Tendon injuries can be frustrating. Whether it’s a nagging Achilles tendon issue or chronic tendonitis, these injuries often take longer to heal than we’d like. If rest, physical therapy, and traditional treatments aren’t working, it might be time to consider regenerative medicine.
In this blog, Dr. Maurice Aiken and our expert podiatric team at Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists in Dunedin, Florida, walk through the boxes you should check before considering regenerative medicine.
Tendons are tough bands of connective tissue that attach muscle to bone. They play a crucial role in movement, absorbing force, and helping with flexibility. However, tendons don’t heal as quickly as other tissues because they have limited blood flow.
That’s why tendon injuries — whether from overuse, trauma, or age-related degeneration — can take months to heal and sometimes become chronic.
If you’ve been dealing with one of these issues and traditional treatments aren’t working, regenerative medicine might be the next step.
Regenerative medicine focuses on helping the body heal itself by stimulating tissue repair. Instead of masking pain or reducing inflammation, these treatments encourage cellular regeneration to rebuild damaged tendon.
There are several types of regenerative medicines. Here’s a closer look.
PRP therapy involves taking a small sample of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting it into the injured tendon. Platelets contain growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
We recommend PRP for chronic tendinitis, mild to moderate tears, and overuse injuries. Recovery is minimal, treatment is virtually painless, and full results may take a few weeks.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a solution of sterile dextrose into the injured area to create a mild inflammatory response. This response triggers the body to heal by increasing blood flow and stimulating tissue repair.
Prolotherapy is best for chronic tendon injuries and mild tears. We typically recommend multiple treatments over several weeks to see the best results.
Erchonia cold laser therapy uses low-level light energy to relieve swelling and inflammation stemming from tendon injuries. The best part? Treatment is entirely noninvasive and provides lasting results.
When is the right time to explore these advanced treatments? Here are a few signs that regenerative medicine might be worth exploring.
If rest, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications haven’t provided lasting relief, regenerative medicine could be a better alternative.
Do you feel better for a few weeks, only for the pain to return? Chronic tendon issues often need more than short-term fixes; regenerative medicines offer a path to healing and an end to recurring pain.
Surgery might be the only option for some tendon injuries, but regenerative medicine often provides a less invasive alternative with a faster recovery. If you’re concerned about having to go under the knife to resolve your tendon injury, let’s talk about trying regenerative medicine first.
If staying active is a priority, regenerative treatments can help you heal faster and return to your sport or exercise routine without lengthy downtime.
When tendon pain interferes with quality of life and makes simple movements like walking and lifting difficult, regenerative medicine is worth considering.
Regenerative medicine isn’t an instant fix; it enhances your body’s natural healing process. Most treatments involve injecting directly into the injured tendon, followed by gradual improvement over weeks or months.
After treatment, here’s what you can expect:
If you’re dealing with a stubborn tendon injury that won’t heal, regenerative medicine could be the breakthrough you need. Whether it’s PRP, prolotherapy, or cold laser therapy, these treatments offer a natural way to rebuild and strengthen your tendons without relying on painkillers or invasive procedures.
Still not sure if it’s the right choice? A consultation with our regenerative medicine expert can help determine if it’s right for you. Take the first step toward healing and explore your options today. Call Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists or request an appointment online.
