The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles and your heel bone. Achilles tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed from overuse or repetitive strain. Individuals with Achilles tendonitis may experience pain and stiffness in the affected area, especially during activity or upon waking in the morning. The condition can impact your ability to perform physical activities and, if left untreated, can result in a chronic condition requiring more extensive treatment such as surgery. Accordingly, it's essential to see an experienced St. John's County podiatrist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Three Innovative Regenerative Medicine Options to Treat Achilles Tendonitis
Regenerative medicine is a rapidly advancing field that aims to promote the body's natural healing processes for repairing or replacing damaged tissues. This interdisciplinary approach incorporates state-of-the-art techniques to restore normal function to the Achilles tendon without relying on conventional medications or surgical procedures. At North Florida Foot and Ankle Center, we use several forms of regenerative medicine to treat Achilles tendonitis, including the following:
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is an exciting advancement in the field of regenerative medicine. PRP is a cutting-edge medical treatment that uses the regenerative properties of a patient's own blood to treat Achilles tendonitis.
This procedure involves obtaining a small sample of the patient's blood and processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. After that, the resulting platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into the Achilles tendon, providing a targeted and precise treatment approach to promote tissue regeneration, accelerate healing, and improve overall function. By harnessing the body's natural healing abilities, PRP therapy offers a non-invasive and effective treatment option for patients suffering from Achilles tendonitis.
Multiwave Locked System Laser Therapy (MLS)
MLS Laser Therapy is an FDA-approved state-of-the-art technology that can reduce inflammation and swelling in affected tissues. This treatment modality is highly effective for a variety of conditions, including Achilles tendinitis. The therapy works by using specific wavelengths of light to deeply penetrate the tissue with photons of laser energy, leading to accelerated cellular growth and reproduction. This process increases the circulation of water, oxygen, and nutrients in the damaged area, creating an ideal healing environment that reduces inflammation and Achilles tendonitis symptoms.
During MLS Laser Therapy, the photons interact with cells, increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) levels, cell membrane permeability, and the dilation of blood and lymphatic vessels, resulting in improved cellular energy and overall health. The MLS Laser's precise calibration ensures that the light is delivered in a therapeutic dose, wavelength, pulse, and duration, precisely targeting the area needing treatment. The dual action of synchronized pulsed and continuous laser emissions creates a therapeutic effect that strengthens cells, promoting healing and quickly restoring cells to optimal condition.
Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT)
Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) is a non-invasive therapeutic treatment that has received FDA approval. This advanced therapy involves the use of low-pressure radial waves to activate the body's natural healing response.
RPT can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve circulation in the Achilles tendon. The radial waves penetrate deep into the tissue, stimulating the body's innate healing response and promoting tissue regeneration. The therapy also facilitates oxygen delivery to the body, leading to reduced swelling and discomfort and quicker recovery times. This increased circulation also helps to improve overall tissue health and function.
MLS, PRP, and RPT treatments work in different ways, but they all offer similar benefits, such as:
- Reducing pain, inflammation, and swelling
- Promoting tissue regeneration
- Improving overall function
By using the body's natural healing mechanisms, regenerative medicine can help patients achieve long-term relief from Achilles tendonitis while avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with traditional treatment options such as medication and surgery.
Which Form of Regenerative Medicine Is Right for Me?
Our experienced North Florida podiatrists will evaluate your condition and discuss the benefits and costs of all of your advanced treatment options with you so that you can make an informed decision about your care.