Feet are complex body parts, comprised of a dizzying array of bones (26), joints (33), and a host of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves (120+). It’s no wonder, then, that even the slightest turn of the ankle or dropping of an object on the toes can result in great pain, strains, breaks, and more.
Foot injuries are quite common. In fact, 87 percent of people experience ankle and foot pain at some point in their lives due to anything from car accidents to sports injuries to poorly-fitted shoes. If you live daily with foot pain, you’re not alone; the average person will spend four hours a day on their feet and take 5,000 steps. This number can increase exponentially for certain occupations and lifestyles.
All the bones, joints and muscles of the feet work in tandem to support the weight of your body each and every day. In fact, they act as shock absorbers, keep you well-balanced, and help you walk and run.
Foot Conditions That Can Be Treated With Stem Cell Therapy
Chronic foot and ankle pain lasting more than three months can make it difficult to get around, which can then have a domino effect (weight gain, weakness, declining heart function). You may be disheartened to be told surgery is the only answer to your pain. It’s not. In many cases, stem cell therapy offers long-lasting relief for a variety of conditions:
- Sports Injuries
- Achilles Tendinosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Ligament Sprains
- Bunions
- Ankle Tendon Tears
A less invasive option than surgery, stem cell therapy couples quick recovery times with pain-free results. How does it work in a nutshell? Stem cells from your own body are re-injected into the injury area to encourage healing.
The surrounding cells will start to mimic the stem cells, promoting an anti-inflammatory effect that lowers pain. Such injections contain hyaluronic acid to lubricate tendons and joints, which eases the pain and more while restoring mobility.
Depending on where the damage is and how severe it is, most people only need one stem cell injection for recovery. This is one of the biggest draws of stem cell therapy: the fact that when pain from arthritis goes away or a joint starts to regenerate, treatment is often times no longer necessary — unless, of course, in the case of re-injury (i.e., sports injury).
Micro-Injuries and the Long-Term Effects
The wear and tear we encounter in our everyday activities causes micro injuries to bodily tissues even though we’re not aware of it happening. This particularly occurs to ligaments (plantar fasciitis), lower-extremity tendons (Achilles Tendinitis), and weight-bearing joints (ankle/foot arthritis).
With aging comes a decrease in our defense mechanisms to quickly repair micro-traumas, whether from tennis, running, or jogging – something that would have happened with ease in our youth. It’s no secret that our healing ability decreases as we get older. This means that
dormant cells are no longer able to divide as well, forming scar tissue instead of healthy tissue. With the average lifespan being 82 years, it’s challenging to stay active and pain free throughout our entire lives.
This is why regenerative medicine – and stem cell therapy in particular – appeals to so many who suffer from intense heel pain and tendonitis, as well as injuries to the Achilles tendon and arthritic joints. With less risk and a faster recovery, regenerative medicine often poses a smarter option than traditional surgery.
Contact Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine
Don’t let foot and ankle pain sideline your daily life any longer. Instead, call us for a free, no-obligation consultation at (248) 216-1008 to learn how stem cell therapy can help.