Heel Pain? Tendon Troubles? Shockwave Therapy Can Help

If you're dealing with chronic heel pain or tendonitis, you might have heard about EPAT shockwave therapy. But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit you?

The team at Podiatry Care, P.C. and the Heel Pain Center is here to help. We’ve whipped up a quick blog covering the ins and outs of EPAT for your convenience. Keep reading to learn all about it!

EPAT Explained: Targeting Pain with Sound Waves

EPAT stands for Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology. It's a non-invasive treatment that utilizes high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in soft tissues.

• A handheld device delivers targeted pulses to the affected area.

• These sound waves create micro-trauma, essentially microscopic tears, which trigger your body's natural healing response.

• Increased blood flow to the area promotes tissue regeneration and pain relief.

Conditions Effectively Treated by EPAT

EPAT works well to treat two common sources of chronic pain.

• Plantar Fasciitis: 

This inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament supporting your arch, is a leading cause of heel pain. A 2018 study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery found that EPAT therapy was effective in reducing pain and improving function in plantar fasciitis patients.

• Achilles Tendonitis: 

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, located at the back of your heel, causes pain and stiffness. Research shows EPAT to be a valuable tool in managing Achilles tendonitis, with studies demonstrating positive outcomes in pain reduction and functional improvement.

Faster Healing, Fewer Risks

Compared to cortisone injections or surgery, EPAT offers several advantages.

• It's a minimally invasive procedure with minimal discomfort.

• There's no downtime required, so it’s ideal for athletes.

• A series of 3-5 treatments spaced weekly is sufficient for most patients.

Considering EPAT? Consult a Podiatrist!

If traditional methods haven't worked, EPAT might make sense. A quick consult will help us determine if shockwave therapy is the solution you’ve been seeking.

Here at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we treat a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are dedicated to helping our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.