Regenerative Medicine for the Foot and Ankle
The term “regenerative medicine” refers to treatments that use the body’s own natural elements to achieve healing and results.
At Advanced Ankle & Foot, we provide two forms of regenerative therapy: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell treatments. In situations where such treatments can be helpful, these can make the difference in accelerating recovery – or even kickstarting recovery that just wasn’t progressing on its own.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP therapy uses a patient’s own blood in order to accelerate cellular recovery and relieve discomfort for soft tissue injuries.
The body already considerably relies on blood flow for its healing process. The blood carries platelets, proteins, growth factors, collagen, and other substances that our cells need to conduct repairs.
During a PRP session, a few small vials of blood are drawn from a patient and separated into their components within a centrifuge. Once the blood is separated, we can take the fluid plasma – recombined with a high concentration of platelets and other factors while removing red blood cells – and inject it into the site of injury or damage.
With more of the biological elements needed for repair, cells can work faster and more effectively on the healing process. PRP can even reignite the healing process in sources of chronic pain that have not been recovering.
Some conditions that PRP might be recommended for include:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Sprains
- Tendon Injuries and Tendinitis
- Post-operative Recovery
- Diabetic Wound Treatment
We may ask you to rest for a couple days following a PRP injection. Also, since the treatment is made from your own blood with little to no additives, the risk of complications is extremely low.
Amniotic Stem Cell Therapy
Amniotic tissue is packed with a high concentration of elements essential for tissue regeneration, including growth factors, anti-inflammatory agents, and hyaluronic acid. As with PRP, amniotic stem cell injections provide your body with more of the materials it needs to accelerate the natural healing process already underway.
It’s important to clarify that these are amniotic rather than embryonic tissues, meaning they come from the amniotic sac and not an embryo or fetus. The tissue is voluntarily donated after scheduled cesarean sections; collecting it poses no risks whatsoever to the health or comfort of a child or mother. We will of course be happy to answer any questions you may have about this treatment to ensure that you feel comfortable using it as an option.
Amniotic stem cell injections can be effective for a variety of conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendon Injuries and Tendinitis
- Ligament Injuries
Furthermore, because amniotic tissue is “immune-privileged” by nature, there is almost no risk that it will be rejected by your body’s own cells.
Finding the Right Route to Relief
We are proud to offer advanced regenerative treatments to our patients, but that does not mean we will always recommend them for every situation.
There are many situations where other conservative options alone will be just as effective on their own. But when a faster recovery or potential to finally overcome a chronic condition is essential, regenerative medicine can make a huge difference.
No matter what kind of foot or ankle care you need, please don’t hesitate to call (480) 962-4281 to schedule an appointment at any of our three area offices.