What are Stem Cells?
All cells serve a specific purpose in the body except for stem cells that are not differentiated and can become almost any cell that the body needs it to be. Stem cells come from adult body tissue and embryonic stem cells from amniotic placentas. Adult stem cells are tissue-specific, unlike embryonic stem cells that can divide into more stems cells to be used for any cell type. Stem cells are often used for repairing diseased tissue and wounds that have trouble healing. If you have a condition that you feel would benefit from stem cell therapy, schedule a consultation online today with one of our premier podiatrists in South Florida to explore the proper stem cell treatment for you.
Why Should Consider Regenerative Therapies
Regenerative biologic research is one of the fascinating areas of medicine today and continues to make progress each year. Stem cells are called the future of medicine because of their potential to multiple, develop into different cell types and promote repair of cells and surrounding tissue.
They are used to treat:
- Damaged tissue and ligaments
- An alternative to surgery for knees, ankles, and other joints
- Promote healing after surgery
- Brain disease
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cell deficiency
- Blood diseases
Unlike traditional surgery, there is no long post-operative list of duties which keep it time and cost-effective.
If you have a condition that you feel would benefit from stem cell therapy, schedule a consultation online today with one of our premier podiatrists in South Florida to explore the proper stem cell treatment for you.
Regenerative Therapy Options
Stem cells are used as therapy in regenerative medicine, the biological process of replacing, repairing or regenerating damaged tissue to normal function without surgery. Tremendous advances have been made in the understanding and use of regenerative therapies that it is used to treat brain disease, cardiovascular disease, cell deficiency and blood diseases such as leukemia and sickle cell anemia as a primary form of treatment. There are many different types of stem cell therapies but the three that we focus on at our practice are:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-Rich Plasma is a regenerative therapy used to treat injuries and soft tissue. PRP therapy is used during surgery and to treat arthritis, tendonitis, fractures, and injuries such as tendon and ligament tears. Platelets are used by the body for blood clotting and to aid in healing injuries as well as regenerating new tissue. The growth factors in the platelets are highly effective in accelerating healing. The body’s initial reaction when an injury occurs is to send platelets to the injured area because PRP can stimulate repair through the release of growth factors and attraction of stem cells to the site. PRP injection therapy is done through a process called centrifugation. During centrifugation, red blood cells are separated through the use of a machine called a centrifuge and the platelets are extracted. The entire process of drawing blood and concentrating it into a platelet-rich plasma solution only takes about thirty minutes. Benefits of using PRP include hair growth, tissue healing, and inflammation reduction.
Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA)
Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside the hollow part of your bones that produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Bone marrow aspiration is the liquid removal of a small amount of tissue from the pelvic or breast bone for examination. A small incision is made on the skin then a needle is inserted through the bone to withdraw the bone marrow. Bone marrow aspirations are usually performed to provide more information about a suspected problem. More reasons that your doctor may use a bone marrow exam are to:
- Diagnose a disease or ailment that involving the bone marrow or blood cells
- Keep an eye on conditions like anemia, cancer, and other blood conditions
- Determine the stage or progression of a disease
- Determine the success of a disease treatment
- Check your iron levels and metabolism
- Investigate the origin of a fever
Amniotic Fluid Therapy (AFT)
Amniotic fluid therapy is a process where multipotent stem cells are derived from placental tissue in amniotic fluid. These stem cells are very active and can generate replacements for cells that are lost through wear and tear, injury, or disease. Amniotic stem cells are placentas donated following childbirth then tested and preserved to assure safety. Amniotic fluid contains growth factors, non-aged collagen, hyaluronic acid, cytokines, extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and viable cellular materials which help the body’s natural healing and regeneration of tissues. It is also immune privileged so there is no chance that the body will reject the treatment. The treatment may improve outcomes for patients that reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and support new blood vessel formation. While there are some ethical issues with embryonic stem cell therapy, the use of amniotic stem cell therapy raises no ethical or moral questions.
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