Sound waves to the calf could help you walk farther without pain

NCT ID NCT02652078

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether applying shockwave therapy to the calf muscles can improve blood flow and reduce pain in people with peripheral artery disease. About 138 adults with stable leg pain when walking will receive the treatment. The goal is to see if it helps them walk longer distances and feel better day-to-day.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (device)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a non-invasive way to improve walking ability and quality of life for people with leg pain from peripheral artery disease.

What could go wrong

This is a relatively small, early-stage study without a placebo group, so results may not be conclusive. The therapy might not produce meaningful improvement in symptoms.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

peripheral arterial disease peripheral vascular disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Academic Vascular Surgery Unit

    Hull, Yorkshire, HU3 2JZ, United Kingdom