A Closer Look at Regenerative Therapy Options in the Lower Extremity

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Q: What are the most effective regenerative therapies in the foot and ankle?

A: The most effective and widely used therapies in the foot and ankle appear to be platelet-rich plasma (PRP), extracorporeal pulse activation technology (EPAT), extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), notes Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, a partner at USFAS in Silver Spring, MD, and Chair of the APMA Communications Committee. 

Q: What lower extremity conditions are most responsive to these therapies?

A: Dr. Parthasarathy notes plantar fasciitis, tendinitis and tendon tears appear to respond the best to those therapies.

Q: Are there any promising new regenerative therapies that you’re excited about?

A: Exosomes are a promising new tool in regenerative research, which Dr. Parthasarathy says can have applications in tendon regeneration and wound healing. More specifically, she cites the research into human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), saying they have demonstrated significant regenerative capabilities.