Although it might sound like science fiction on the surface, regenerative medicine simply involves treatments that use the body’s own tools for recovery in its favor.

Treatments under this specialty may use amniotic cells or platelet rich plasma to accelerate healing of an injury, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. The recovery systems of the body are stimulated and enhanced, promoting healing at the targeted area.

The Achilles Orthoplastic Limb Salvage Center is the only program of its kind in Central Virginia that provides unique microsurgical and lower limb local muscular, adiopofascial and pedicle flaps for limb salvage.

The program is led by Dr. Ryan Vazales, one of our reconstructive foot and ankle surgeons, to provide integrated treatment for patients with significant injuries that require complex care. The Center treats segmental bone defects with complex lengthening procedures to correct lower limb deformities.

Whether you need more cushioning for your heel, more support for your arch, more stability for your ankle, or even a correction in the alignment or motion of your feet as you walk, the correct orthotic can dramatically improve your symptoms and mobility. Orthotics may also be a component of the treatment plan for virtually any common foot or ankle condition, particularly those that are chronic or result from an abnormality in foot shape.

Various types of braces are another option that may be considered when strength or stability is lacking in the ankles. This may be a temporary solution while you’re rehabbing from an injury or recovering from surgery, or a longer-term approach to preventing future sprains or falls. As with orthotics, these are devices that you wear regularly inside your shoes or clothes and help you maintain the firm foundation necessary to live and move as painlessly as possible.

If you have suffered a sports injury to the foot or ankle, chances are you will need to take time away from high-impact activities and limit the amount of stress you place on your lower limbs. Depending on your injury, we may need to immobilize your injured foot or ankle for a while.

You will also need to be proactive about minimizing swelling and inflammation by wrapping your foot in a compression bandage and icing the injured area. Physical therapy may also be recommended once the initial damage has healed enough. This will help restore flexibility, strength, and range of motion.

In some severe cases, surgery might be required to repair the damage. And if that is the case for you, then you can rest assured that you are in good hands at Achilles Foot and Ankle Specialists.

All in all, with the right foot care, sports injuries certainly do not have to keep you sidelined indefinitely. The key for this is early treatment, so invest in your health by addressing the issue instead of allowing it to get worse over time