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Stem Cell Therapy

Rahul Patel, DPM, FACFAS -  - Podiatrist

Rahul Patel, DPM, FACFAS

Board-Certified Podiatrist located in Flushing, Queens & Nomad, New York, NY

Your stem cells may offer many capabilities to help your body heal and repair itself. When you are suffering from an injury or degenerative condition, stem cell therapy can be an effective treatment option to help relieve you of your foot and ankle pain. As a highly skilled regenerative medicine specialist, Dr. Rahul Patel is at the forefront of advanced medical treatment options as he is the first foot and ankle surgeon at New York Presbyterian Queens who introduced stem cell grafts as adjunctive treatment with his surgeries . At his offices in Flushing and Nomad, New York, Dr. Patel offers stem cell therapy for potential long-term relief.

Stem Cell Therapy Q & A

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are a unique type of cell with the remarkable ability to develop into many different cell types within the body during early life and growth. They serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.

There are two main types of stem cells:

  1. Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs): These are pluripotent stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of a developing embryo. Pluripotent means they have the ability to differentiate into any cell type in the body. ESCs are particularly valuable for research because of their ability to grow into virtually any cell type.

  2. Adult Stem Cells (also called Somatic or Tissue-Specific Stem Cells): These stem cells (or undifferentiated mesenchymal cells) are found in small numbers in various tissues and organs throughout the body, such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and blood. Adult stem cells are multipotent or sometimes oligopotent, meaning they can differentiate into a limited range of cell types. Their primary role is to maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found.

There are also induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to an embryonic stem cell-like state. These cells share many characteristics with embryonic stem cells and offer potential benefits, such as avoiding the ethical concerns associated with the use of embryos.

Stem cells have generated considerable interest in medical research and therapy due to their potential to treat a wide range of diseases and injuries. They hold promise for regenerative medicine, where they could be used to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs, as well as for understanding diseases and developing new drugs. However, significant research is still needed to fully harness their potential and ensure their safe and effective use in clinical applications.

What is stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy is a type of treatment that uses your body's own stem cells to treat or an arthritic condition. When you are suffering from a foot, joint, or ankle injury, stem cell therapy is a nonsurgical treatment option. The stem cells are extracted from your body and later injected into the injured area. Common conditions that are treated by stem cell therapy include:

  • Ligament strains
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Arthritis
  • Achilles tendinosis
  • Degenerative conditions

When assessing your condition, Dr. Patel can determine if stem cell therapy is the best treatment option to relieve you of your pain. In severe cases, stem cell therapy can be a good alternative to undergoing surgery for long-term relief.

How can stem cell therapy heal my foot condition?

Stem cells have been explored for their potential in healing foot injuries due to their ability to differentiate into various types of cells and their capacity to promote tissue regeneration. Here's how they can potentially aid in healing foot injuries:

  1. Regeneration of Tissues: Stem cells can differentiate into specialized cells, including those found in bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. When injected into the injured area, they can potentially regenerate damaged tissues, aiding in the healing process.

  2. Reducing Inflammation: Stem cells possess anti-inflammatory properties. By modulating the immune response, they can help reduce inflammation associated with foot injuries, thereby promoting a more conducive environment for healing.

  3. Accelerating Healing: Stem cells secrete growth factors and other signaling molecules that stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms. This can lead to faster tissue repair and regeneration, expediting the recovery process for foot injuries.

  4. Improved Functional Recovery: By promoting tissue regeneration and reducing scar formation, stem cell therapy may lead to better functional recovery following foot injuries. This can result in improved range of motion, strength, and overall function of the foot.

  5. Treatment of Chronic Conditions: Stem cell therapy holds promise for treating chronic foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and osteoarthritis. By targeting the underlying causes of these conditions and promoting tissue regeneration, stem cells may provide long-lasting relief and improve overall foot health.

It's important to note that while stem cell therapy shows potential for treating foot injuries, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. Additionally, the specific approach to stem cell therapy (e.g., source of stem cells, method of delivery) may vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Individuals considering stem cell therapy for foot injuries should consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their needs.

The healing time for foot and ankle injuries can vary from person to person. Adults typically take longer than children because as you age, the number of stem cells you have decreases as you grow older. Because of stem cells’ specialized ability to potentially transform into muscle cells and cartilage, stem cell therapy can help you generate the cells you need and speed up the healing time.

 

To find out if stem cell therapy is a good option for healing your foot condition, call Dr. Patel for your first step towards recovery!