Using electrolysis to treat Achilles tendon pain
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Adding Low-intensity Percutaneous Musculoskeletal Electrolysis to the Conservative Treatment of Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
This study tests if a new treatment using electric currents along with specific exercises can help adults with Achilles tendon pain feel better and move more easily.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 102 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Maimonides University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires F.D.) |
| Trial ID | NCT05301959 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of low intensity percutaneous electrolysis combined with a high load eccentric exercise program for adults suffering from Achilles tendinopathy. The approach involves applying electric currents through a needle to stimulate a local inflammatory response, which may enhance healing and reduce pain. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the active treatment or a sham application while following the established Silbernagel protocol for exercise. The study aims to determine if this combined treatment improves functionality compared to standard care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a minimum of two months of symptoms in one or both Achilles tendons and a confirmed diagnosis of tendinopathy.
Not a fit: Patients who have undergone recent treatments for Achilles tendon pain or those with acute injuries may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective option for patients suffering from chronic Achilles tendon pain.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of electrolysis in treating tendinopathy is emerging, this specific approach has not been widely tested, making it a novel investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Presence of symptoms in one or both Achilles tendons with a minimum duration of two months. In case the symptoms are bilateral, the intervention or placebo will only be administered and its results evaluated- in the limb with greater symptomatology. If it is not possible to differentiate which one presents greater pain, the right Achilles tendon will be chosen. * Spontaneous pain of at least three points measured by a visual analog scale (VAS), reproducible by palpation between 2 and 6 cm above the insertion of the Achilles tendon in the calcaneal bone. * Evidence of tendinopathy by MRI. * Presence of post-static dyskinesia. * Willingness to not perform additional treatments (such as footwear modifications, physical therapy, orthotics, injections, or surgery) for Achilles tendon pain during the conduct of the trial. * Willingness to attempt to discontinue self-administration of medications (NSAIDs) for pain relief Achilles tendon(s) pain for at least 14 days prior to baseline assessment and during the course of the trial. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence or suspicion of pregnancy. * Previous surgical intervention on the AT in the symptomatic leg(s) * Total or partial rupture in the symptomatic AT * Chronic ankle instability, in the foot with symptomatic tendon(s). * Pathologies that can derive in pain in the region of the AT without being proper of the picture. (e.g.: osteoarthritis, impingement syndromes). * Presence of arthritis or any metabolic or endocrine disorder (type 1 or 2 diabetes). * Psychological disorders. * Oncologic history. * Treatment with quinolones or fluoroquinolones during the last two years. * Treatment with statins for the control of hypercholesterolemia for more than two months * Treatments within or at the periphery of the Achilles tendon, with anesthetics, corticosteroids or any other pharmacological agent during the last three months. * Needle phobia * Allergy to metal
Where this trial is running
Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires F.D.
- Maimonides University — Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires F.D., Argentina (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Santiago M d'Almeida, PT SCS — Maimonides University
- Study coordinator: Santiago M d'Almeida, PT SCS
- Email: dalmeida.santiago@maimonides.edu
- Phone: 01140573099
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.