Three Types of Bunions
Did you know there’s more than one type of bunions? These bony growths aren’t just a painless lump. They can cause discomfort and make you feel self-conscious about your feet. Learn more about bunions and how we treat them.
4 Helpful Treatment Options for Joint Pain
Do you have joint pain? If so, we can help.
At PMC Foot and Ankle Clinic in Spring, Texas, Eric Blanson, DPM, and our team offer several treatments to change the condition of your damaged joints and ligaments to help you regain your quality of life.
Methods of treatment for your joint pain
Here, at PMC Foot and Ankle Clinic, we offer the following four types of treatment:
1. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
PRP has gained popularity rapidly for its ability to treat joint pain. To perform PRP, we draw a small sample of blood from your arm and put it in a centrifuge where it spins at a very high speed. The spinning separates your platelets from other components in your blood.
We then take the concentrated solution and inject it into the area where you have pain. The platelets are extremely rich in protein. They promote tissue regeneration and accelerate the healing process.
2. Stem cell therapy
Stem cell therapy is one of the best-known types of regenerative medicine. Highly valued for its successful results, we use it to treat joint and tissue damage. One study showed that patients with osteoarthritis in their knees experienced improvements with this treatment for up to five years later.
Stem cell therapy involves extracting them from another place from your body. We then inject them into the targeted area that needs repair. The stem cells then transform and regenerate your tissues, and the healing process begins.
3. Laser therapy
Laser therapy is another option of treatment that can provide relief for your pain and long-term healing. In a study looking at the success rate of laser therapy for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, 70% of the patients had reduced pain.
4. Live graft transfer
This type of treatment is for those who have severely damaged joints. We take a live graft of your own tissue, or we take tissue from a donor. We then transplant the tissue into your damaged joint. This allows healthy tissue to grow and replace the weak areas.
During your consultation, we talk with you about your treatment options and discuss which one might be right for you.
At-home remedies
In addition to our medical treatments, there are ways for you to take a personal, proactive role in reducing your joint pain.
Consider these options:
Move your body
Staying active stops your joints from becoming stiff. When you exercise, you can increase your range of motion and strengthen the muscles that surround your joints, giving them the support they need.
Stay at a healthy weight
Carrying extra pounds can have a compound effect on your joints. Keep your weight within a healthy range to relieve any extra, undue pressure on your joints.
Ice it
Icing your areas of pain reduces your blood flow and brings down swelling and pain. Applying ice for 15 minutes several times a day can give you considerable relief.
Wrap it
Wrapping the area of pain can immobilize it, which can take pressure off the affected joints.
At PMC Foot and Ankle, we understand how joint pain can affect your quality of life. If you’re looking for answers that can help alleviate the condition of your joints, contact our friendly office staff by phone today or schedule your appointment with Dr. Blanson online for convenience.
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