Traditional sprained ankle treatment usually includes using ice, compression, elevation, and rest along with physical therapy and medication. For a more serious sprain, some patients may consider steroid injections or surgery to repair the sprained ankle. Medical professionals at Diablo Foot and Ankle offer an alternative service that may help your ankle during the healing process. This treatment is called Amniotic Injection Therapy. 

What is Amniotic Injection Therapy?

Amniotic injection therapy is an alternative regenerative form of treatment that uses stem cells. Amniotic Stem Cells (ASCs) come from amniotic fluid, which is the liquid that protects the embryo during pregnancy. Many women who have Cesarean sections choose to donate their amniotic fluid, which does not harm embryos or infants in any way. One benefit of the fluid is that it has regenerative qualities which means that the fluid has the ability to form new tissue. This ankle sprain treatment injects ASCs into the affected area.

Amniotic tissue has historically had many health benefits. During the 1900s, amniotic fluid was used to enhance healing within soft tissue and small tears of the soft tissue as well as decreasing the formation of scar tissue and decreasing inflammation. At Diablo Foot and Ankle, all amniotic fluid used for injection therapy was donated by consenting mothers who were deemed as healthy by their doctors. This means that the fluid is tested for diseases just like donated blood is tested. Any fluid that is identified as unhealthy or unsafe is not used for amniotic injection therapy. 

How does Amniotic Injection Therapy work?

After an ankle injury such as a sprain, you may undergo traditional recovery and rehabilitation of the ankle. Amniotic Injection Therapy is not used as a replacement for traditional ankle recovery, it is used to enhance the healing process. It is also used as an alternative to more serious recovery treatments like ankle surgery. The process of amniotic injection therapy traditionally occurs in a series of one or two shots. Most patients do not need more than that. After receiving the first shot, the doctor will follow up with a patient in a matter of weeks to monitor the progress and determine whether or not another shot would be beneficial.  

What injuries can benefit from Amniotic Injection Therapy?

Amniotic Injection Therapy can be used to treat many injuries. These benefits are not just for ankle injuries. The most common issues that could benefit from amniotic injection therapy include:

• Osteoarthritic joint issues in the foot and ankle
• Tendonitis
• Tears in ligaments, tendons, and muscles
• Plantar fasciitis
• Wound healing
• Pain in the leg, hip, neck, and back 
  

To learn more about how amniotic injection therapy can help with ankle pain or foot pain, contact us today. Visit us at our website, Diablo Foot & Ankle, or call us at (925) 464-1982. Our experts can assist you with a consultation and provide you with the service that you need.