If you suffer from painful connective tissue problems in your feet, the podiatrists at Newtown Foot and Ankle can help. We offer amniotic stem cell therapy in Newtown, PA. Amniotic stem cell injections can effectively treat patients with sprained ankles, arthritis, and tendinitis. We also use stem cells to treat other painful conditions, including tissue damage and ankle sprains. Stem cell therapy is one of the podiatry services we offer to the public in Newtown, PA.
Stem cells are cells naturally created in the body. We use amniotic stem cells in the skin, muscles, tendons, and bone. During stem cell treatment, we take these cells just below the skin and inject them into areas of the foot or ankle that experience inflammation. The stem cells accelerate healing in painful areas of injured ankles and feet. Stem cells also promote the growth of new, healthy cells.
What Can Stem Cells Treat?
We can treat joint inflammation, foot ulcers, fractures, chronic foot pain, and cartilage damage with stem cell therapy.
One of the most common foot problems we can treat with stem cells is Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the foot and links the calf muscles to the heel bone.
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. An Achilles tear occurs when the tendon has either micro or larger breaks that cause swelling and discomfort.
Arthritis can also occur in the foot joints. Sometimes, this problem is accompanied by bunions, or inflamed joints. Bunions can also develop in the toe joints.
In addition, you can receive stem cell therapy for plantar fasciitis or inflamed tissue on the bottom of the foot or heel.
We will often recommend therapy for soft tissue strains or sprains in the heel, toes, ankle, or other parts of the foot. Stem cell treatment reduces inflammation and swelling and supports healing. We may recommend stem cells if other treatments do not reduce inflammation or pain. Our office also recommends stem cell therapy for patients with foot, toe, and heel injuries who want to avoid surgery.
The Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy in Newtown, PA
Amniotic stem cell injections provide many benefits to patients. These stem cells:
- Contain hyaluronic acid (which promotes new growth and lubricates cartilage)
- Use naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents
- Stimulate tissue growth through growth factors
- Carry no threat of patient rejection
- Ensure no cartilage loss (may even regenerate cartilage)
- Address root causes of pain
- Provide safe and comfortable treatment to patients
- Improve quality of life
Stem cells help restore foot comfort and function. They offer a great alternative to surgery for patients with chronic foot pain and inflammation.
While we may recommend surgery in some cases, we recommend minimally invasive foot treatments first. Stem cell therapy is only takes one office visit.
In addition, amniotic fluid is highly concentrated, which makes injections more effective than other treatments.
Who Qualifies for Stem Cell Therapy?
If you suffer from foot and ankle pain and no other treatment has helped, stem cell therapy in our Newtown, PA office may work for you. Most patients will try medications or physical therapy first. These traditional treatments are the typical first step that most doctors take.
However, we may suggest stem cell therapy if medications and physical therapy do not work for you. Stem cell therapy is still a low-risk and non-invasive treatment option.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Safe?
Stem cell therapy is a safe and well-researched procedure. Because stem cells come from your body, there is a reduced risk of a negative reaction. In addition, patient rejection is rare with this type of stem cell injection treatment.
Stem cell treatment is also comfortable. We will use local anesthetic for your comfort when and if you need it during treatment. Our office will provide instructions to help you feel comfortable as you heal after treatment.
Treatment with Stem Cell Therapy in Newtown, PA
Before treatment, one of our experienced podiatrists will review your treatment options with you and consider your health. Your medical history is included in this assessment to ensure treatment aligns with your specific health needs.
We must have an accurate diagnosis before we begin treatment. Our office will use advanced imaging and ultrasounds to locate the areas of damage in the foot and ankle. Then, we will develop a treatment plan to target the areas that need stem cell therapy.
During treatment, we first use an anesthetic for your comfort. We take fatty tissue cells from the abdomen to harvest stem cells. This tissue, just below the skin, contains many stem cells.
Then, we inject stem cells from your amniotic tissues into your body. This restores degenerated tissue while providing pain relief. The stem cells will divide and help build up new tissue. The entire process should take about 2 hours.
Post-Treatment
There is little downtime after stem cell treatment for your feet or ankles. You may notice slight swelling or soreness in the treatment area, which will fade after several days. We recommend pain medication and ice packs as you heal. Rest your foot for one to two days and avoid anti-inflammatory medications. NSAIDs can impair stem cell function.
After several days, you can resume your daily activities. While we do not recommend strenuous activity or exercise, light stretching is beneficial as you heal. We can provide exercises to help strengthen your muscles after treatment.
Many patients notice results from stem cell therapy after 6 weeks and benefit from sustained results that last 6 months. Once the pain subsides, you will no longer need stem cell therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to see results from stem cell therapy?
Results from stem cell therapy can take weeks to months, depending on the condition being treated. Some patients notice improvement in pain and function within 4-6 weeks, but full benefits often take 3-6 months.
Does insurance cover stem cell therapy?
Most insurance plans do not cover stem cell therapy, which is often considered experimental for many conditions. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for specific details.
What is the success rate of stem cell injections?
The success rate of stem cell injections varies based on the treated condition and individual factors. For joint or tendon issues, many patients report significant pain relief and improved function, but outcomes are not guaranteed.
What are the potential risks or side effects of stem cell therapy?
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, or pain at the injection site. In rare cases, there could be an adverse reaction to the cells. It’s essential to have the procedure done by a qualified professional to minimize risks.
Can you be too old for stem cell therapy?
Age doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from stem cell therapy, but older patients may have fewer viable stem cells for specific procedures. The effectiveness can also depend on overall health and the condition being treated.
Do NFL players use stem cell therapy?
Yes, many NFL players use stem cell therapy to help recover from injuries and improve healing. Players like Peyton Manning and Tyreek Hill have sought these treatments, sometimes traveling abroad for therapies not yet FDA-approved in the U.S. Stem cell therapy is often used for joint, tendon, and ligament injuries to potentially speed up recovery and extend their careers.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Relieve your foot pain today with stem cell therapy in Newtown, PA. Call Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists at (215) 234-3772. You can also schedule an appointment with our doctors online.
Our Newtown, PA, staff provides patients comprehensive care in a warm and friendly environment. The doctors at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists will ensure treatment is personalized to fit your needs. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about our treatment options. We’re here to help.