Living with persistent foot pain can make every step feel like an ordeal. At St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center, we understand the frustration of chronic foot pain. That's why we offer innovative treatments like Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) shockwave therapy in our Central Minnesota podiatry practice. EPAT is a noninvasive solution that harnesses the body's natural healing abilities to provide lasting relief. Learn more about this breakthrough treatment option below.
What Is EPAT Shockwave Therapy?
EPAT shockwave therapy is an FDA-approved treatment that uses sound and pressure waves to stimulate healing in injured soft tissue, which is a common culprit behind chronic foot and ankle pain. To administer this treatment, our St. Cloud podiatrists use a handheld device to deliver acoustic pressure waves, which penetrate deep into the affected area.
These acoustic pressure waves increase blood flow and metabolism in the treated tissue, enhancing circulation to deliver oxygen and nutrients more effectively to the injury site. This helps reduce inflammation and accelerate the body’s natural healing process.
The treatment is completely noninvasive — there are no incisions, needles, or medications involved. Each session typically takes about 15 minutes, and patients usually require between three and five treatments spaced one week apart.
Shockwave Therapy Benefits for Treating Foot Pain
EPAT shockwave therapy is an advanced technology treatment that provides a number of advantages to people struggling with chronic foot and ankle pain.
Fast and Convenient Treatment Sessions
EPAT therapy sessions typically take just 15 minutes to complete. You can easily schedule treatments during your lunch break or between other daily activities. Most patients need only 3-5 sessions, spaced about a week apart, to achieve optimal results.
Many patients begin to notice improvement after their very first treatment. While complete healing may take several weeks as your body responds to the therapy, the actual treatment time investment is minimal compared to other options.
No Downtime or Recovery Period
EPAT treatments require no downtime. You can return to most normal activities right away after completing a treatment session. The only restriction is avoiding high-impact exercise for 48 hours after each session.
This "lunch break" treatment approach means you won't need to take time off work or arrange for extensive help with daily activities. You can maintain your regular schedule while working toward lasting pain relief.
Noninvasive Treatment Approach
EPAT therapy is a conservative podiatric treatment that doesn’t require incisions, injections, or medication. Unlike surgery, there is no risk of infection, scarring, or other complications. The noninvasive nature of EPAT therapy makes it an excellent alternative to surgery for many patients.
High Likelihood of Success
Clinical studies show high success rates for various foot and ankle conditions treated with EPAT therapy. This is because EPAT shockwave therapy triggers actual healing in the injured tissue rather than just masking symptoms, leading to longer-lasting relief compared to temporary solutions like pain medication.
Reduced Need for Pain Medication
EPAT therapy helps many patients decrease or eliminate their reliance on pain medication. Natural pain relief often follows EPAT treatment, because the treatment stimulates healing in the injured tissue. This benefit is particularly valuable given concerns about long-term pain medication use. EPAT therapy's ability to address the root cause of pain instead of just managing symptoms can lead to sustained improvement without a need for ongoing medication.
Conditions Treated With EPAT Therapy
EPAT shockwave therapy can relieve foot pain caused by many common foot and ankle problems, particularly those involving soft tissue damage or chronic inflammation. It can work well for both acute injuries and long-term foot and ankle conditions that haven't responded to other conservative treatments.
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EPAT shockwave therapy can be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. It helps reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia ligament while setting the stage to help any micro-tears that are present to heal.
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Achilles tendonitis and other tendon problems often respond well to EPAT treatment. The pressure waves help break up scar tissue and stimulate new collagen production for stronger, healthier tendons.
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EPAT therapy can also be beneficial for treating neuromas, shin splints, and various forms of foot and ankle tendonitis.
A podiatrist will need to examine you to determine if you are a candidate for EPAT therapy. We encourage you to visit one of the skilled podiatrists at the St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center for an individualized evaluation and customized treatment plan.