Category: Heel Pain

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Don’t Want Surgery for Your Heel Pain? Try EPAT!

You’ve been diligent. You’ve done the stretches, worn the supportive shoes, and tried the inserts. Still, that chronic heel pain from plantar fasciitis or the persistent ache of Achilles tendonitis dictates your daily life! It’s a frustrating position that often leads patients to wonder:

“Is surgery my only option left?”

At New England Podiatry Associates, we believe in exhausting non-invasive options first. And for many patients, the answer is a powerful, proven technology: EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology), also known as shockwave therapy. Keep reading to learn how it works and why it might be right for you.

When Conservative Care Isn’t Enough

Chronic soft tissue injuries often get “stuck” in a cycle of inflammation and degeneration.

  • The body’s natural healing process has stalled, which is why standard treatments may no longer provide relief.
  • This is the critical juncture where a more advanced intervention is needed to prevent a trip to the operating room.

EPAT Shockwave Therapy: The Non-Surgical Intervention

Before considering a surgical procedure with its associated risks, anesthesia, and lengthy recovery, many patients explore EPAT.

Think of it as a way to “wake up” the healing process!

  • The energy from EPAT stimulates blood flow, accelerates cell regeneration, and breaks down restrictive scar tissue, all without a single incision.
  • It directly addresses the stalled healing that is causing your chronic pain.

A Direct Comparison: EPAT vs. Surgery

When the two are compared, EPAT’s advantages are obvious.

Whereas surgery features…
  • Incisions, anesthesia, and cutting of tissue
  • Weeks or months of recovery, often non-weight bearing
  • Potential infection, nerve damage, and scarring
  • Treatment in a hospital or surgical center
EPAT is…
  • Completely non-invasive, with no needles or cutting
  • A “walk-in, walk-out” treatment with no downtime
  • Free of any major risks, save for temporary, minor soreness
  • A quick, entirely in-office procedure
Who’s the Ideal Candidate for EPAT?  

EPAT is a powerful option for patients who:

  • Have been struggling with chronicplantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
  • Have found that conservative treatments are no longer effective.
  • Are looking for a proven, safe, and effective way to avoid surgery.

This is especially true for active individuals and athletes who can’t afford the long recovery time associated with a surgical procedure. With success rates over 80%, EPAT is a game-changing alternative.

Chronic Pain, Meet Long-Lasting Relief

Living with chronic foot pain does not automatically mean you need surgery. EPAT shockwave therapy stands as a formidable, non-invasive solution that can stimulate true healing and help you avoid more serious procedures. If you feel like you’re out of options, it’s time to ask if you’re a candidate for EPAT!

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III of  New England Podiatry Associates provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! 

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blog Heel Pain

5 Ways That Athletes Run Into Heel Pain

Heel pain is a common complaint among athletes that can sideline even the best of them for weeks. But “heel pain” isn’t a single diagnosis!

Several different conditions can cause discomfort in this crucial area, each stemming from different structures and requiring a specific diagnosis. In this blog, New England Podiatry Associates will break down 5 conditions that are often at fault.

1.) Plantar Fasciitis 

Plantar Fasciitis is a leading cause of heel pain in athletes. Inflamed tissues along the bottom of the foot connect to the heel bone, so during and after physical activity, athletes will feel sharp or intense pain under the heel.  

  • Runners are particularly susceptible to plantar fasciitis due to constant pressure on the back of their feet. Athletes with tight calf muscles or who haven’t trained in a while are also at risk.  

2.) Achilles Tendonitis 

The Achilles tendon connects the calf to the heel, so it is technically a cause of heel pain. You’ll hear about a major athlete sustaining a major Achilles injury almost monthly. Tiger Woods just ruptured his in March!

  • Inflammation of this tendon causes a dull ache or stiffness at the back of the heel, or slightly higher up the lower leg. Like plantar fasciitis, it’s often worse in the morning or after rest and can intensify after activity.

3.) Heel Spurs  

Heel spurs are often mistaken for plantar fasciitis because of their similar symptoms, but they are actually bony growths of calcium that form on the underside of the heel bone. 

  • Heel spurs themselves are often painless, but when pain is present, it’s usually because the spur is irritating the surrounding plantar fascia tissue. Athletes develop heel spurs over a long period due to chronic strain on foot muscles and ligaments, often as a secondary response to long-standing plantar fasciitis. 

4.) Sever’s Disease:

 Sever’s Disease is one of the most common causes of heel pain for active young children between the ages of 8 and 12.

  • It’s an inflammation of the heel bone’s growth plate (where the Achilles attaches) that causes pain at the back of the heel during and after activity. 

5.) Heel Pad Contusion:

A deep bruise to the fatty pad under the heel that usually occurs from a hard landing.

  • We see this a lot in basketball players, cross-country runners, and other sports that involve jumping. Over time, continued stress on the heel pad can cause heel fat pad syndrome.  

Does any of the above sound uncomfortably familiar? We can help! Get in touch and step toward relief today.

Dr. Catherine Jacobs, Dr. Zachary Sax, Dr. Joshua Oulette, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III of New England Podiatry Associates provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a wide spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! 

Categories
blog Heel Pain

Say No to Heel Spurs

Heel Spurs

Americans take an average of 5,000 steps per day. As we grow older, those steps turn into miles, and those miles can easily lead to a lot of wear and tear if we’re not careful. Around 10% of the population will develop a heel spur at some point in their life, making it one of the most common foot conditions you can have. If you’re a runner or stand on your feet for long hours every day, you’re at a higher risk of getting it. But luckily, there are some ways you can prevent this from happening, no matter how active you are. Let’s take a look…

What Is a Heel Spur?

To better prevent heel spurs, it’s important to understand what they are and why they develop in the first place. A heel spur is an extra calcium deposit that lies on the base of your heel bone. Bony growths develop and you’ll likely experience pain, inflammation, and swelling. However, it is possible to not experience any pain at all.

Heel spurs don’t show up in those with a gentle workout routine. It’s a wear and tear condition, occurring when excess stress and strain on your heels build up over time. Runners, professional athletes, and those who stand or walk on their feet all day are commonly the ones affected.

Preventing Heel Spurs

If you want to steer clear of any pain and discomfort that heel spurs can bring, you’re in luck! There are plenty of ways you can keep your feet healthy and safe. Here are some of our top tips for avoiding a heel spur:

  • Buying the right size shoe
  • Wearing shoes with arch support
  • Picking dirt or grass walking trails
  • Avoiding exercise classes on cement or hardwood floors
  • Invest in custom orthotics
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet.

At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various foot and ankle conditions. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.