FOOT & ANKLE

Did you know… In recent years, there has been a growing trend in the use of regenerative therapies, specifically PRP and stem cell therapy, to promote healing in a variety of conditions of the foot and ankle. Because of PRP’s high concentration of platelets and growth factor release potential, it may significantly enhance tendon and ligament repair, bone regeneration, and wound healing in both surgical and non-surgical treatment of the foot and ankle. Learn more about solutions for Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and ankle surgery.

Is PRP right for me?

Foot and ankle pain is a common problem for athletes and individuals who spend the majority of the day on their feet, whether for work or for play. Some foot and ankle pain can be treated non-surgicially with corticosteroid injections, anti-inflamatory medications and/or physical therapy, while more severe and persistent foot and ankle conditions can require surgery and extensive follow-up treatments during recovery.

PRP may be an effective treatment option for you if you suffer from any of the following:

• Achilles tendinitis
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Injured/torn tendon or ligament
• Injured/broken bone(s)
• Persistent foot and/or ankle pain
• Chronic non-healing wounds

PRP and stem cell therapy in foot and ankle surgery

PRP and stem cell therapy have become widely utilized tools in foot and ankle surgery. As an adjunct to achilles tendon repair, PRP can be delivered in a variety of modalities to enhance and ensure the desired outcomes of the surgical procedure. PRP and/or stem cell tharapy can be combined with bone graft or implants to accelerate the fusion or regeneration desired in many established reconstructive foot and ankle surgeries.

How does PRP work?

Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is an autologous blood therapy that uses a patient’s own blood to stimulate a healing response in damaged tissues. The body’s normal healing processes are dependent upon blood flow. Whether an open cut or a micro tear in a tendon, the body signals for and recruits platelets to the area of injury, releasing growth factors and stem cells to initiate healing and regeneration.

Today’s technology allows us to sequester and concentrate platelets from your blood and initiate that same healing process, in an accelerated fashion, by increasing the baseline concentration of platelets by four to seven times. PRP delivers a powerful dose of growth factors to the injury site and dramatically enhances the healing process.

If surgery is required, PRP can be used to:

• Reduce inflammation and bruising
• Increase range of motion
• Reduce risk of infection
• Reduce scarring