head is a loss of blood supply to part of the hip's ball-shaped bone, which can lead to bone collapse and arthritis if it progresses. This is a serious, potentially progressive condition that requires evaluation by an orthopedic specialist; shockwave therapy has been studied specifically as an early-stage adjunct, and it does not reverse established bone collapse or replace surgical treatment when surgery is indicated.
Biceps TendinopathyBiceps tendinopathy is an overuse condition affecting the biceps tendon, which can occur near the shoulder (the long head of the biceps, where it runs through the front of the shoulder joint) or lower down at the elbow (the distal biceps tendon, where it attaches to the forearm bone). These are different injuries with different evidence bases, which is explained honestly below. A medical evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis and location before any treatment is considered.
Burn Scar Contracture & Hypertrophic Burn ScarsAfter a burn heals, the resulting scar can become thickened (hypertrophic) and tight, sometimes restricting movement — this is called a contracture when it limits joint motion. A randomized, double-blind trial found shockwave therapy improved scar pain, thickness, and some hand-function measures in burn scars, though it did not improve every outcome measured, including grip strength.
Burns & Acute Wound HealingThis page covers extracorporeal shockwave therapy's studied role in accelerating healing of acute wounds — specifically superficial second-degree burns and skin graft donor sites (the wound left behind when skin is harvested for a graft elsewhere). This is a medical/surgical wound-care context, and any burn or surgical wound needs evaluation and management by the treating surgical or burn care team; shockwave therapy, where relevant, would be an adjunct within that care, not a stand-alone treatment or something pursued outside of coordinated medical care.
Calcific Tendinitis of the ShoulderCalcific tendinitis of the shoulder is a buildup of calcium deposits within one of the rotator cuff tendons, most often the supraspinatus. It can cause a dull, chronic ache or, during certain phases, sudden and severe pain. A medical evaluation, usually including imaging, confirms the diagnosis and the size/stage of the deposit; shockwave therapy is one of the more studied non-surgical options, including in randomized trials.
Calf Muscle Strain (Gastrocnemius Injury)A calf strain — sometimes called "tennis leg" when it involves the medial gastrocnemius muscle — is a tear within the calf muscle, often felt as a sudden, sharp pain during pushing off or a quick change of direction. A medical evaluation, often with imaging, confirms the diagnosis and rules out a blood clot, which can cause similar calf symptoms and needs a different, urgent evaluation. We want to be upfront that the shockwave therapy evidence here is limited to a single case report.
Carpal Tunnel SyndromeCarpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes through a narrow passage (the carpal tunnel) in the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and sometimes weakness in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. Because this is a nerve compression condition, a medical evaluation — including nerve-specific testing when appropriate — is essential to confirm the diagnosis and its severity before any treatment, including shockwave therapy, is considered.
Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerve in the Neck)Cervical radiculopathy is arm pain, numbness, or weakness caused by a compressed or irritated nerve root in the neck. A large, sham-controlled randomized trial found that shockwave therapy combined with stabilization exercise produced a significantly higher overall improvement rate than exercise with sham treatment.
Cervicogenic & Tension-Type HeadacheCervicogenic headache and muscle-tension-related headache are types of headache that originate from, or are closely linked to, tightness and trigger points in the neck and upper trapezius muscles — distinct from migraine or other primary headache disorders. A medical evaluation is the necessary first step, since headaches have many possible causes and getting the right diagnosis matters more than which treatment is tried.
Chronic Wounds & UlcersChronic wounds — including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure (decubitus) ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and other wounds that fail to heal within the expected timeframe — require comprehensive medical management, typically involving wound care specialists, and often a broader care team addressing underlying contributors like diabetes control, vascular status, and pressure offloading. Shockwave therapy has been studied as a possible adjunct in this space; it is never a substitute for that comprehensive medical management.
Coccydynia (Tailbone Pain)Coccydynia is pain centered at the coccyx (tailbone), typically worsened by sitting or transitioning from sitting to standing. A medical evaluation, sometimes with imaging, helps rule out a fracture or other structural cause; shockwave therapy has real case-series evidence here, though without a comparison group.
Costochondritis (Chest Wall Pain)Costochondritis is inflammation or irritation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone, causing chest wall pain that's tender to the touch. Chest pain always needs a medical evaluation first to rule out cardiac, pulmonary, or other serious causes — costochondritis is a diagnosis of exclusion, confirmed only after those causes have been ruled out. Shockwave therapy has real comparative-trial evidence specifically for this diagnosis, once confirmed.
Cubital Tunnel SyndromeCubital tunnel syndrome is compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes behind the inner elbow (the "funny bone" area), causing numbness, tingling, or weakness in the ring and little fingers. A medical evaluation, sometimes with nerve conduction studies, confirms the diagnosis and severity, which affects treatment; we want to be upfront that the shockwave therapy evidence here is a small, uncontrolled pilot study.
De Quervain's TenosynovitisDe Quervain's tenosynovitis is irritation of the tendons and tendon sheath at the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain with thumb and wrist movement — classically with gripping, twisting, or lifting with the thumb extended. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis; shockwave therapy is one option that's been studied here, generally showing effects broadly comparable to other conservative treatments.
Diabetic Foot UlcersDiabetic foot ulcers are open wounds that develop on the feet of people with diabetes, most often related to reduced sensation (neuropathy), impaired circulation, and pressure over bony areas, and they carry a serious risk of infection and complications if not properly managed. This requires comprehensive medical care — blood sugar control, wound care, pressure offloading, and infection monitoring — overseen by your physician or a wound care specialist; shockwave therapy has real systematic-review-level evidence as an adjunct to that standard care.
Dupuytren's ContractureDupuytren's contracture is a condition where the connective tissue in the palm thickens and tightens, gradually pulling one or more fingers (most often the ring and little fingers) toward the palm and limiting the ability to fully straighten them. A hand specialist evaluation determines severity and appropriate treatment; shockwave therapy has been studied in small, early trials, generally as a way to address pain and some functional symptoms rather than to reverse established contracture.
Facet Joint-Related Low Back PainThe facet joints are small paired joints at the back of each spinal segment, and when these specifically are the source of low back pain, it's a more precise diagnosis than "low back pain" generally — our other low back pain page is intentionally thin-evidence because that broader category has so many possible causes. This page covers the specific, better-evidenced case of facet-joint-confirmed pain, typically identified through a diagnostic procedure called a medial branch block.
Fracture Non-Union & Delayed Bone HealingA fracture is considered a "delayed union" when it's healing more slowly than expected, and a "non-union" when healing has effectively stopped, typically defined as no meaningful progress on imaging for several months. This is a more specialized situation than most conditions on this site, and it requires close coordination with the orthopedic surgeon or physician managing your fracture. High-energy focused shockwave therapy is one of the more established non-surgical options studied for delayed and non-union fractures, with evidence including a randomized trial published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition where the shoulder capsule — the connective tissue surrounding the joint — thickens and tightens, causing progressive pain and a real, measurable loss of both active and passive range of motion. It typically moves through freezing, frozen, and thawing phases over months to more than a year. A medical evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of shoulder stiffness; shockwave therapy is one option that's been studied as an adjunct to physical therapy.
Gluteal TendinopathyGluteal tendinopathy is chronic irritation and disorganized tissue change in the gluteus medius and/or gluteus minimus tendons, where they attach near the outer hip. It's now understood to be the primary driver behind most cases of what used to be called "hip bursitis," and it's closely related to greater trochanteric pain syndrome. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis.
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)Golfer's elbow — medial epicondylitis — is a chronic overuse condition of the tendons on the inside of the elbow that attach the forearm's wrist-flexor muscles. It causes pain on the inner elbow, often with gripping or lifting. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis and rules out other causes, such as ulnar nerve irritation, which can feel similar.
Greater Trochanteric Pain SyndromeGreater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of outer hip pain, most often related to irritation or tendinopathy of the gluteal tendons where they attach near the bony point of the hip (the greater trochanter). It's frequently worse lying on the affected side at night and with walking. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis and rules out other sources of hip pain.
Hallux Rigidus (Big Toe Joint Arthritis)Hallux rigidus is arthritis of the big toe's main joint that causes pain and progressive stiffness, eventually limiting how far the toe can bend. It's a structural, degenerative condition — shockwave therapy has some case-series evidence behind it as a conservative pain-management option, but it doesn't reverse the underlying joint changes.
Hamstring Muscle StrainA hamstring strain is a tear within the muscle belly of the hamstring group, ranging from a mild pull to a more significant partial tear — distinct from proximal hamstring tendinopathy, an overuse condition where the tendon attaches to the sit bone, which is covered on its own page. A medical evaluation, often with ultrasound or MRI grading, determines severity and whether shockwave therapy is a reasonable option alongside rehabilitation.
Heel SpursA heel spur is a bony growth that can form on the heel bone (calcaneus), usually where the plantar fascia attaches. Importantly, heel spurs themselves are often not the source of pain — many people with a spur on X-ray have no pain at all, and the discomfort commonly associated with "heel spurs" is usually coming from the surrounding soft tissue (most often plantar fasciitis), not the bony spur itself. A medical evaluation clarifies what's actually causing your symptoms.
Hip Osteoarthritis (Adjunct Pain Management)Hip osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of cartilage cushioning the hip joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced function that typically worsens over time. As with our knee osteoarthritis page, we want to be upfront: shockwave therapy does not reverse arthritis or replace standard hip osteoarthritis care — it's been studied as a short-term adjunct pain-management approach. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis and its severity.
Hypertrophic & Retracting ScarsHypertrophic scars are raised, thickened scars that form when the body produces excess collagen during wound healing; retracting (contracted) scars pull and tighten surrounding tissue, which can restrict movement, particularly when they occur over a joint such as the hand. A dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or hand specialist (depending on location and severity) should evaluate any problematic scar to determine the most appropriate treatment, which may include options with more established evidence than shockwave therapy.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse condition causing pain on the outside of the knee, related to irritation where the iliotibial band — a thick band of connective tissue running from the hip to just below the knee — repeatedly rubs or compresses tissue near the outer knee during activity, especially running. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis; shockwave therapy has been studied here, with evidence roughly comparable to manual therapy rather than clearly superior.
Keloid ScarsKeloid scars are raised, thickened scars that grow beyond the boundary of the original wound or injury, distinct from hypertrophic scars, which stay within the original wound margins (covered on our separate hypertrophic scarring page). A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis; shockwave therapy has real comparative evidence against the current standard treatment, corticosteroid injection.
Kienböck's Disease (Lunate Avascular Necrosis)Kienböck's disease is a loss of blood supply to the lunate, one of the small carpal bones of the wrist, which can progress to bone collapse and wrist arthritis if untreated. This is a condition managed by a hand specialist, with treatment depending heavily on how far the disease has progressed; the shockwave therapy evidence we could independently verify is limited to one small study without a comparison group.
Knee Cartilage Injury (Focal Chondral Defect)A focal chondral (cartilage) defect is localized damage to the smooth cartilage surface inside the knee joint, which can occur from an acute injury or develop gradually from repetitive joint stress. This is a structural joint injury, not a soft-tissue overuse condition like most conditions on this site, and it typically requires imaging and orthopedic evaluation to characterize its size and depth before any treatment — including shockwave therapy — is considered.
Knee Osteoarthritis (Adjunct Pain Management)Knee osteoarthritis is the gradual breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced function that typically worsens over time. It's important to be direct upfront: shockwave therapy does not reverse arthritis, rebuild cartilage, or replace standard osteoarthritis management — it's been studied as an adjunct pain-management approach, meaning something added alongside, not instead of, the mainstays of OA care. A medical evaluation is needed to confirm the diagnosis and its severity.
Lipedema (Post-Liposuction Recovery Support)Important context up front: the evidence here is specifically about using shockwave therapy in the days and weeks after lipedema liposuction surgery to support recovery — not about treating lipedema itself without surgery. A study of women recovering from lipedema liposuction found that shockwave therapy, started about a week after surgery, reduced post-surgical fibrosis, improved skin elasticity, and reduced pain compared to those who didn't receive it.
Low Back PainLow back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, and it has many possible causes — muscular strain, myofascial pain, facet joint irritation, disc-related pain, and nerve compression, among others. Because the right treatment depends heavily on the actual source of pain, a medical evaluation to identify what's driving your symptoms is the essential first step; shockwave therapy is, at most, a narrow option considered for specific soft-tissue sources of low back pain in some cases, not a general treatment for all low back pain.
LymphedemaLymphedema is chronic swelling, most often in an arm or leg, caused by a buildup of lymphatic fluid when the lymphatic system isn't draining properly — commonly a result of lymph node removal or radiation as part of cancer treatment (secondary lymphedema), though it can also occur without a cancer history. This page discusses lymphedema as a swelling/tissue condition in its own right, not as cancer treatment — this practice does not treat cancer, and anyone with a cancer history should have any new or worsening swelling evaluated by their oncology team first to rule out other causes.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)Medial tibial stress syndrome — commonly called shin splints — is pain along the inner edge of the shin bone (tibia), caused by repetitive stress to the bone and the tissue that covers it. It's extremely common in runners and other athletes, especially with a recent increase in training load. A medical evaluation is important because shin splints exist on a spectrum with tibial stress fractures, and distinguishing between the two changes how cautiously the injury needs to be managed.
Morton's NeuromaMorton's neuroma is a painful thickening of tissue around a nerve between the bones of the forefoot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes, causing burning, tingling, numbness, or a sensation of "walking on a pebble." A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis; shockwave therapy has been studied here in a couple of small, sham-controlled trials with encouraging but not yet conclusive results.
Myofascial Pain & Trigger PointsMyofascial pain syndrome involves tight, tender bands or "knots" within a muscle — trigger points — that can cause local pain and, characteristically, pain that refers to other areas of the body. It commonly affects the neck, upper back, and shoulder girdle, though it can occur nearly anywhere there's muscle. A medical evaluation helps distinguish myofascial pain from other causes of regional pain; shockwave therapy, often combined with manual therapy, is one option that's been explored for this condition.
Neck Pain & Cervical Myofascial PainNeck pain has many possible causes, from muscular strain and myofascial trigger points to disc-related or nerve-related issues. This page focuses specifically on cervical and upper-trapezius myofascial pain — muscle and connective-tissue-related neck pain, often with identifiable trigger points — which has real, independently published shockwave therapy research behind it. A medical evaluation is the necessary first step to determine whether your neck pain fits this pattern, since other causes need a different approach entirely.
Osteitis Pubis (Athletic Groin Pain)Osteitis pubis, along with related athletic groin pain and adductor-related groin syndromes, involves irritation and pain at or near the pubic symphysis (where the two sides of the pelvis meet in front) and the tendons that attach there. It's especially common in soccer, hockey, and other sports involving repetitive kicking, sprinting, and change of direction. A medical evaluation is needed since groin pain has several possible causes, some of which — like a hip labral tear or a sports hernia — need a different treatment approach entirely.
Osteochondritis DissecansOsteochondritis dissecans (OCD) is a condition where a segment of bone just under the joint cartilage loses blood supply and can potentially separate from the surrounding bone, most often affecting the knee, but also seen in the ankle and elbow. A medical evaluation with imaging stages the lesion, since treatment differs significantly between growing adolescents (whose bones can sometimes heal the lesion on their own) and adults.
Patellar Tendinopathy (Jumper's Knee)Patellar tendinopathy — often called "jumper's knee" — is a chronic overuse condition of the tendon connecting the kneecap (patella) to the shin bone. It usually causes a focused ache just below the kneecap that worsens with jumping, squatting, or descending stairs. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis; shockwave therapy is sometimes considered when symptoms persist despite a structured loading program.
Patellofemoral Pain SyndromePatellofemoral pain syndrome is a common cause of aching pain around or behind the kneecap, related to how the kneecap tracks and loads against the thigh bone during bending and straightening — distinct from patellar tendinopathy (jumper's knee), which involves the tendon just below the kneecap. A medical evaluation distinguishes between these and other causes of anterior knee pain, since the distinction affects treatment.
Peroneal Tendon InjuriesThe peroneal tendons run along the outer ankle and help stabilize and move the foot; overuse, ankle instability, or injury can lead to peroneal tendinopathy (irritation) or, less commonly, a partial tear. A medical evaluation, usually with imaging, is important here to distinguish tendinopathy from a tear, since that changes the treatment approach. We want to be direct that the shockwave therapy evidence for this specific area is very limited — this page describes what actually exists rather than implying more than that.
Pes Anserine BursitisPes anserine bursitis is irritation of the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) on the inner side of the knee, just below the joint, where three tendons converge. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis; we want to be direct upfront that the shockwave therapy evidence here is mixed, with one trial finding it performed worse than corticosteroid injection.
Piriformis SyndromePiriformis syndrome is pain caused by irritation or spasm of the piriformis muscle, deep in the buttock, which can sometimes irritate the nearby sciatic nerve and cause pain radiating down the leg. A medical evaluation is important to distinguish this from other causes of buttock and leg pain, particularly a lumbar disc issue, since the treatment differs.
Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is irritation of the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It's one of the most common causes of heel pain, especially pain that's sharpest with the first few steps in the morning. A medical evaluation determines the actual cause of your symptoms; shockwave therapy is sometimes considered for cases that haven't responded to initial conservative care.
Plantar Fibromatosis (Ledderhose Disease)Plantar fibromatosis, also called Ledderhose disease, is a condition where firm nodules develop in the connective tissue of the sole of the foot (the plantar fascia) — essentially the foot's counterpart to Dupuytren's contracture in the hand, and the two conditions sometimes occur together in the same person. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis; the shockwave therapy evidence here is limited to small case series and reports.
Post-ACL Reconstruction Recovery SupportAfter ACL reconstruction, recovery can be slow and graft healing takes months. One randomized trial found shockwave therapy sped up return to running and pivoting sports and showed better graft-healing signs on MRI. A separate meta-analysis pooling several studies found a smaller, less consistent benefit overall. We think both results are worth knowing before deciding whether this fits your recovery plan.
Post-Surgical (Post-Laminectomy) Epidural Fibrosis & Radicular PainAfter lumbar spine surgery (such as a laminectomy), scar tissue can form around the nerve roots — called epidural fibrosis — and cause ongoing radicular pain (pain radiating down the leg, similar to sciatica). We want to be precise about scope here: the research behind shockwave therapy for this is specific to this post-surgical scar-tissue situation, not general disc-related sciatica that hasn't involved surgery.
Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores)Pressure ulcers (bedsores) are areas of skin and underlying tissue damage caused by prolonged pressure, most common in people with limited mobility. A small number of controlled studies suggest shockwave therapy may help these chronic wounds heal as an adjunct to standard pressure-ulcer care — this does not replace pressure redistribution, repositioning, and standard wound management, which remain essential.
Proximal Hamstring TendinopathyProximal hamstring tendinopathy is chronic irritation of the hamstring tendons where they attach at the sit bone (ischial tuberosity). It typically causes a deep, localized ache that's worse with sitting, sprinting, or stretching, and is common in runners and athletes in sprinting- or kicking-heavy sports. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis and rules out other causes of deep buttock/upper hamstring pain, such as sciatic nerve irritation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Joint PainRheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. A small, uncontrolled case series found that adding shockwave therapy to standard care reduced pain and morning stiffness, and let most patients reduce or stop pain medication — but this is early, limited evidence, not a controlled trial.
Rotator Cuff-Related Shoulder PainRotator cuff-related shoulder pain covers a group of conditions affecting the tendons that stabilize and move the shoulder, including rotator cuff tendinopathy and calcific tendinitis (calcium deposits within a rotator cuff tendon). It commonly causes pain with overhead reaching and at night. A medical evaluation is needed to determine which specific structure is involved, since treatment — including whether shockwave therapy is a reasonable option — can differ by diagnosis.
Sacroiliac (SI) Joint DysfunctionThe sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the base of the spine to the pelvis, and dysfunction or irritation here is a common, specific cause of lower back and buttock pain, distinct from the general low back pain covered on our other page. A medical evaluation, often involving specific provocative tests, helps confirm the SI joint as the pain source.
Scaphoid Fracture NonunionThe scaphoid is one of the small bones of the wrist, and it's notorious for poor healing after a fracture because of its limited blood supply — a meaningful number of scaphoid fractures go on to nonunion (failure to heal) if not caught and treated appropriately. This is a condition managed by a hand or wrist specialist, typically with surgery; shockwave therapy has been studied specifically as an adjunct used alongside surgical fixation, not as a stand-alone alternative to it.
Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) Skin Fibrosis & Digital UlcersScleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is an autoimmune condition that causes skin and, in some cases, internal-organ fibrosis (thickening and scarring), and can cause painful fingertip ulcers from poor circulation. Two small pilot studies suggest shockwave therapy may help skin symptoms and digital ulcers — this is early-stage research, not an established treatment, and doesn't affect the underlying autoimmune disease.
Sesamoiditis & Sesamoid InjuriesThe sesamoids are two small bones embedded in a tendon under the big toe joint, and irritation, stress injury, or (less commonly) loss of blood supply to these bones can cause persistent pain under the ball of the foot. A medical evaluation, usually with imaging, is needed to identify the specific cause; the shockwave therapy evidence we could independently verify is limited to a single case report of a specific, uncommon presentation.
Shoulder Impingement SyndromeShoulder impingement syndrome describes pain from soft tissue being pinched between the top of the arm bone and the bony arch above it, typically during overhead or out-to-the-side arm movement — distinct from, but sometimes overlapping with, rotator cuff tendinopathy, which is covered on its own page. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis and its overlap, if any, with rotator cuff pathology.
Snapping Scapula SyndromeSnapping scapula syndrome causes a grinding, popping, or snapping sensation where the shoulder blade moves against the rib cage, often with pain. A randomized trial comparing shockwave therapy to corticosteroid injection found shockwave produced better pain scores and higher patient satisfaction at six months.
Stress FracturesA stress fracture is a small crack in a bone caused by repetitive load rather than a single traumatic injury — common in runners and other endurance athletes, often in the foot (especially the fifth metatarsal) or lower leg. Most stress fractures heal with activity modification and time, but some — particularly in higher-risk locations like the fifth metatarsal — heal slowly or progress to non-union. A medical evaluation, usually including imaging, is needed to confirm the diagnosis, location, and healing stage.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)Tennis elbow — lateral epicondylitis — is a chronic overuse condition affecting the tendons on the outside of the elbow that attach the forearm's wrist-extensor muscles. It typically causes pain with gripping, lifting, and everyday tasks like shaking hands or turning a doorknob. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis; shockwave therapy is one of the more studied non-invasive options for cases that persist.
TFCC Injury (Wrist)The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is a cartilage and ligament structure that cushions and stabilizes the pinky side of the wrist; a tear or degenerative injury here causes pain with wrist rotation, gripping, or loading. A medical evaluation, usually with imaging, confirms the diagnosis and severity. We want to be direct that the shockwave therapy evidence we could independently verify is a single case report.
Thumb Carpometacarpal (CMC) Joint OsteoarthritisThumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint osteoarthritis, sometimes called basal joint arthritis, is wear-and-tear arthritis at the base of the thumb — one of the most common sites of hand arthritis. Shockwave therapy has only very limited research behind it for this specific joint; it's a reasonable pain-management option to discuss, not an established, well-studied treatment.
TMJ Disorder (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder describes pain and dysfunction involving the jaw joint and the muscles that move it, causing jaw pain, clicking or popping, and sometimes limited mouth opening. A medical or dental evaluation confirms the diagnosis and its likely cause (joint-based, muscle-based, or a combination), which affects treatment.
Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) happens when a finger's flexor tendon catches as it passes through a narrowed pulley (a ring-like structure that holds the tendon close to the bone), causing catching, locking, or a snapping sensation when bending or straightening the finger. A medical evaluation confirms the diagnosis; shockwave therapy has real, comparative trial evidence here, including a direct comparison against corticosteroid injection.
Venous Leg UlcersVenous leg ulcers are open wounds, typically near the ankle, that develop from long-standing venous insufficiency (poor blood return from the legs back to the heart). Standard treatment centers on compression therapy, and we want to be upfront that the best current evidence suggests standard compression-based care outperforms shockwave therapy — this page exists to give an honest, complete picture rather than a one-sided one.

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