Advanced Treatments and Procedures

What You Need To Know

A closer look at the advanced options available when conservative care is not enough.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Care Options

When conservative care does not fully resolve foot and ankle pain, advanced treatments and procedures can offer meaningful relief. At SoCal Foot Care, our providers use a range of options, including regenerative therapies, diagnostic imaging, and minimally invasive techniques, to address acute and chronic conditions.

Amniotic stem cell therapy is a safe and effective regenerative treatment that can reduce inflammation and scars. Amniotic tissue has unique regenerative properties that help control pain and promote healing. The fluid contains growth factors that stimulate tissue growth and stem cell activity, along with hyaluronic acid, which acts as a lubricant. Indications include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonosis, tendonitis, and ligament and tendon damage.

Diagnostic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging technique for soft tissue used to diagnose foot disorders. A special probe emits sound waves that are converted to an image of the ligaments in your foot and ankle, plus the Achilles tendon, plantar fascia, posterior tibial tendon, and peroneal tendons.

Subchondral stabilization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat the bone beneath the cartilage. Chronic pain may result from bone edema, which an MRI can identify as the cause of microfractures. A bone substitute material is injected to stabilize the area and is replaced by new bone during healing.

If you want to know which advanced option is right for you, schedule an evaluation with our team to review your history and treatment goals.

Laser Therapy and Surgical Options

FX635 Laser is a low-level laser therapy, sometimes referred to as a cold laser, used to address acute and chronic pain. Patients can expect no pain, no drugs, no side effects, and no downtime. The laser has a photochemical effect that reduces oxidative stress and increases ATP production, which fuels other cellular processes. Common problem areas include heel pain related to plantar fasciitis, post-operative pain, and chronic neck, shoulder, and low back pain.

MLS Laser Therapy uses alternating pulses of various light wavelengths on areas suffering from pain and inflammation. The light has a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effect and penetrates deeply into tissue to accelerate cellular reproduction. Injured tendons, ligaments, and muscles repair themselves more quickly, with most patients reporting significant positive results within the first three treatments.

When surgery is needed, minimally invasive foot surgery can correct painful conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, stiff big toe, painful calluses, heel pain, and warts. These outpatient procedures use very small incisions, causing minimal disturbance to adjacent tissue. Benefits include less pain, shorter surgery time, reduced need for general anesthesia, and smaller scars.

For advanced deformities, reconstructive foot and ankle surgery can address structural issues through procedures such as shifting of bones, tendon lengthening, foot fusion, and external fixation. Recovery generally includes RICE (rest, icing, compression, and elevation), along with splints, casts, or surgical shoes as directed by your podiatrist.