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blog EPAT Shockwave Therapy

Stay in the Game: Shockwave Therapy for Athletic Foot & Ankle Injuries

As an athlete, nothing is more frustrating than being sidelined by chronic foot & ankle injuries. And when rest, ice, and stretching aren’t enough, it might feel like your options are limited.

The good news? An advanced, non-invasive technology called EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) is helping athletes heal faster and get back to their sport without surgery. In this blog, New England Podiatry breaks down the benefits, particularly for the competitors among us!

What is EPAT (Shockwave Therapy)?

EPAT is a treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to target injured soft tissues. This isn’t an electrical shock; rather, it’s a form of sound energy that stimulates the body’s own natural healing processes.

By delivering these pulses to the painful area, EPAT helps to:

  • Enhance blood circulation
  • Accelerate tissue repair and cell growth
  • Reduce pain and inflammation

It’s a non-surgical method designed to jump-start healing in stubborn, chronic injuries that have stopped responding to traditional care.

Your Questions About EPAT, Answered

What disorders can be treated?

EPAT is highly effective for common overuse injuries that plague athletes. It’s an excellent solution for chronic conditions, including:

  • Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Other forms of tendon pain in the foot and ankle

What is the treatment like?

The procedure is simple and performed right in our office.

  • We apply a coupling gel to your skin over the injured area, then deliver the pressure waves using a handheld applicator.
  • Sessions are quick, typically lasting only 5-10 minutes. Most treatment plans involve 3-5 sessions, scheduled about a week apart.
  • Best of all, there is no downtime, allowing you to continue with your daily activities immediately.

What are the expected results?

Many athletes experience significant pain relief after just a few treatments.

  • The beneficial effects of EPAT are often cumulative, meaning you may continue to see improvement weeks after your final session.
  • Success rates are high, with many studies reporting over 80% of patients treated experiencing pain relief and improved function.

It’s a proven method for getting athletes back on their feet!

Are there any side effects?

 The side effects of this non-invasive treatment are minimal.

  • You might experience some minor discomfort or redness in the treated area, which typically resolves quickly.
  • There are none of no risks associated with injections or surgery.

Questions? Concerns? Give us a call. Together, we’ll determine if EPAT is right for you.

At New England Podiatry AssociatesDr. Ronald EtskovitzDr. Raymond Murano IIIDr. Catherine JacobsDr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment.

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blog EPAT Shockwave Therapy

Stuck in Pain? EPAT Shockwave Therapy Can Help!

Foot and ankle complications can leave you limping, frustrated, and limited, especially when they’re left untreated. The good news? Innovative new tools and methods are helping DPMs manage and resolve chronic conditions, so when more traditional treatments fall short, New England Podiatry wants you to know that you’ve still got options for keeping pain under control.

If you’re dealing with persistent foot or ankle pain that isn’t responding to other therapies, EPAT shockwave therapy might be the answer you’ve been searching for. This blog aims to educate and inform, explaining the ins and outs of how EPAT works and what kinds of problems it’s well suited to solve.

What is EPAT Shockwave Therapy?

EPAT stands for Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy. It’s a non-invasive treatment that utilizes high-energy acoustic waves (sound waves) to promote healing in soft tissues.

  • These waves stimulate the body’s natural healing response, increasing blood flow to the injured area, reducing inflammation, and encouraging tissue regeneration.

When is EPAT a Good Option?

EPAT works well for stubborn foot and ankle conditions that feature chronic pain, including:

Benefits of EPAT Therapy

EPAT boasts several advantages:

  • No needles or incisions are involved, making it comfortable and well-tolerated.
  • EPAT treatments are typically performed in-office, requiring minimal downtime.
  • The benefits of EPAT therapy can be long-lasting, helping you maintain an active lifestyle.

Think EPAT might work well for you? There’s one way to find out: Give us a call!

At New England Podiatry, Dr. Catherine JacobsDr. Zachary SaxDr. Joshua OuletteDr. Ronald Etskovitz, and Dr. Raymond Murano III  provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a broad spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Our practice has proudly served the Boston area since 1984. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology to find the best solution for each individual. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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blog Treatment Options

Treatments: Kick Fungus and Pain to the Curb

Fungal toenails and chronic foot pain can be remarkably stubborn and resistant to treatment. However, you don’t have to deal with their frustrating persistence alone. New England Podiatry is always seeking new methods for resolving the many different podiatric conditions that we treat, and today, we’re pleased to share information about two innovative tools to help you reclaim happy, healthy soles.

We’ll explore two cutting-edge treatments: PinPointe Laser therapy for fungal nails and EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) shockwave therapy for pain relief.

PinPointe Laser: Shining a Light on Fungus

  • Onychomycosis, the technical term for fungal toenails, can make you want to hide your feet under mountains of socks. Traditional topical treatments can be messy, time-consuming, and often ineffective.
  • Yet that’s certainly not the case with the PinPointe Laser. This powerful tool emits a precise wavelength that penetrates the nail plate, targeting the fungal culprits at their source.
  • The best part? It’s virtually painless, and most patients require just one treatment! Studies show impressive results, with some suggesting that 80% of cases experience clear nail growth.

EPAT Shockwaves: Rebooting Your Pain Relief System

  • Foot pain can range from a dull ache to a searing pain. Plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and chronic tendonitis are common causes, often leaving traditional treatments feeling insufficient.
  • This is where EPAT shockwaves come in. These acoustic pulses stimulate blood flow, promote healing, and reduce inflammation, effectively rebooting your pain relief system.
  • EPAT is non-invasive, requires minimal downtime, and provides long-lasting results.
  • This FDA-approved procedure has very high success rates that are equal to or greater than those of traditional methods, including surgery.

Wondering if EPAT or PinPointe might be the solution your feet have been waiting for? There’s much more to say about each of these powerful podiatric tools, but we think that seeing them in action is the best way to understand just how effective they can be. At New England Podiatry AssociatesDr. Ronald EtskovitzDr. Raymond Murano IIIDr. Catherine JacobsDr. Joshua Ouellette, and Dr. Zachary Sax are always pleased to assist. We offer convenient locations in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280 to schedule an appointment today.