Foot Pain Won’t Quit? EPAT Might Be Your Solution!
You’re at your wit’s end! You’ve tried everything: rest, ice, stretching, inserts, orthotics, even injections…but that nagging plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis just won't quit. Have you decided to simply live with it?
You might not have to. At Caring Podiatry, we understand this cycle, and we offer an advanced, non-invasive solution that can get to the root of the problem: EPAT Therapy (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology). Below, DPMs Craig Shapero and Andrew Schmierer explain who it’s for, what it treats, and why it’s so popular with patients.
Stuck in the Chronic Pain Loop?
Many patients find themselves trapped: the pain eases with rest but flares up as soon as they return to activity. Traditional methods often provide only temporary relief because they don't fully address the underlying tissue damage or inflammation.
Does this sound familiar?
You've stretched diligently, but the heel pain persists.
Anti-inflammatory medications only offer short-term comfort.
Cortisone injections provided some relief, but the pain came back.
You're hesitant about surgery due to the risks and long recovery.
If it does, EPAT might be able to help. According to Dr. Shapero,
“Shockwave therapy is able to stimulate tissue regeneration and can be highly beneficial for specific types of patients, particularly those with chronic musculoskeletal conditions that have not responded well to other treatments.”
When asked what types of conditions EPAT treated best, Dr. Shapero listed:
Plantar Fasciitis: “This is one of the most common conditions treated with shockwave therapy. It targets the plantar fascia ligament, which connects the heel to the toes. Shockwave therapy helps reduce inflammation and promote healing in this area, particularly in chronic cases.”
Achilles Tendinopathy: “For chronic Achilles tendon pain or tendinopathy, shockwave therapy can help stimulate collagen production and improve blood circulation to promote healing of the tendon.”
Tendinitis: “Conditions like posterior tibial tendonitis or peroneal tendonitis can also benefit from shockwave therapy, as it can reduce inflammation and improve the healing process of the tendons.”
How long does it last, and how many times does a patient have to come in?
Dr. Schmierer answered this one. First, he laid out the basics:
Session Length: 10-20 minutes per session.
Number of Sessions: Typically 3-5 sessions (sometimes more for chronic conditions).
Frequency: Sessions are usually spaced 1 week apart.
Elaborating on the pain itself, Dr. Schmierer explained:
“There’s some immediate relief, with full effects being felt in a few weeks. Many patients report noticeable pain relief after 2 to 3 treatments, but the full effect may take a few weeks as the body regenerates tissues and inflammation decreases.”
What is the success rate of shockwave therapy?
Dr. Shapero spoke about EPAT’s effectiveness in treating plantar fasciitis:
“Around 70% to 80% of patients with chronic plantar fasciitis experience significant pain relief and improved function after shockwave therapy. Many patients report pain relief within 3 to 4 weeks after completing the full treatment course (usually 3-5 sessions).”
Dr. Schmierer pointed out that the treatment worked well for Achilles Tendinopathy, too:
“60% to 80% of patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy experience good to excellent outcomes, with reduced pain and improved mobility. Shockwave therapy can stimulate collagen production and help in the healing process of the tendon, which is often beneficial for individuals with persistent tendon pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.”
A Clearer Path to Relief
Chronic foot and ankle pain doesn't have to be your reality! EPAT therapy offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive way to break the pain cycle and stimulate true healing. At Caring Podiatry, we're experienced in using CuraMedix EPAT to help patients get back to their lives pain-free, and we’d love to help you find relief today!
If you want to take the next step toward better foot health, contact our Monroe Township (609-860-9111) or Neptune (732-455-8700) offices to schedule a consultation. Podiatrists Andrew Schmierer, Craig Shapero, and Mark Fillari will be eager to help you with the warmth, compassion, and expertise Caring Podiatry is known for.