Biologics & Regenerative Therapies for Foot & Ankle

What Are Biologics in Podiatry?

Biologics are treatments derived from biological sources, including your own body, that harness your natural healing mechanisms to repair damaged tissue. In foot and ankle care, biologics represent a significant advancement beyond traditional treatments like cortisone injections or surgery.

 

These therapies can accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue regeneration in conditions that previously had limited treatment options.

Types of Biologic Treatments We Offer

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Your own blood is drawn and processed to concentrate platelets, cells rich in growth factors that drive tissue repair. PRP is injected directly into the injured area.

 

Common applications:
Chronic plantar fasciitis that hasn’t responded to conservative care
Achilles tendonitis and tendon tears
Ankle ligament injuries
Arthritis-related joint pain

Amniotic Tissue Allografts

Processed amniotic membrane contains growth factors, collagen, and anti-inflammatory proteins. Applied to surgical sites or chronic wounds to promote healing.

 

Common applications:
Diabetic foot ulcers and non-healing wounds
Surgical wound augmentation
Tendon repair enhancement

Autologous Fat Grafting (AFG)

A regenerative, single-stage, outpatient procedure that uses a patient’s own fat to heal chronic, stubborn wounds—such as diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, and burn scars—by using adipose-derived stem cells to promote vascularization. It is particularly effective at reducing scar stiffness, improving tissue quality, and accelerating healing in injured or irradiated tissue

Wharton’s jelly

A gelatinous, mucus-based connective tissue within the umbilical cord that protects vessels, rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hyaluronic acid. It acts as a protective, cushioning layer supporting fetal development. Due to high concentrations of proliferative, immune-evasive stem cells, it is widely researched for regenerative medicine, including treating joint injuries, orthopedic conditions, and inflammatory diseases

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)

Concentrated stem cells and growth factors from your own bone marrow, used to support bone healing and tissue regeneration.

Common applications:

Non-union fractures (fractures that aren’t healing)

Joint fusion augmentation
Cartilage defect repair
Wounds
Tendonitis
Arthritis
Nerve Pain
Pain
Fat pad atrophy

Who Benefits From Biologic Treatments?

Patients with chronic injuries that haven’t responded to standard treatmentsAthletes seeking faster recovery from foot and ankle injuries
Diabetic patients with slow-healing wounds
Patients who want to explore non-surgical options before committing to surgery
Post-surgical patients where enhanced healing is beneficial
Patients with chronic pain that have failed traditional treatments

What to Expect

Most biologic treatments are performed in-office or as outpatient procedures:

  1. Consultation: Your doctor evaluates your condition and determines which biologic approach is most appropriate.
  2. Treatment: PRP injections take 30-45 minutes. Tissue applications are done during wound care visits or surgery. Fat grafting is a surgical procedure that requires an incision. Warton’s jelly or mesenchymal stem cells are a simple injection that is done in the office.
  3. Recovery: Most patients resume normal activity often the same day, but within days for some cases. Full therapeutic effect develops over 4-12 weeks as tissue regeneration occurs.
  4. Follow-up: Progress is monitored through clinical evaluation and imaging as needed

Is This Covered by Insurance?

Coverage varies by plan and specific treatment. Most of these biological treatments are not covered by insurance. Our team will verify your benefits and discuss options

Experiencing Foot or Ankle Pain?

We’re here to help! Contact our friendly staff and connect with our expert doctors

WeTreatFeet™ Podiatry has been proud to serve the Maryland area’s Foot & Ankle needs for over 30 years! From bunions to twisted ankles to diabetic wound care and everything in between. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you get back on your feet!