These reports indicate the potential clinical application of ESWT as a novel treatment for OA.Īt present, evidence show that definite effectiveness of ESWT in OA remains insufficient. Furthermore, ESWT treatment can alleviate OA pain and improve motor function both in animal models and clinical trials. ESWT treatment can increase the activity of chondrocytes and decrease cartilage fissuring, as well as chondrocyte apoptosis, and it also has been proved that the chondroprotective effect is consistent and beneficial both in early or later stage of OA. Recent studies have shown that ESWT can accelerate the healing of meniscal degeneration and plays a chondroprotective role in OA. In recent years, ESWT has been considered and introduced in the treatment of OA and investigations have demonstrated that ESWT can ameliorate the pathologic changes of OA, including cartilage and subchondral bone changes. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several specific shockwave devices for the treatment of proximal plantar fasciitis and lateral epicondylitis of the elbow. In the past 15 years, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has emerged as a leading option for the efficient treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis, calcific tendinitis and non-union of long bone fracture, as well as avascular necrosis of the femoral head. However, none of these treatments can completely eliminate OA pain.

Multiple therapies, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, have been applied to patients with OA.

OA pain is the primary complaint expressed by patients who seek clinical intervention. The treatment of OA remains challenging, and the exact definition, risk factors and pathophysiology of the disease remain incompletely elucidated. The cardinal symptoms of OA include pain, transient morning stiffness, a grating sensation in the joint and a loss of function that may ultimately lead to instability and physical disability and an impaired quality of life, which places heavy burdens on the affected individuals and their communities. Osteoarthritis (OA), which is often described as a degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis, followed by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout and lupus.

Piezo wave therapy