Chronic foot pain is a debilitating condition that can profoundly impact every aspect of your life, including the ability to participate in sports and physical activities. Everyday activities may be painful, and you may worry about further damaging your body, but you may have a choice. You may not have to live with chronic foot pain.
How PRP Therapy Treats Chronic Foot Pain
For many years, elite athletes have used a form of regenerative medicine known as platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP therapy) to treat pain. Now, our St. John’s County podiatrists use the same advanced treatment option for our patients with chronic pain. This innovative procedure uses the body’s natural healing processes to treat different conditions that cause chronic foot pain.
PRP therapy treatments begin by extracting a small blood sample from you. The blood then goes through a meticulous centrifugation procedure to derive a highly concentrated amalgamation of platelets and growth factors, recognized as platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The concentrated PRP is delivered to the affected area of your foot through targeted injections. The PRP triggers the activation of the body’s stem cells and regenerative mechanisms to help you heal and relieve your pain.
PRP Therapy Benefits
Platelet rich plasma therapy is safe and may significantly benefit patients with chronic pain. Specifically, PRP therapy:
- Is time-efficient. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes per session.
- Has little risk. PRP therapy does not involve medication or surgery. Therefore, there are no adverse drug reactions or surgical complications.
- Can be cost-effective. This conservative treatment approach may cost less than more invasive treatments such as surgery.
Before you begin treatment, our experienced podiatrists will answer all of your questions about PRP therapy so that you can make an informed decision about your care.
Types of Chronic Foot Pain Conditions PRP Therapy May Treat
We use PRP therapy to treat many different conditions that cause chronic foot pain, including the following:
Arthritis and Gout
Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause significant chronic foot pain. Several different types of arthritis can cause foot pain, including:
- Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, commonly associated with age-related wear and tear, leads to the gradual deterioration of cartilage within the joints, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic joint inflammation. When the joints in your foot are inflamed, you may experience persistent pain, swelling, and deformities.
- Gout. Gout, or gouty arthritis, occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in your joints. Your symptoms may include intense pain, redness, and swelling.
Any form of arthritis can be debilitating, making walking, standing, and participating in daily activities hard. PRP therapy may alleviate chronic pain, enhance joint mobility, and potentially slow the progression of arthritis.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a type of nerve entrapment disorder that happens when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed or enthralled within the tarsal tunnel passageway that runs on the inside of the ankle. You may develop tarsal tunnel because of trauma, overuse, anatomical abnormalities, or inflammatory conditions.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome may cause persistent foot pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness that radiate into the toes. The symptoms may worsen during weight-bearing activities.
Treatment is essential if you have tarsal tunnel syndrome. If tarsal tunnel syndrome is left untreated, the condition may lead to progressive nerve damage and functional impairment. PRP therapy can stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation and promote nerve regeneration without surgery or medication.
Sesamoiditis
Sesamoiditis is another common cause of chronic foot pain. This condition occurs when the two small bones beneath the big toe joint, known as the sesamoid bones, become inflamed and irritated from overuse, excessive pressure, or repetitive stress. Athletes who often run, jump, or dance may be more likely to develop this condition.
Sesamoiditis symptoms include consistent pain, tenderness, swelling, and difficulty putting weight on your foot.
Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent further damage and alleviate discomfort. PRP therapy promotes tissue healing and reduces inflammation, which may provide a non-surgical, drug-free way to relieve pain and improve mobility.