Using electrolysis to treat Achilles tendon pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction for Achilles tendon pain

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.