Stem Cell Injections & Regenerative Medicine

Currently the only FDA approved injection and AATB compliant is being offered at Pasadena Orthopedics, Inc.

The future is regenerative medicine. State-of-the-art medical treatments, such as stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP), have become popular non-surgical options for the treatment of sports injuries, accidents, overuse, heredity or problems associated with an aging body, as well as degenerative arthritis, tendon and ligament damage.

Regenerative medicine is an exciting, newer area of clinical practice that focuses on the natural healing of chronically injured tissues that have become unable to heal themselves. This is accomplished by either replacing damaged, non-functional tissue with healthy cells or organs, or by stimulating the body’s own tissues to regenerate and repair themselves through the introduction of active biochemical messengers (growth factors) and scaffoldings.

Degeneration, or wear and tear, of normal daily activities results in micro injuries to our tissues, especially in weight bearing joints (foot and ankle arthritis) and lower extremity tendons (Achilles Tendinitis) and ligaments (plantar fasciitis). When we are young, the microtrauma from running or tennis, for example, is rapidly repaired by our body’s own defense mechanisms. But as we age, our ability to heal is diminished. Our cells become dormant and lose the ability to divide, and scar tissue forms instead of healthy tissue. Coupled with the fact that we are living longer, this becomes a big problem, especially if we want to remain active.

Our foot and ankle specialist sees chronic problems such as Achilles tendon pain, plantar fasciitis or heel pain, peroneal tendon and posterior tibial tendon pain, anterior tibial tendon pain, foot and ankle arthritis, painful ankle sprains, peripheral neuropathy, and other conditions on a daily basis. Before regenerative medicine or stem cell therapy (stem cell injections) became available, there was often no good conservative treatment option available. Corticosteroid injections were being administered more than they should have, often causing tissues to weaken. Surgery was often required. Now, in many cases these problems can be treated without drugs, cortisone or surgery.

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections work with the similar idea in mind. Platelets are small cells in the blood that help form clots to stop bleeding, and platelet-rich plasma is the patient’s own concentrated platelets. PRP is a growth factor that promotes the healing of bones, cartilage, blood vessels, tendons and tissue, and is becoming more and more popular when treating foot and ankle injuries. PRP creates actual healing because it contains three to five times the concentration of growth factors compared to normal human blood. The board-certified foot and ankle specialist at Pasadena Orthopedics Inc, Dr. Sara Shirazi, will first collect a blood sample from a selected part of the body to acquire the powerful stem cells that promote healing. These stem cells are then injected into the injured area of the foot or ankle, where they replicate and flourish.

Whether you have PRP or a Protext stem cell injection, the magic happens when the surrounding cells begin to mimic the stem cells, making healing possible and producing an anti-inflammatory effect that can help reduce pain. Stem cell injections also contain hyaluronic acid, which lubricates joints and tendons, easing pain and helping to restore mobility. Most patients agree that the entire process is virtually pain free.

PRP is not covered by insurances, but stem cell injections of donated connective tissue can be. We will run your insurance prior to administering this treatment.

For more questions, please call Pasadena Orthopedics Inc to schedule an appointment with our specialist, Dr. Sara Shirazi.

Is Board-Certification Important?

Absolutely!

Podiatrists can earn board certification with advanced training, clinical experience, and by ultimately taking a national set of exams.

• Physicians must meet peer-reviewed continuing competence requirements every two years in order to renew their licenses. The Podiatric Medical Board of California (PMBC) is still the only doctor-licensing board in the country to implement this long-recommended reform. This is key to ensuring excellent patient care, making sure your doctor is up-to-date with the latest advancements, and can offer patients quality medical expertise.

What Dermatology Issues Can Your Podiatrist Treat?

When we think of a podiatrist, we tend to think of a doctor that treats fractures, ingrown nails, bunions, neuromas and performs foot and ankle surgery. But did you know, podiatrists can also treat several dermatology issues related to your feet?

Just some of the most common issues treated include: Dermatitis, Athlete’s Foot, Melanomas, Warts and Venous Stasis Dermatitis.

Dermatitis What is it? Dermatitis is a very common condition resulting in inflammation of the skin. Causes/Symptoms: Dermatitis can occur when you have contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction, such as, lotions, adhesives, nickel, poison ivy and even medications. Treatment: Treatment includes a prescription for topical steroids or moisturizers. Dr. Shirazi will also want to determine the cause for your allergic reaction and eliminate exposure.

Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis) What is it? Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection that usually occurs between the toes but can also affect other areas of the foot. Causes/Symptoms: Fungus thrives in warm, damp environments, which are commonly found inside your shoe, around pools and showers. Symptoms include: dry skin, peeling skin, itching, burning, swelling and blisters. Treatment: Treatment includes a prescription for an anti-fungal, as well as, encouragement to keep your feet dry, and to wear proper footwear around pools and in public places like showers.

Melanomas of the Foot What is it? “Melanoma is a cancer that begins in the cells of the skin that produce pigmentation (coloration). ” It can occur on your skin, but also be present in your finger nail or toe nail bed. Causes/Symptoms: Most cases are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds, but can also come from exposure to radiation. Signs to look for on your skin– ABCDs of melanoma: Asymmetry- one half of the spot is different in shape than the other half. Border- border is irregular. The edge/ border is typically ragged, notched or blurred Color- Mix of colors or hues are present. It is not uniform in color. Diameter- Melanoma grows, whereas moles will remain small. A spot larger than a pencil eraser is cause for concern.

Signs to look for on your nail bed: A pigmented band, the length of your nail, that does not grow out with your nail. Overtime it can become wider, the color can change throughout the band, development of a nodule can occur, or may even cause the nail to crack. Treatment: Treatment begins with examining area of concern and then taking a biopsy. If biopsy determines the area to be cancerous, your podiatrist will recommend the best course of treatment.

Warts What is it? Warts are a viral infection caused by the humanpapiloma virus (HPV). They are often mistaken as corns or calluses. They are also often mistreated altogether - often times by other doctors. They occur when HPV enters the skin through a small cut or abrasion. Children and teenagers are more susceptible to getting warts, than adults. Causes/Symptoms: Warts are spread by touching, scratching or contact with skin shed from another wart. If left untreated, wart clusters can form. Warts look like small rough growths on your skin. Treatment: If self-care approaches have not helped, Dr. Shirazi can provide you with a few different treatment options including the latest advancements and most effective treatments. Cryotherapy is no longer first-line treatment!

Venous Stasis Dermatitis What is it? Venous Stasis is when the veins in the leg are no longer properly carrying blood back to the heart. This also results in blood building up in the feet, ankles and legs. “The pigmentation from the red blood cells stains the skin from the inside, and a reddish-brown discoloration develops on the skin, which is called Venous Stasis Dermatitis (VSD). ” Causes/Symptoms: Venous Stasis is when the veins in the leg are no longer properly carrying blood back to the heart. This also results in blood building up in the feet, ankles and legs. “The pigmentation from the red blood cells stains the skin from the inside, and a reddish- brown discoloration develops on the skin, which is called Venous Stasis Dermatitis (VSD). ” Early symptoms of VSD include: -heaviness or aching when you stand or walk for extended periods of time. -swelling at the ankle at the end of the day. -varicose veins -skin is itchy, dry, red or sore

Symptoms as VSD progresses include: -swelling beyond the ankle -dry cracked skin -red to violet colored open sores -shiny skin Treatment: Types of treatment include: -compression socks -mechanical compression to help move fluid away from the leg -corticosteroid creams -vein surgery to repair damaged veins (such as placement of a stint) If you think you are experiencing a dermatological issue related to your foot or ankle, call Dr. Shirazi today. Try not to wait on a skin issue that is causing you discomfort or concern.

Pasadena Orthopedics

959 E. Walnut Street Suite 220

Pasadena CA 91106

Phone: 626-517-0022.