Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot problems, affecting about one in 10 Americans. The injury, which occurs when the plantar fascia –– a band of tissue that runs from the heel to the toes –– becomes inflamed, causes intense heel pain and can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life.
Many people turn to over-the-counter (OTC) remedies like anti-inflammatory medication and ice, but these measures don’t always provide relief.
At South Denver Podiatry in Littleton, Colorado, our team of experienced podiatrists regularly prescribes regenerative medicine, such as stem cell treatment, to manage plantar fasciitis. Keep reading to learn how regenerative medicine works and why it’s so beneficial for plantar fasciitis.
Regenerative medicine is an umbrella term for several minimally invasive therapies that use human growth factors to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Several types of regenerative medicine exist, but we use stem cell treatment.
Stem cells are human cells that play a vital role in growth, development, and tissue repair. They’re unique because they can be converted to other types of cells such as blood, bone, or muscle cells.
The stem cells we use come from amniotic tissue and fetal umbilical cords. These cells have regenerative properties, making them an excellent choice for treating soft tissue injuries like plantar fasciitis.
Regenerative medicine treatment for plantar fasciitis is a quick, outpatient procedure.
Before recommending this approach, we ask about your symptoms, complete a podiatry exam, and order diagnostic imaging, like an MRI, to look at your plantar fascia and assess the damage. If you suffer from intense heel pain and have tried various OTC treatments, you’ll likely benefit from stem cell therapy.
After confirming you’re a candidate for treatment, we create a concentrated stem cell solution. Depending on your needs, we may use fresh, frozen, or dehydrated stem cells. We mix the stem cells with saline (salt water) and then transfer the mixture to a syringe. Then, we use ultrasound-guided imaging to inject the stem cells into strategic areas along your plantar fascia.
It depends. Some people experience immediate relief after a single stem cell therapy treatment. However, if your plantar fasciitis is severe, additional injections may be necessary. We monitor your symptoms at regular checkups and administer follow-up injections as needed.
Don’t be alarmed if your heels continue to feel sore in the days after your initial procedure. Regenerating new cells and tissue can take several weeks or months. Follow your provider’s recovery instructions and ease back into activity. Returning to your routine too quickly can cause more damage and set your recovery back.
Plantar fasciitis can be debilitating and bar you from enjoying your favorite activities. If you’re tired of sitting on the sidelines, contact us. Call our office in Littleton, Colorado, or book an appointment online.
