Chronic and acute pain can not only frustrate you but also immobilize you temporarily. If the root cause of your pain is left untreated, it may progress and cause permanent disability. Surgical intervention can help address the underlying issues, but the risks of experiencing complications are higher than when using PRP therapies. The Phoenix regenerative medicine experts at Phoenix Foot and Ankle Institute offer non-invasive treatments that guarantee long-term relief from acute and chronic pain.
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-rich plasma is typically plasma with concentrated platelets that stimulate your body’s natural healing powers. Platelets are responsible for wound formation, blood clotting, and wounding. A higher concentration of platelets and other growth factors speed up the healing process. Your provider performs a comprehensive medical exam and reviews your medical history to determine if you are a good candidate for PRP injections. After your physical exam, your provider may inject PRP on the problematic area, triggering the release of cytokines. Cytokines promote cell and tissue regeneration while harnessing your body’s natural healing powers.
How to create platelet-rich plasma?
Your provider takes a small sample of your blood and runs it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The spinning of the blood in the centrifuge separates your blood into separate components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma with platelets. The composition of your PRP depends on the centrifugation time and speed.
What injuries can PRP therapies address?
You can use PRP therapies in conjunction with other treatments to promote speedy healing. This regenerative medicine technique can address several medical conditions requiring surgical intervention and a lengthy recovery period. Additionally, PRP therapies have little or no downtime, unlike surgical procedures. You can seek PRP therapies for medical conditions like:
- Hip arthritis
- Knee arthritis
- Post-surgery healing
- Tendonitis of the patellar tendon or Achilles tendon of the knee
- Complex muscle and ligament injuries
- Shoulder arthritis
- Neck and back pain
- Nerve damage
- Non-healing wounds
- Back and spine injuries
Everyone has a unique response to PRP therapy. In some cases, the treatment can produce the desired results, while in others, the medicine may not be as effective as anticipated. The professional team at Phoenix Foot And Ankle Institute discusses the possible outcomes of the treatment and informs you whether you are a good candidate for PRP or not.
What are the available treatment options?
Dr. McAlister uses PRP injections to treat several medical conditions like ankle arthritis and plantar fasciitis. He can also recommend PRP therapy for chronic pain and inflammation to stimulate cell regeneration and promote speedy healing. The high concentration of platelets in the PRP injections promotes tissue repair by dispensing growth factors into your body and attracting specialized cells that trigger the healing of chronic pain and inflammation in your joints. Although this treatment may make it necessary for you to use crutches and avoid intense physical activities, most people report a significant improvement within the first two weeks. Dr. McAlister also recommends regenerative medicine for chronic and acute sports injuries.
Call Dr. McAlister or book an appointment online today for more information about regenerative medicine.
