EPAT is the most advanced non-invasive treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Treatment is a new way to conquer chronic heel pain. Pressure waves stimulate the metabolism, enhance circulation and accelerate the healing process without surgery. Dmaged tissue of the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon gradually regenerates and eventually heals. Here are the top 16 frequently asked questions about EPAT.

 

The Top 16 FAQ’s About EPAT Therapy for Heel Pain

 

1. What Is EPAT?

 

EPAT is an acronym for Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology. It is a highly effective non-invasive office based treatment method that accelerates healing of injured tissues.

 

2. How Does EPAT Work?

 

The treatment utilizes a unique set of acoustic pressure waves that are delivered through the body and focused on the site of pain/injury with a special applicator. These pressure waves stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing process.

 

3. How is the Treatment Performed?

 

Ultrasound gel is applied over the skin of the treatment area to enhance the transmission of the pressure waves. The pressure waves are applied using a special applicator tip. The tip is moved over the injured tissue using circular motions.

 

4. How Long Does the Treatment Take and How Many Treatments are Required?

 

Treatment sessions take approximately 15 minutes per site and vary slightly depending on the site to be treated. Generally 3 treatment sessions are necessary and are performed on a weekly interval. If you are improving, but not completely better; up to 5 treatments can be performed.

 

5. What Conditions Can Be Treated With EPAT?

 

EPAT can be used to treat many painful soft tissue injuries. Including: plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, tendon insertional pain, acute and chronic muscle pain, and myofascial trigger points.

 

6. Is EPAT Safe?

 

EPAT is a safe treatment with virtually no side effects. It was originally developed in Europe and is currently used around the world.

 

7. Is EPAT Safe for Pregnant Patients?

 

EPAT is a safe treatment, but has never been tested on pregnant patients. Patients are advised to wait at least 3 months post partum before treatment, as many foot pains subside after weight loss and hormonal equilibrium is reached.

 

8. Is EPAT FDA Approved?

 

Yes, the machine is FDA cleared for usage.

 

9. What are the Expected Results?

 

Most people will experience pain relief after 3 treatments. Some patients report immediate pain relief after the first treatment, but maximum relief can take up to four weeks after the last treatment to begin. Over 80% of patients treated report to be pain free or have significant pain reduction.

 

10. Are There Any Special Aftercare Instructions?

 

All patients receiving EPAT therapy should be off all anti-inflammatory medication for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the procedure and 4 weeks after. This includes common over the counter medication such as, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve) and aspirin. Your doctor will provide you with detailed after care instructions.

 

11. What are the Possible Side-Effects or Complications?

 

EPAT is a non-invasive treatment and has virtually no risks or side effects. In some cases patients may experience some minor discomfort which may continue for a few days. On rare occasion, the skin may become bruised or red after the treatment.

 

12. Who Should not Have EPAT?

 

EPAT should not be used in people who have deep venous thrombosis or malignancy. It is also best to avoid the procedure if you are taking blood thinners.

 

13. Why Consider EPAT?

 

EPAT has a proven success rate equal to or better than traditional treatment methods (including surgery) without the risks or lengthy recovery time. It is performed in your physician's office without the need for anesthesia.

 

14. Does My Insurance Pay For EPAT?

 

No, unfortunately insurance companies do not pay for EPAT, though the cost of EPAT can often be reimbursed from a qualified health savings account. Non-covered services and/or procedures without billable terminology are paid to the office by the patient at the time of service; a claim will not be submitted to the insurance, though our office can provide receipts for reimbursement accounts to consider.

 

15. How Much Does it Cost?

 

EPAT is an affordable alternative to invasive surgery, lengthy physical therapy and other costly treatments. The first 3 treatments are bundled at a cost of $500 for the procedure, but you are still responsible for any co-pays or costs associated with the initial and/or any follow up office visit. If a 4th or 5th treatments are deemed necessary, these cost $100 per treatment.

 

16. How Can I Get More Information About EPAT?

 

The physicians at FAANT all have experience in providing EPAT treatment and are the best people to speak with if you have additional questions regarding the procedure. Call or contact our office for a consultation.

 

There is also much more extensive information available at www.curamedix.com

 

The Debate Continues....On and On....

 

They are at it again. The debate that has been going on since the late 1970’s when custom orhtotics became the mainstay of treatment for plantar fasciitis. “Millions in Potential Health Care Savings: Prefab Orthotics Found More Effective” was a press release today from a company that...guess what?…makes an off-the-shelf arch support! Are you kidding me???

 

Now don’t get me wrong, I think there is a place for prefabricated arch supports in our treatment plans and not everyone needs a custom orthotic; but to say that prefab is BETTER than custom is ludicrous! Let's use common sense! They sited a poor study done in California on patients with plantar fasciitis and then backed it up with a totally flawed study from 1996! That’s all they have??? What about the millions of patients that have been helped by custom orthotics across the country? Several thousands right here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area!

 

Just another ploy to get patients to potentially waste their money on off-the-shelf inserts prior to visiting their podiatrist! A copay is much cheaper and I am so sick and tired of seeing peolpe waste hundreds of dollars on things they find on-line. Then spend months in physical therapy or even need surgery to try to conquer their plantar fasciitis; when they could have gotten better much faster IF the first thing they did was call the podiatrist!

 

I’m done venting, but for more information on why custom orthotics work check out my patient information pages.

 

Run Happy! And don’t toss your custom orthotics!

HEEL PAIN (PLANTAR FASCIITIS)

 

 Heel pain is the most common complaint we see in our office. The pain is greatest usually when you get up in the morning, but continues to worsen over time – until it hurts with every step you take and can even ache at night when resting.

 

This syndrome is most commonly caused by several factors, including, but not limited to:
-Tight calf muscles
-Increase in body weight
-Sudden change in the amount of intensity of exercise
-Improper or worn out shoes
-Abnormal foot biomechanics (excessive pronation or supination)
Due to any of the above factors, the plantar fascia (the ligament that holds up your arch) is pulled or strained so that a portion of this very strong ligament starts to tear or fray like a rope at its weakest point (where it attaches to you heel bone). This tearing causes microscopic internal bleeding in this area. Your body reacts by causing inflammation, which in turn causes irritation to the nerves, bursae and muscles in this area. As the inflammation occurs, the body tries to heal itself by depositing calcium in the area of the tear. This creates the “spur”. Not everyone will have a visible spur on x-ray, especially in the early stages. The spur is not the cause of the pain! It is just a tangible sign that extensive tearing has occurred. The tearing and straining is the cause of the pain and then the nerve becomes inflamed which makes the pain more sharp and long-lasting. The straining must be stopped, along with the inflammation, in order to resolve this problem.

 

Diagnosis of plantar fasciitis is made with a physical examination including a biomechanical exam. X-ray are recommended to rule out a stress fracture or tumor in the area. Shoe gear is also evaluated. (Don't forget to bring your running shoes to your appointment!)

 

Treatment initially includes all of the items listed below. If any of these treatments increases your pain, please call or contact the office. It has been estimated that 85% of heel pain can be eliminated by non-surgical treatements; but these take time and effort on the part of the patient and doctor. BE PATIENT! Your heel pain did not appear overnight, and it will take a while to totally eliminate the pain.

 

 

Conservative therapy can include:

1. Ice (at least 15 minutes twice a day);

2. Stretching (your doctor will give you calf and arch stretching);

3. Anti-inflammatories (either orally or in an injection); and

4. Arch supports/Taping/or orthotics.

Remember that treating the biomechanics of your feet treats the underlying cause where the other treatments are only treating the symptoms! Some people need physical therapy, night splints, and casting for relief. Conservative treatment often takes 4-6 months to eliminate plantar fasciitis.

 

 

Surgical treatment is the last alternative, after conservative therapy has been exhausted. Extracorporal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a relatively non-invasive surgery that is quite effective, but deemed experimental by many insurance companies. If you are interested in more information about ESWT, click on the word underlined above.

 

There are two common surgical approaches to heel pain: the traditional approach (removes the spur) and the endoscopic approach (lengthens the ligament to reduce the strain and therefore reduce your pain). If your pain is not eliminated by conservative treatment after 4-6 months, we will discuss which approach is best for you.

 

Remember, the earlier you seek medical help for heel pain, the faster it will go away! If you have pain more than 5-7 days in a row in the same spot, call or contact our office for an appointment.

 

Need help with stretching? Go to our video  Donnie and Dr Crane amatuer video heping you stretch your way to pain relief on YouTube! You are not allowed to make fun of our amatuer photography!

 

Run Happy! And treat your heel pain early for the fastest results!