If your heel pain is stopping you lead a full and active life, then minimally invasive regenerative treatments could help you enjoy your life the way you want to.
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 plantar fasciitis?
It’s not wholly clear what causes plantar fasciitis but it may arise through:
- being overweight
- getting older – those aged between 40 and 60 are more at risk
- wearing sub-optimal footwear
- exercising on hard surfaces
- starting new exercises such as running or walking
- standing for prolonged periods
- overstretching the sole of the foot during exercise
- exercising with a tight calf or heel
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis causes a stabbing pain that the bottom of the foot, near or around the heel. The onset of pain is typically experienced at the start of the day or after a period of rest.
Repetitive injury to the plantar fascia can result in tears and inflammation resulting in symptoms of pain.
How is plantar fasciitis diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing pain in your heel a doctor will examine the area and check for areas of tenderness. In some cases, you may require and MRI. Using a magnetic field and radio waves a detailed image of the heel is created which can reveal if the pain is being caused by something else such as a stress fracture or a pinched nerve.
What are the non-surgical options for plantar faciitis?
Treatment for plantar fasciitis aims to relieve symptoms and improve the function of the foot.
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 reduce the stress on the plantar fascia. Wearing supportive and cushioned training shoes, avoiding walking around barefoot and making sure you sit down at regular intervals can also help relieve the symptoms. While you may still be able to exercise, your doctor may suggest some alternative exercises such as swimming or cycling which puts less strain on the plantar fascia.
Applying ice to the foot for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours 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.
A range of physiotherapy techniques can help with plantar fasciitis. These include:
- carrying out exercises to stretch the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon to strengthen the lower leg muscles
- applying athletic tape to support the bottom of the foot
- wearing a splint to stretch the calf and the arch of the foot while you sleep. While you sleep, the splint will hold the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a lengthened position helping with stretching
- wearing arch supports to evenly distribute pressure throughout the foot
Our expert team specialises in treating plantar fasciitis 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 plantar fasciitis?
Surgery is normally not required to treat plantar fasciitis but if the pain intensifies and becomes severe or if other non-surgical treatments aren’t improving the condition it may be recommended that you have surgery to remove the plantar fascia from the heel bone.
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 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 means ‘from the same person’ rather than from a donor. Essentially, your own cells are used to encourage healing. With this type of treatment, there’s a dramatic reduction in the risks of the rejection, infection or contamination that come with using material from someone else. The innovative therapies we offer are based on this idea. If you’ve found traditional treatments aren’t helping your pain, of if you’re looking for a possible alternative to surgery, then this approach is one to consider.
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.