You lace up your running shoes and hit the trail, but every stride reminds you of that same stubborn ache in your heel or arch. You’ve tried rest, new shoes, maybe even physical therapy—but the pain always comes back. For many Austin walkers and runners, chronic foot pain can turn a joyful routine into a daily frustration.
Fortunately, there’s an innovative, non-invasive treatment that’s helping people move comfortably again—Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT). At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, Dr. Craig H. Thomajan and his team use EPAT therapy to help restore comfort and mobility so you can return to the activities you love.
Understanding EPAT Therapy
EPAT therapy, also known as shockwave therapy, uses pressure waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. These acoustic waves are delivered through the skin to targeted areas of damaged tissue, improving blood flow, breaking down scar tissue, and accelerating the body’s repair process.
Unlike surgery or injections, EPAT does not require anesthesia, incisions, or downtime. Each session lasts about 15–20 minutes, and most patients can return to walking or running the same day. Over several sessions, many patients experience significant pain reduction and increased mobility.
How EPAT Works:
- Stimulates natural healing. The pulses increase blood circulation and cellular activity, prompting the body to repair itself.
- Reduces inflammation. By enhancing metabolism and microcirculation, EPAT helps decrease swelling and discomfort.
- Breaks down scar tissue. Chronic conditions often involve micro-tears or the buildup of scar tissue; EPAT helps restore healthy tissue function.
- Relieves pain. Over time, the therapy desensitizes irritated nerve endings, leading to lasting relief.
Common Conditions EPAT Can Treat
Chronic foot pain often develops over time due to overuse, repetitive motion, or improper footwear. Runners and walkers in Austin frequently experience conditions that respond well to EPAT therapy, including:
- Plantar fasciitis. The most common cause of heel pain is often described as a stabbing pain that occurs with the first steps of the morning. EPAT helps heal the inflamed fascia rather than simply masking symptoms.
- Achilles tendinitis. Overuse or tight calf muscles can inflame the tendon connecting the calf to the heel. EPAT encourages collagen regeneration and reduces pain along the tendon.
- Heel spurs. When calcium deposits form on the heel bone due to chronic strain, EPAT can reduce pain and stimulate surrounding tissue healing.
- Metatarsalgia. reduces inflammation and promotes recovery for pain in the ball of the foot caused by repetitive impact.
- Chronic ankle or tendon pain. Whether from old injuries or repetitive strain, EPAT can help reactive tissues heal without invasive intervention.
Why Austin Athletes Benefit from EPAT
Austin’s active lifestyle means plenty of people spend time on their feet, whether on the Town Lake Trail, in local marathons, or on weekend hikes. Unfortunately, the same passion for movement can increase the risk of overuse injuries and chronic pain.
For many, EPAT therapy offers an ideal balance: a modern, effective solution that fits an active lifestyle. There’s no need to take weeks off training, no risk of surgical complications, and no lengthy recovery process.
Additional Benefits Include:
- No anesthesia or surgery. Doctors perform EPAT in-office, eliminating the risks and costs associated with an operating room.
- Minimal downtime. Most patients resume walking or light activity immediately.
- Long-term relief. Many report continued improvement for months after completing treatment.
- Clinically proven results. EPAT has been shown in studies to reduce pain and improve function for chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Comparing EPAT to Other Foot Pain Treatments
Traditional approaches to chronic foot pain often include rest, orthotics, physical therapy, or cortisone injections. While these can help, they don’t always address the underlying cause of pain, and repeated steroid injections can weaken tissue over time.
Surgical treatment may become an option when conservative care fails, but surgery carries risks of infection, scar tissue, nerve injury, and significant recovery time. EPAT bridges the gap between conservative and surgical treatments. It’s ideal for patients seeking lasting relief without invasive procedures.
When combined with a podiatrist’s guidance on biomechanics, footwear, and training modifications, EPAT can help prevent recurrence of chronic pain.
What to Expect During EPAT Treatment
Before starting EPAT, your podiatrist will evaluate your symptoms, activity level, and medical history to determine if you’re a suitable candidate. Once treatment begins, here’s what you can expect:
- Preparation. Your doctor identifies the treatment area and applies a special gel to ensure optimal contact.
- Application. A handheld device delivers pressure waves to the affected area. You may feel mild tapping or pulsing sensations.
- Post-treatment. There’s typically no need for rest or medication afterward. You can resume walking or light activity immediately.
- Progressive improvement. Many patients notice relief after just a few sessions, with continued improvement over several weeks as the body heals.
Your podiatrist will recommend the appropriate number of sessions based on your condition and response to therapy.
When to Discuss EPAT With Your Podiatrist
If you’ve been struggling with chronic foot pain that hasn’t improved with rest, orthotics, or stretching, it may be time to discuss EPAT therapy. During your consultation, your podiatrist can:
- Identify the root cause of your pain through imaging or gait analysis
- Determine whether EPAT is the best option based on your activity level and health history
- Develop a customized treatment plan that may include physical therapy, shoe recommendations, or strengthening exercises
Dr. Craig H. Thomajan and his team at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists combine advanced technology with compassionate care. Their commitment to patient education means you’ll understand every step of your treatment and recovery plan.
Moving Toward a Pain-Free Future
Whether you’re a dedicated Austin marathoner or someone who simply enjoys long walks through Zilker Park, chronic foot pain can take the joy out of movement. EPAT therapy offers a path back to the activities that make life vibrant—without the fear of recurring pain or invasive procedures.
By addressing the root cause of discomfort, EPAT helps restore the strength, flexibility, and balance your feet need to support an active lifestyle. For many walkers and runners, that means more miles, more freedom, and more comfort with every step.
