Foot problems cannot only be incapacitating, but they can also be quite frustrating at times. Many sufferers have tried everything from corticosteroid injections to acupuncture only to find temporary relief from their pain. Today, our podiatrist, Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists is sharing news about a new treatment for common foot problems.
Plantar fasciitis affects more than one million people each year, and Achilles tendinitis plagues many runners and athletes. There is now a new treatment option called Amnio-Fix to help patients recover.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive regarding the Amnio-Fix injection:
What is Amnio-Fix? Amnio-Fix is a human-derived composite tissue membrane that is made from donated tissue. It is taken from healthy, consenting mothers who have had cesarean sections. Once the tissue has been cleaned, sterilized, and dehydrated, it is blended with sterile saline to produce an injectable mixture that possesses amazing healing capabilities.
Is it Safe? There have been no accounts of serious side effects or complications to date. Patients may face some minor discomfort near the injection site for up to three days, but it can be managed using ice and elevation to reduce any swelling.
How Does Amnio-Fix Differ from Other Treatments? An Amnio-Fix injection is different from platelet-rich plasma injections and corticosteroid injections because it helps regenerate damaged tissue.
Corticosteroid shots are typically administered after other conventional treatments methods fail, but they only mask the pain, so the cause remains unresolved. Moreover, platelet-rich plasma injections do not possess the growth factors needed for tissue regeneration.
Is There Any Research About its Effectiveness?
A study published in Foot & Ankle International found that a single injection of Amnio-Fix generated significant improvement in plantar fasciitis symptoms within one week of treatment. Over the course of the trial (which lasted 8 weeks) patients exhibited improvements in terms of pain levels and function.
Comparable findings were presented in the Journal of Sports Medicine regarding the usage of amniotic tissue to treat plantar fasciitis.
If you are experiencing symptoms of plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis, call the office of Dr. Hubert Lee of CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists at (425) 455-0936. To schedule a consultation to learn more about treatment using Amnio-Fix injections.
