Foot Pain

Foot pain can be caused by a variety of reasons. It’s important to note when the pain started, where the pain is, if the pain increases or decreases during certain activities, what physical activities you participate in, past surgeries/injuries, and if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

Make sure to bring all the information possible to your appointment so we can take a holistic look at your case!

Sprains

Ankle sprains occur when the ankle is twisted or forced in a way that stretches or tears one or more ligaments. The severity of the injury depends on if the ligaments are stretched, partially torn, or fully torn.
Symptoms of an ankle sprain include pain, bruising, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking.
Prompt medical attention is highly recommended. If left untreated, or if treated incorrectly, ankle sprains can heal incorrectly, which can lead to chronic problems.

Nonsurgical treatment includes R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and physical therapy.
In severe cases, surgery may be recommended in order to repair a torn ligament.
Chronic lateral ankle pain occurs most commonly from an improperly healed sprained ankle or other injuries.
Symptoms include recurring pain on the outside part of the ankle, ankle instability, difficulty walking on uneven ground, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness.
Treatments include over the counter or prescription medication, physical therapy to build muscle strength, steroid medications, ankle braces, and immobilization (in the case of fracture).

It is always important to seek the advice of a health care professional in cases like this. Continuous usage of an improperly healed body part can cause a tremendous amount of pain and problems.
Osteochondritis is a condition where loose bone or cartilage gets caught between joints or bones, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and in severe cases, immobility. The loose piece(s) are typically a result of a twisting-type injury of the ankle.
Treatments for mild cases involve immobilization of the foot and ankle. In more severe cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the loose bone or cartilage.

Heel Pain

Heel pain is one of the most common complaints from patients. While heel spurs may or may not show up on an x-ray, the spurs themselves are a result of the actual problem: plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is caused from inflammation of the connective tissue that stretches from the base of the toes to where it attaches to the heel bone. Symptoms include stiffness and tightness in the back of the leg and bunion joint, along with an uneven gait. Heel pain is often the first sign of plantar fasciitis.

Treatments include anti-inflammatory medications, ice packs, stretch exercises, steroid injections, orthotics, and physical therapy. For persistent cases, Radio Frequency Lesioning may be needed.

EPAT FAQs

What is EPAT?

Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), sometimes referred to as ESWT or shock wave therapy, is the most advanced and highly effective non-­invasive treatment method cleared by the FDA. This proprietary technology is based on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing process.

What disorders can be treated?

Generally, acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain and/or pain that significantly impairs mobility or quality of life including:

• Foot and heel pain
• Achilles pain
• Tendon and/or tendon insertion pain
• Neuromas
• Trigger points

What are the expected results?

Some patients report immediate pain relief after the treatment, although it can take up to four weeks for pain relief to begin. The procedure eliminates pain and restores full mobility, thus improving your quality of life. Over 80% of patients treated report to be pain free and/or have significant pain reduction.

Is it safe?

Yes. This FDA cleared technology was developed in Europe and is currently used around the globe. A wealth of medical experience, state-­of-­the-­art engineering and optimal quality have been built into each EPAT device, and extensive clinical studies and tests have confirmed its safety and efficacy.

What is the duration of the treatment and how many treatments will I need?

Treatment sessions take approximately 5-­10 minutes depending on the disorder to be treated. Generally, at least 3-­5 treatment sessions are necessary at weekly intervals.

What are the possible side effects or complications?

The non-­invasive EPAT treatment has virtually no risks or side effects. In some cases, patients may experience some minor discomfort which may continue for a few days. It is normal to have some residual pain after intense exercise or a full day of work.

What if I have a special health condition?

The safety and effectiveness of the EPAT procedure has not been determined on people with the following health conditions. Your doctor will provide you with information about how these and other conditions might affect the determination to perform the EPAT procedures.

• Malignancies
• DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

How is the treatment performed?

Coupling gel is applied to the treatment area of interest to enhance effectiveness. After these preparations, EPAT pressure waves are released via the applicator moved over the area of interest in a circular motion.

Why consider non-­invasive EPAT?

EPAT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods (including surgery) and without the risks, complications and lengthy recovery time.

EPAT is:
• Performed in your physician’s office/ clinic
• Does not require anesthesia
• Requires a minimal amount of time

Patients can:
• Bear weight (i.e. walk) immediately,
• Return to work/normal activities within 24-­48 hours
• Resume strenuous activities after 4 weeks.

Interested in finding out more EPAT and if this treatment could help you? Let’s talk.

Fractures

Since nearly one-fourth of the bones in our body are in our feet, fractures of the foot are common and rarely debilitating.

There are two types of fractures. A stress fracture typically occurs in the space between the toes and middle of the foot, usually as a result of a physical activity gone awry. These fractures are only on the surface of the bone. General bone fractures extend through the bone. These injuries are usually caused by trauma to the foot.

Depending on the fracture and placement, different treatments will be discussed. Foot fractures typically heal on their own, although more serious cases may require surgery.

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect your foot is fractured so treatment can begin right away.

Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, typically caused by overuse of the tendon during physical activity. This can include hill running, stair climbing, improper footwear, trauma caused by the sudden contraction of the calf muscle, etc.

Symptoms include pain after exercise that generally worsens, recurring pain in the calf area, mild to severe swelling, and stiffness or sluggishness of your leg.

Treatments include wearing specialized bandages, laying off physical activity involving the tendon, taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), customized orthotics, and physical therapy.

In extreme cases, surgery may be used to repair tears and remove fibrous tissue.