In the United States, 58.5 million people suffer from Arthritis, most commonly Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA). Patients are often advised to take medications and engage in physical activity to alleviate the pain, but many still struggle with managing their discomfort. However, a recent study, which analyzed randomized clinical trials, has found strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT). This therapy has shown significant results in reducing pain and improving functionality for KOA patients. This innovative treatment offers new hope for medical doctors who previously had limited options to manage their patients’ pain. In this article, we will explore the key findings of the study and discuss the implications of ESWT in the field of arthritis treatment.
The study
The systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by Avendano-Coy and other researchers reviewed 14 randomized clinical trials involving a total of 782 participants and 877 knees. The main outcome measures evaluated were pain levels, functionality, range of motion, and walking tests. The analysis revealed that ESWT resulted in a clinically significant reduction in pain, as measured on a visual analog scale (VAS), and an improvement in functionality, as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).
Key findings
Patients treated with ESWT experienced a significant reduction in pain levels, with an average decrease of 1.7 cm on the VAS scale. This reduction in pain is considered clinically significant, providing relief and improved quality of life for patients. Functionality, as measured by the WOMAC score, significantly improved by 13.9 points. This improvement indicates enhanced physical function and decreased disability for individuals receiving shockwave therapy.
The study demonstrated that ESWT had a positive impact on the range of motion of the knee joint. Patients treated with ESWT showed an average increase of 17.5 degrees in their range of motion, enabling improved mobility and flexibility. Additionally, walking tests conducted as part of the analysis showed that ESWT led to better functional capacity, as evidenced by a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.58.
Implications for your practice
The results of the study provide compelling evidence that ESWT is an effective treatment option for individuals suffering from KOA. The meta-analysis demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in pain levels for patients who received ESWT compared to those in control or other conservative treatment groups. These findings indicate that shockwave therapy has the potential to improve the quality of life for KOA patients by reducing pain and improving daily functioning.
One of the notable aspects of the study is the safety profile of ESWT. The analysis revealed minimal adverse effects associated with ESWT, with most being mild and transient, such as localized pain, redness, or swelling. This highlights the safety and tolerability of shockwave therapy as a non-invasive treatment option for individuals with KOA.
The study also investigated various factors that could influence the effectiveness of ESWT, including the treatment parameters. The analysis showed that medium energy flux densities of ESWT resulted in a greater reduction in pain and improvement in functionality compared to low or high energy densities. This information is valuable for orthopedics healthcare professionals in optimizing the treatment protocol for ESWT in patients with KOA.
The implications of this breakthrough study are significant for both patients and healthcare providers. ESWT offers a non-surgical, non-pharmacological approach to managing KOA, providing an alternative for individuals who may not be suitable candidates for traditional treatments or are seeking non-invasive options. By reducing pain and improving functionality, shockwave therapy has the potential to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals living with KOA.
The future perspective
The systematic review and meta-analysis on ESWT for Knee Osteoarthritis represent a significant milestone in the field of arthritis treatment. This provides robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of ESWT in reducing pain and improving functionality in patients with KOA, providing hope and relief for those who previously had limited alternatives. This non-invasive treatment option has the potential to transform the lives of millions of individuals with KOA.