Find out how shockwave therapy could eliminate chronic heel pain.
Dealing with heel pain is certainly frustrating but luckily some people are able to manage their symptoms until the problem goes away. But what if the problem doesn’t go away? If our Chicago podiatrists have diagnosed you with chronic plantar fasciitis or tendonitis and the symptoms aren’t going away or responding to at-home care then it might be time to consider extracorporeal pulse activation treatment (EPAT).
What is EPAT?
EPAT is a non-invasive treatment option that uses shockwave therapy to treat chronic forms of heel pain caused by tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, the two most common causes of chronic heel pain. EPAT technology targets the inflamed and damaged areas to trigger the body’s natural healing response to improve circulation and blood flow to the areas, regenerate healthy tissue and to speed up the healing process. This is a great option for those patients who want to avoid surgery.
What should I expect from this procedure?
EPAT is an amazingly fast treatment, which is a benefit to many of our patients who lead busy lives. There are also no anesthesia or needles involved in getting this treatment, so it’s completely non-invasive.
Does EPAT hurt?
EPAT uses special technology that sends pulses of energy to the areas of the foot causing you pain. EPAT should not be painful (after all, it’s trying to alleviate your pain not cause it). Some patients report a repetitive tapping sensation in their feet during the session, but you shouldn’t feel discomfort.
When will I see results?
Some patients notice a reduction in their heel pain after just one session while others may experience pain relief after around four weeks of treatment. It’s usually around the third EPAT session that patients notice the biggest difference in their symptoms.
How many EPAT sessions will I need?
On average, a patient will need to undergo anywhere from 3-5 sessions spaced out over several weeks. During your consultation, our Chicago foot doctors will discuss your treatment plan and how often you will need to come in for EPAT.
Are you interested in learning more about shockwave therapy to improve the health and function of your feet in Chicago, IL? If you are ready to finally get back to your daily workouts then call Affiliated Podiatrists today to schedule an evaluation. Let’s find out if EPAT therapy is right for you.