If you’re suffering from chronic heel or foot pain that just won’t go away—no matter how many stretches, ice packs, or inserts you try—there’s a non-invasive, innovative treatment that might be just what you need. At Podiatry of Greater Cleveland, we’re proud to offer Shockwave Therapy (EPAT), a modern and highly effective option for treating a wide range of foot and ankle conditions.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy—also known as Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT)—uses powerful acoustic pressure waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Unlike traditional treatments that simply manage symptoms, EPAT helps jumpstart recovery from the inside out by encouraging tissue repair, blood flow, and long-term relief.
It may sound high-tech (and it is), but this therapy is safe, FDA-cleared, and widely used in sports medicine and orthopedics around the world.
What Conditions Can EPAT Treat?
Shockwave therapy is used to relieve both acute and chronic soft tissue pain, especially when other conservative treatments haven’t worked. At our practice, we most often use it to treat:
- Plantar Fasciitis – stabbing pain in the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning
- Achilles Tendinitis – inflammation of the tendon connecting your heel to your calf
- Capsulitis – inflammation in the ligaments surrounding toe joints
- Shin Splints – common in runners and athletes, causing pain along the lower leg
EPAT can also be helpful for other tendon and soft tissue injuries in the foot and ankle that resist traditional treatments.
How Does It Work?
When applied to the affected area, the shockwaves cause microtrauma to the tissue. This may sound concerning, but it’s actually a good thing! That gentle “injury” stimulates your body’s natural healing response by:
- Increasing circulation to the area
- Releasing healing growth factors
- Activating cell regeneration
- Forming new blood vessels
- Breaking up scar tissue or calcifications
The result is reduced pain, improved mobility, and better long-term function.
What to Expect During Treatment
Shockwave therapy is non-invasive, in-office, and requires no anesthesia. Most treatments take only about 10–15 minutes, and a full treatment plan typically includes 3–5 sessions spaced about a week apart.
Patients often describe the treatment as a mild tingling or tapping sensation—slightly uncomfortable, but very tolerable. You may feel some soreness afterward, but this usually fades within 24 hours.
Best of all, there’s no downtime. You can return to work, walk, and even exercise (within reason) the same day.
Why Choose EPAT?
If you’ve been living with chronic foot or ankle pain that hasn’t responded to stretching, icing, orthotics, or physical therapy, shockwave therapy could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
✅ No surgery
✅ No injections
✅ No medications
✅ No recovery time
✅ High success rates backed by clinical studies
It’s especially ideal for active patients who want to get back to their routines without missing weeks or months for recovery.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Not sure if EPAT is the right solution? The best way to know is by scheduling a consultation with one of our experienced podiatrists at Podiatry of Greater Cleveland. We’ll assess your condition, review your treatment history, and help you determine whether EPAT is the most effective next step in your recovery.
Ready to Feel Better—Faster?
📞 Call us at (440) 660-2990 or visit clevelandfoot.com to request an appointment and learn more about this cutting-edge therapy.
Don’t settle for chronic pain. Let us help you take the next step—comfortably.