EPAT Treatment for Tendonitis

Your tendons connect your bones and muscles, helping your body move and function smoothly. When one of these bands of tissue and collagen is damaged or injured, you can develop tendonitis, a painful condition that may cause:

• A dull ache around the affected joint
• Heat, swelling, or redness around the affected joint
• A feeling of grating or cracking when you move the joint
• The development of a lump or hard bump along the tendon

These symptoms sometimes keep you sidelined from your normal activities for weeks, even months, while the tissues heal. 

At Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers, our board-certified podiatrists are committed to helping patients in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, move past the debilitating symptoms of tendonitis and heal faster and more effectively using extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT). Take a moment to learn how!    

What is EPAT and how does it work?

EPAT is an FDA-approved treatment that uses pressure waves to treat acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries. It works by sending acoustic (sound) pressure waves into the damaged tissues. 

As these waves come in contact with the injured tendons, they create an area of “microtrauma,” which triggers your body’s natural healing response. As a result, your body increases blood flow and the production of anti-inflammatory factors that promote regeneration of the damaged tendon tissue. 

During your EPAT session, your Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers provider uses a hand-held applicator to send a series of therapeutic-level pressure wave pulses into the damaged tissue. There’s no downtime required, and you can return to normal activities (as tolerated and recommended by your provider) immediately. 

EPAT treatment sessions are an ideal alternative to surgery as they’re noninvasive, don’t require anesthetics, and carry no risk of infection. Treatment sessions last about 15 minutes, and while multiple sessions are typically required, most patients notice an improvement after their first EPAT treatment. Optimal results typically appear 8-12 weeks after your last treatment. 

Am I a candidate for EPAT treatments for tendonitis? 

Before beginning any treatment, it’s important to ensure you have an accurate diagnosis of your condition. Other conditions, like bursitis and osteoarthritis, may cause symptoms similar to those of tendonitis. 

Your provider at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers completes a medical evaluation, including ordering any necessary imaging studies, to accurately diagnose your tendonitis. While most patients with tendonitis can safely undergo EPAT treatments, the modality is not recommended for patients taking blood thinners or with cancer. 

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your provider makes a customized treatment plan that may include EPAT treatments along with other tendonitis therapies, including:

• Heat and ice therapy
• Immobilization
• Braces, splints, and orthotics
• Physical therapy
• Stem cell injections

To learn more about EPAT treatment for tendonitis, contact the Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers office nearest you or request an appointment online now!