The regenerative medicine treatments we offer at Foot & Ankle Concepts use biological materials to encourage natural healing responses. For example, some regenerative therapies introduce concentrated growth factors from your own blood, while others use cells or proteins that signal damaged tissues to regenerate. Specific treatment recommendations vary based on your particular condition, overall health, and treatment goals.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Accelerates Healing
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy begins with a simple blood draw from your arm. Your podiatrist processes this blood to concentrate the platelets, which contain powerful growth factors that play critical roles in tissue repair and regeneration.
Once concentrated, your PRP is injected directly into damaged areas. The high concentration of platelets delivers growth factors that stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and promote blood vessel formation. This process can accelerate healing in tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
Shockwave Therapy Stimulates Tissue Regeneration
Shockwave therapy delivers acoustic pressure waves to injured tissues through a handheld device placed against your skin. These energy pulses create controlled microtrauma in targeted areas, triggering your body's natural healing response. New blood vessels form, bringing nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues.
Shockwave therapy works particularly well for chronic conditions that haven't healed with rest or other conservative treatments. Treatment sessions typically last between 15 and 20 minutes, and you may feel some discomfort during the procedure. However, most patients tolerate it well and can usually walk immediately afterward.
Stem Cell Therapies Offer Powerful Repair Potential
Mesenchymal stem cells can transform into different cell types your body needs for repair. For example, these cells can become bone, cartilage, or other tissues, which makes them valuable for treating foot and ankle conditions. They also release substances that reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid products contain high concentrations of growth factors, proteins, and other compounds that support tissue regeneration. These materials come from donated placental tissue after healthy births and are thoroughly screened for safety. When applied to wounds or injected into damaged joints, they create an environment conducive to healing.
Foot and Ankle Conditions: Regenerative Treatments Can Help
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing heel pain, especially when taking your first steps in the morning. When stretching, orthotics, and other conservative measures fail to provide relief, regenerative medicine offers hope. PRP injections and shockwave therapy both target the inflamed fascia, promoting healing and reducing pain.
Tendon Damage
Damaged tendons in the feet or ankles can benefit from regenerative approaches. The Achilles tendon, posterior tibial tendon, and peroneal tendons all respond to regenerative treatments. Whether you've experienced a sports injury or developed tendonitis from overuse, these therapies may help restore tendon strength and flexibility.
Ankle Arthritis
Ankle arthritis develops when protective cartilage wears away, causing bones to rub together painfully. Stem cell therapies and amniotic products may slow progression and reduce discomfort by promoting cartilage repair and decreasing inflammation. While they won't cure advanced arthritis, they can improve quality of life for many patients.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Diabetic foot ulcers heal slowly due to poor circulation and nerve damage, and they are dangerous if left untreated. Amniotic membrane products accelerate healing by providing growth factors and creating optimal conditions for new tissue formation. Early intervention with regenerative medicine can help prevent complications that might otherwise lead to amputation.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy-related damage, which causes numbness and pain in your feet, may improve with regenerative approaches that support nerve health.
Bone Healing
Whether from stress fractures or surgery, bone healing issues sometimes benefit from regenerative treatments. Shockwave therapy stimulates bone formation, while other therapies promote blood vessel growth to nourish healing bone.
Exploring Regenerative Treatments in Southern California
Ready to find out if regenerative therapies are right for you? The first step is to book an appointment at one of our eight Foot & Ankle Concepts locations throughout Southern California, where you will meet with one of our specialized podiatrists. Your foot doctor will conduct a thorough exam and review of your medical history in order to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your needs.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Before your appointment, make notes about your symptoms. Record when pain occurs, what activities worsen it, and what treatments you've already tried. Bring medical records, imaging results, and a list of current medications to give your podiatrist complete information.
What to Expect During Your Visit
When you come in, your podiatrist will conduct a thorough examination and possibly order imaging studies if you haven't had recent ones. X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRI scans help identify the extent of damage and determine which regenerative therapy might work best. Be honest about your activity level, goals, and any health conditions that could affect treatment.
Key Questions to Ask Your Regenerative Medicine Podiatrist
Understanding the treatment timeline and recovery process helps you make informed decisions, so we encourage you to ask questions about the recommended therapy. Good questions to ask include:
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How many sessions will you likely need?
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What results can you reasonably expect?
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Are there risks or side effects?
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What are the costs, and how much does insurance cover?
Moving Forward With Regenerative Medicine Treatment
Preparing for treatment varies depending on what regenerative therapy your podiatrist recommends. For example, PRP therapy may require temporarily stopping certain medications, while shockwave therapy typically needs no special preparation. Your doctor will provide specific instructions, which you will need to follow carefully in order to improve your chances of successful outcomes.
Treatment and Recovery
Most regenerative treatments allow you to return home the same day with minimal restrictions. For example:
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PRP injections might cause temporary soreness at the injection site. Your podiatrist may recommend resting for a day or two before gradually returning to activities.
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Shockwave therapy typically requires no downtime, though you should avoid strenuous exercise for up to 48 hours after treatment.
Healing occurs gradually as your body responds to the regenerative signals. You might notice improvement within weeks, but full benefits may take several months to appear. Your tissues need time to repair, and pushing too hard too soon can interfere with healing. Follow-up appointments let your podiatrist monitor progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed.