Two New Treatments for Pain-Free Feet

The team at Goldsmith Podiatry knows that foot pain can seriously diminish a patient’s quality of life. Additionally, chronic foot pain can be a stubborn and intractable problem for some folks, resisting typical treatments and causing persistent pain.

Enter platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment and stem cell therapy, two innovative treatment techniques that are taking the world of podiatry by storm. For this post, we'll break down the benefits, use cases, and specifics of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment and stem cell therapy.

Harnessing Your Body's Repair Kit: PRP Explained

Your blood is packed with platelets, tiny cells responsible for wound healing and tissue repair. PRP therapy isolates platelets through the use of a centrifuge and then concentrates them into a powerful serum. This "supercharged" plasma is injected directly into the injured area, providing a potent dose of growth factors and regenerative elements.

The Benefits are Numerous…

Faster, more effective healing:

Studies suggest PRP can accelerate healing for plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, arthritis, and other chronic foot conditions.

Minimally invasive: 

PRP injections are simple and outpatient, with minimal downtime compared to traditional surgery.

Reduced reliance on pain medication: 

PRP can offer natural pain relief, potentially decreasing dependence on painkillers.

Promotes tissue regeneration: 

PRP stimulates the growth of new collagen and blood vessels, promoting long-term repair and tissue strengthening.

Stem Cells: Nature's Miniscule Menders

Stem cells have the potential to transform into various cell types, making them perfect repair tools for damaged tissue. In podiatry, stem cells are often used in conjunction with PRP, where their regenerative abilities amplify the healing process. They have many benefits:

Targeted repair:

Stem cells can be directed to differentiate into specific cell types needed for the injured area, promoting targeted and comprehensive healing.

Potential for long-term solutions:

Unlike some treatments that merely address symptoms, stem cells tackle the root cause by fostering tissue regeneration, potentially offering long-term pain relief and functional improvement.

Promising future for chronic conditions:

Research suggests stem cell therapy holds significant potential for treating chronic foot conditions that have previously been challenging to manage, like osteoarthritis.

Wondering if these treatments are right for you? Check them out at our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 to schedule an appointment with our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff. We look forward to exceeding your expectations!