Treating chronic foot and heel pain doesn’t have to involve surgical procedures. That’s where Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Therapy (EPAT) comes in. As a form of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), it uses shockwaves to increase metabolism and blood flow, stimulating or enhancing the healing process.
This procedure lasts about 15 minutes per session, with follow-up sessions scheduled a week apart. Patients may need 3 to 5 sessions to help alleviate their pain.
EPAT has many benefits. Patients experience a quick and non-invasive procedure without the need for anesthesia, a fast recovery, and positive long-term results. Since it’s non-invasive, there is no risk of infection and no stitches, scars, or sutures involved.
It is used worldwide to safely and effectively treat acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders. Here’s a look into the foot conditions EPAT therapy can treat!
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis occurs when the Achilles tendon, responsible for linking the calf muscles to the heel bone, becomes irritated and inflamed due to overuse. This condition is most common among runners and middle-aged people who engage in sports on the weekends.
Common symptoms you may experience include:
- a pop sound and sudden sharp pain,
- suggesting a ruptured tendon,
- difficulty flexing the foot,
- pain in the heel or the back of the leg,
- pain in the tendon the day after exercising,
- stiffness and soreness along the Achilles tendon in the morning,
- swelling and pain that worsens with activity, and
- thickening of the tendon.
Neuromas
Also referred to as a pinched nerve or nerve tumor, a neuroma is an often painful but typically benign growth of nerve tissue. Anything that compresses or irritates the nerve can cause a neuroma, including wearing shoes with a narrow toe box, wearing high heels, having flat feet or high arches, or sustaining trauma.
The most common neuroma in the foot is Morton’s neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes.
Common symptoms of a neuroma and Morton’s neuroma include:
- a burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate to the toes,
- feeling like you’re standing on a pebble in your shoe, and
- tingling or numbness in the toes.
Plantar Fasciitis
The plantar fascia is a strong band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes, connecting the bones in the feet and forming the arch. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue becomes overstretched, causing microscopic tears.
Common symptoms of this foot condition include:
Heel Spurs
A heel spur can form when plantar fasciitis is left untreated for a long time. This small, bony bump on the bottom or back of your heel is the body’s natural response to healing as it tries to repair itself by building extra bone.
The spur itself doesn’t cause pain, so if you experience pain, it’s because the spur is coming into contact with tendons, muscles, nerves, and other tissues.
- redness or swelling,
- a visible deformity or lump,
- stiffness or limited mobility, and
- pain or discomfort when walking, standing, or performing weight-bearing activities.
Stress Fractures
A tiny crack in the bone, known as a stress fracture, can be caused by any repetitive motion or activity that puts pressure on the bones; that’s why track and field athletes are at a higher risk of developing them. Stress fractures can also develop from regular use of a bone weakened by a condition like osteoporosis.
The weight-bearing bones in the lower body are usually affected, which means you’re most likely to experience a stress fracture in your lower leg or foot.
Common symptoms of a stress fracture include:
- pain that starts and worsens during physical activity,
- pain that doesn’t lessen after the activity has stopped,
- pain that’s more noticeable when you’re resting,
- tenderness, and
- swelling.
Other Musculoskeletal Issues
Musculoskeletal pain refers to pain in the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. The pain can be localized to one area or affect your entire body. Typically, the cause is poor posture or a dislocated joint, overuse injury, sprain, or direct blow to muscles, bones, or joints.
While symptoms may vary depending on the cause, common ones are:
Reach Out to The Foot & Ankle Center
Your foot conditions don’t have to hold you back. With its effective pain relief and fast recovery times, EPAT therapy is a transformative treatment option that can help you regain mobility. Reach out to the friendly and knowledgeable podiatrists at The Foot & Ankle Center to see if EPAT therapy is right for you!
Take the step toward a life without foot pain and limitations. Request an appointment online or call us at (314) 487-9300 to get started!