Heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis aren’t just uncomfortable—they’re persistent. Maybe you’ve stretched, changed shoes, and taken over-the-counter meds, but the pain keeps flaring up. That’s where EPAT comes in. At Indy Podiatry, we offer Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT) as a non-invasive option for people looking to heal chronic foot injuries without surgery. It may seem high-tech, and it is, but the science is surprisingly natural. It helps your body do what it was designed to do—heal itself.
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How Does EPAT Work?
EPAT, also known as shockwave therapy, uses sound waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. It’s a regenerative treatment method that originated in sports medicine and is now successfully used in podiatry for various types of foot conditions. Let’s break down the science of how and why EPAT works.
Produces Microtrauma for Macrogain
EPAT delivers high-pressure acoustic waves that create controlled microtrauma in injured tissues. These tiny mechanical disruptions trigger the body’s natural healing cascade, including an inflammatory response that increases cellular activity at the injury site. This process leads to the formation of new blood vessels, increased leukocyte or white blood cell immune-supporting activity, and cellular regeneration—all essential components of soft tissue repair.
Boosts Blood Flow and Regeneration
One of the most studied effects of EPAT is its ability to promote neovascularization—the development of new blood vessels—at the tendon-bone junction. This increases oxygen and nutrient delivery to areas affected by limited blood flow, such as the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. Shockwave therapy enhances the proliferation of tenocytes or tendon cells and stimulates collagen synthesis, both of which are vital for long-term structural repair. It also activates growth factors and proteins that support tissue remodeling and regeneration.
Reduces Pain Signals
EPAT shockwaves can overstimulate the nerves that send pain signals, which causes them to become less sensitive over time. The treatment also creates tiny, temporary changes in the tissue—like small bubbles that form and collapse—that disrupt how pain signals travel. As a result, many patients experience relief even before the affected tissue has fully healed.
What Foot Injuries Can EPAT Treat?
Shockwave therapy demonstrates encouraging results for several common, stubborn foot conditions. While it’s not a universal cure, it can be a valuable tool for patients who haven’t improved with conservative care methods. After a thorough examination and consultation, our board-certified Indianapolis podiatrists might recommend EPAT as part of a comprehensive treatment protocol for conditions such as:
- Plantar fasciitis. A leading cause of heel pain, this condition often lingers even with stretching and orthotics. EPAT stimulates repair of plantar fascia tissue and prevents the pain from returning.
- Achilles tendinitis. EPAT improves blood flow to the thick Achilles tendon, which typically has limited circulation and heals slowly.
- Heel spurs. While the spur itself may not go away, EPAT helps reduce inflammation and pain in the surrounding soft tissue.
- Peroneal and posterior tibial tendinopathy. These lesser-known tendon injuries also respond well to EPAT when chronic inflammation is present.
Unlike surgery, there are no incisions. And unlike cortisone injections, the goal with EPAT isn’t just to numb the pain—it’s to heal the cause.
Is EPAT Safe? What Should You Expect?
EPAT is FDA-approved and regulated, and has been studied in multiple peer-reviewed clinical trials. While individual results vary, many of our patients at Indy Podiatry report noticeable pain relief after just three to five sessions. Here’s what you can expect from treatment:
- Quick sessions. Each visit usually lasts 10–15 minutes.
- No downtime. You can return to normal activities immediately, although high-impact exercise might be restricted for a few days.
- Gradual improvement. Some people feel better after the first session, but full benefits often emerge a few weeks after treatment ends as the body continues to heal.
- Minimal side effects. Temporary redness, soreness, or minor swelling are the most common effects.
When Might EPAT Not Be Right for You?
While EPAT can be a valuable option for many foot and ankle conditions, it’s not appropriate in every situation. Certain health factors or conditions may make shockwave therapy less effective—or even inadvisable. Before moving forward, our team will do a detailed health intake and likely suggest other treatment options if you:
- Are pregnant.
- Have a blood-clotting disorder.
- Use a pacemaker or similar implanted electronic device.
- Have an open wound or infection at the treatment site.
We’ll partner with you to find alternative care methods to help you feel your best.
Why Talk to Our Indianapolis Podiatrists About EPAT?
Chronic foot pain doesn’t have to be your “new normal.” EPAT offers a way forward—especially for people who have hit a plateau with traditional therapies or hope to avoid surgery. At Indy Podiatry, our team combines innovative technology, such as shockwave therapy, with proven clinical judgment to help people throughout Central Indiana get back on their feet.
Pain isn’t permanent. Let your body begin to heal—with the help of sound.