Foot pain can be debilitating and at Affiliated Podiatrists, doctors offer several services to help you manage or heal that pain. At either of their Chicago, IL, medical offices, you can receive EPAT (extracorporeal pulse activation technology) to treat pain.
What is EPAT?
EPAT (extracorporeal pulse activation technology), known as shockwave therapy, is a technique used to treat numerous chronic inflammatory conditions. It utilizes high-intensity sound waves to breakdown scar tissue and increases blood flow to areas of poor circulation to stimulate healing.
You need a minimum of three sessions to a maximum of five sessions, each session lasting about 10-15 minutes for proper or complete treatment. If you're worried about the pain, EPAT treatment feels like getting repeatedly snapped with a rubber band initially then dulls into light pulses.
What are the benefits of EPAT?
EPAT helps relieve pain and heal chronic conditions that don’t respond to traditional treatment. One of its other advantages is it's non-invasive (no scarring), requires no downtime, and no anesthesia.
You can expect to see results/improvements within four weeks after the last treatment. More dramatic results may occur 8-12 weeks after the last treatment.
Who can receive EPAT treatment?
EPAT isn't recommended for people using blood thinners or women who are pregnant.
How to prepare for EPAT?
Discontinue all anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen (Advil), Aleve, and all prescription anti-inflammatories) at least one week before the procedure. The only exception, but make sure to consult your Chicago podiatrist, is Tylenol because it's anti-inflammatory.
What does EPAT treat?
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
- Anterior Tibial Tendonitis
- Plantar Plate Injuries
- Peroneal Tendonitis
- Interdigital Neuromas
Do you want to speak with a podiatrist?
If you'd like to learn more about EPAT, or shockwave therapy, call Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL office at (773) 631-2079.