If calf or ankle pain is preventing you from getting on with life, then minimally invasive regenerative treatments could help you get back to doing the things you enjoy.
What treatments does Jorja Healthcare Regenerative Treatments offer?
Our renowned medical team provides a range of non-invasive treatments, from the traditional to the innovative. Many of our treatments can be carried out on an outpatient basis, without the need for a hospital stay. In fact, many patients can resume their normal activities within several hours of their visit!
Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)
Over a one-day period, this treatment is exclusively offered to our patients. MFAT Injections use a pioneering technology whereby your body’s own adipose (fat) cells are used to treat pain and inflammation. MFAT Injections are minimally invasive due to the guidance of ultrasound. Altogether the procedure takes about an hour to perform with a minimal recovery time. As well as being a potential alternative to surgery, MFAT Injections can also aid post-surgery recovery.
Read Angela’s story who had this treatment in her knees. She is now pain free and her life has changed completely.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)
BMAC Injections harness the natural healing abilities of your own mesenchymal stem cells, found in the bone marrow, to regenerate and reconstruct the musculoskeletal system by replacing cells and tissues damaged by degenerative diseases or trauma. BMAC Injections treat pain and inflammation by accelerating healing through the assistance of biological growth factors. This minimally invasive, day-case procedure is done under x-ray guidance and has a minimal recovery time. Our innovative BMAC Injections offer an alternative treatment plan to traditional invasive surgery.
This is an effective and well-researched procedure that’s a potential alternative to surgery. It takes advantage of the blood’s natural healing properties to reduce pain and improve joint function. It uses a specially concentrated dosage of platelets prepared from your own blood to repair damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscle and bone. Treatment is administered via an injection and depending on the injury two to six injections may be required, performed at weekly intervals. Patients usually see their symptoms improve within four to six weeks of having the injections. PRP is a safe treatment option which, because your own blood is used, carries no risk of allergic reaction. Read more clinical evidence supporting PRP here.
Read Eddie’s Story. The British former professional strongman and World’s Strongest Man 2017 winner Eddie Hall recently received PRP Therapy.
nSTRIDE® Autologous Protein Solution
The nSTRIDE APS injection treatment is designed to alleviate pain. It is an autologous solution meaning that it is prepared from a sample of your own blood. Within osteoarthritic joints, inflammatory (swelling) proteins are present in a much greater concentration than anti-inflammatory proteins, causing a gradual breakdown of the cartilage. nSTRIDE APS injections contain a solution of concentrated anti-inflammatory proteins which restore the balance between inflammatory and anti-inflammatory proteins by preventing the activity/function of inflammatory proteins. This results in the reduction of inflammation and prevents any further deterioration of cartilage. nSTRIDE APS injections also contain anabolic proteins which stimulate the growth of cartilage and aids in the reduction and potential reversal of progression of osteoarthritis.
This treatment involves a selective filtration of your blood which harnesses Monocytes and their reparative properties for sporting injury and soft tissue damage.
In the degenerated tendons, Monocytes contribute to the repair of the damage by promoting the release of enzymes that help remove the damaged parts and consequently help the formation of a new matrix to promote the healing of the tendon. They perform a similar function in muscle injuries and promote the repair of damaged muscle fibres as a result of injury. There is some evidence to show these cells reduce inflammation in joints and have a beneficial effect in inflammatory forms of arthritis. Read more.
What causes Achilles tendinopathy & tendinitis?
Achilles tendinopathy commonly occurs in those who play racquet sports and football and also in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their running. The incidence of Achilles tendinopathy has dramatically increased as a result of people leading a more active lifestyle.
However, age can also be a cause, because as you get older the Achilles tendon becomes less flexible and less able to cope with rigorous movement. In fact, up to a third of people who suffer from Achilles tendinopathy don’t play any sport at all.
Genetics, lifestyle and the overall state of your health can also be a cause of Achilles tendinopathy. For instance, it can occur in people who:
- have a family history of the condition
- have previously suffered from it
- are overweight
- have other medical conditions, particularly high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis
- continually wear shoes that don’t fit properly or who regularly wear high heel shoes
- have ‘flat feet’ or high-arched feet
If left untreated the Achilles tendon can deteriorate over time.
What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy & tendinitis?
Symptoms you may experience with Achilles tendinopathy and tendinitis include:
- pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle
- a grating noise or a cracking feeling when you move the ankle
- pain in the Achilles tendon first thing in the morning or after exercise
- stiffness in the Achilles tendon after a prolonged period of sitting or first thing in the morning
If the heel or calf suddenly becomes sore, swollen or bruised you may have developed a tear in the tendon. If you hear a snapping noise, it could be you’ve ruptured the Achilles tendon and you should seek medical care straight away.
How is Achilles tendinopathy & tendinitis diagnosed?
If you are experiencing pain or stiffness in the back of the calf or in the ankle first thing in the morning or following exercise, a doctor will examine your leg, heel and ankle to determine what is causing this. They may ask you to perform a series of movements to see how freely you can move your leg. In some cases, the doctor may refer you to have an:
- MRI – using a magnetic field and radio waves a detailed image of the Achilles tendon is created which can reveal subtle changes in the tendon
- Ultrasound – sound waves are used to create an image of your Achilles tendon which can reveal any tears
What are the non-surgical options for Achilles tendinopathy & tendinitis?
Initial treatment may include medications such as analgesics which help reduce the pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – NSAIDS – which reduce the pain and inflammation and steroid injections which reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief.
Lifestyle modifications, such as losing weight can be used to relieve the symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy and tendinitis as this will reduce the strain on the tendon. You may be advised to restrict the amount of exercise you do and getting plenty of rest can help in the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy and tendinitis. You may still be able to exercise but your doctor may suggest some alternative exercises such as swimming which puts less strain on the Achilles tendon.
Applying ice can help relieve the pain, particularly after exercise. If you do this, it’s important to place a cloth between the ice and your skin to prevent you from getting an ice-burn.
You may be referred to a podiatrist who will study the way you walk and offer guidance on things to change. The podiatrist may recommend that you wear special shoe insoles to support the foot arch so that less strain is put on the tendon.
A range of physiotherapy techniques can help with Achilles tendinopathy. These include performing resistance exercises every day to strengthen the tendon. They may advise you to wear ‘night splints’ which are used to hold your foot in a certain position while you sleep.
Our expert team specialises in treating tendinopathy using advanced non-surgical techniques including Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT), Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP).
What are the surgical options for Achilles tendinopathy & tendinitis?
In the majority of cases, surgery is not required. However, if improvement is not seen following several months of non-surgical treatment options, surgery may be needed. The surgery involves the removal of any damaged areas of tendon and repairing what is left using tissue which is taken from further up the Achilles tendon or from other tendons.
While the surgery is a routine procedure, it will involve a period of rehabilitation afterward.
Why have a consultation at Jorja Healthcare Regenerative Treatments?
Our innovative range of treatments goes beyond what’s available on the NHS. As well as providing a full opinion on your condition that includes all the traditional non-surgical and surgical options, our experienced consultants will also assess your suitability for our alternative biological therapies, Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT), Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP).
Who will my consultation be with?
Your consultation will be with one of our foot and ankle specialists and it will last approximately 30 minutes. You may be asked to attend for an MRI scan, prior to your appointment.
As well as undertaking an examination, our specialists will take details of your medical history and discuss your symptoms. They will also detail all your treatment options and cover their potential benefits and risks.
Our expert team comprises of highly experienced surgeons, sports medicine doctors and physiotherapists who are committed to delivering a high level of care and the correct treatment option so you can quickly get back to moving around.
What is the autologus biological approach and when should it be considered?
Autologous translates as ‘from the same person.’ In brief, it involves using your own cells to encourage healing. The major benefits are that there is no chance of rejection, infection or contamination as you are using cells from your own body rather than a donor.
We offer a range therapies based on this principle which can be considered if traditional treatments including surgery aren’t relieving your pain.
Clinical evidence
Biological treatments are pioneering procedures and we’re continuously monitoring and recording its effectiveness. Patients undertaking these treatments are asked to complete pre-operative and post-operative questionnaires.
The information obtained from these questionnaires allows us to monitor your progress and it also contributes to our evidence-based database and other global studies on biological treatments. All information gathered is anonymised.
