You’ve been struggling with chronic foot or ankle pain for months. You’ve tried rest, stretching, and inserts, but the pain persists, and now your doctor is mentioning the possibility of surgery. It’s a daunting prospect.
But what if there was a way to stimulate healing and find lasting relief…without a single incision? This is the promise of EPAT® (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology), also known as shockwave therapy. In this blog, New England Podiatry will look at three common scenarios where EPAT offers a better path forward.
The Busy Professional with Plantar Fasciitis
The Scenario: You’re a teacher, a nurse, or an office worker who is on your feet all day. Sharp heel pain from plantar fasciitis has become a constant, draining part of your life.
The Surgical Downside: A traditional plantar fascia release surgery can mean weeks of non-weight bearing on crutches, followed by a long, slow rehabilitation process.
- For someone with a demanding job and a busy family life, this extensive downtime simply isn’t a realistic option.
The EPAT Alternative: Treatment consists of a few quick, 10-15-minute in-office sessions!
- There is no downtime. You can walk out of the office and immediately return to your daily activities!
- The acoustic waves stimulate your body’s natural healing process, breaking down scar tissue and reducing inflammation while you continue to live your life.
The Everyday Athlete with Achilles Tendonitis
The Scenario: You love your weekend runs or pickleball games, but a nagging, chronic pain in your Achilles tendon is keeping you on the sidelines.
The Surgical Downside: Surgery for chronic Achilles tendonitis is a major procedure.
- It involves cutting the damaged tendon, has a significant risk of complications, and requires a very long recovery, often in a cast or boot for months, followed by extensive physical therapy. For an active person, this can be a devastating setback!
The EPAT Alternative: Shockwave therapy directly addresses the stalled healing in the tendon without any incisions.
- The high-energy sound waves increase blood flow and stimulate the regeneration of healthy tissue.
- It’s a way to restart the healing process and get you back to your sport faster, without the risks and lengthy rehab associated with surgery.
The Active Senior with Arthritic Joint Pain
The Scenario: Arthritis in your ankle or big toe joint has made walking painful and is starting to limit your independence and the activities you enjoy.
The Surgical Downside: A joint fusion or replacement is a highly invasive surgery, which can be a particular concern for older patients.
- The recovery is long and can be very challenging, impacting your ability to care for yourself and your home.
The EPAT Alternative: For many seniors, EPAT is an incredibly effective and safe way to manage the pain and inflammation from arthritis.
- By stimulating the tissue and improving circulation, it can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
- It provides a powerful option for maintaining your quality of life without the significant risks and long-term recovery of a major joint surgery.
Living with chronic foot and ankle pain does not automatically mean you need surgery. 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!
