Stem Cell Injections
Stem Cell Injections
in Gilbert, AZ
If you’ve been dealing with persistent foot or ankle pain and conservative care hasn’t provided enough relief, stem cell injections may be an option in select cases. At Traction Podiatry in Gilbert, AZ, we start with a thorough exam and diagnosis to determine whether regenerative treatment is appropriate for your condition, activity goals, and timeline.
What Are Stem Cell Injections?
Stem cell injections (also referred to as regenerative or biologic injections) are used in some musculoskeletal conditions to support the body’s natural repair processes. These treatments are not a guaranteed fix and are not appropriate for every diagnosis—but for the right patient, they may be considered as part of a broader, step-by-step plan.
Important: Stem cell injections are typically discussed after we confirm your diagnosis and review what you’ve already tried (rest, footwear changes, PT, bracing, orthotics, medications, etc.).
- Dystrophic or damaged toenails
- Toenail fungus under active treatment
- Trauma-related nail deformities
- Post-matrixectomy or partial nail loss
- Anyone wanting cosmetic improvement with medical oversight
Conditions We Commonly Evaluate for Stem Cell Injections (Foot & Ankle)
Stem cell injections may be considered for select cases involving:
- Chronic tendon pain or degeneration (tendinopathy)
Examples: Achilles tendon issues, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), peroneal tendon pain (case-dependent) - Chronic ligament injury / ankle instability (select cases)
- Joint pain related to cartilage wear-and-tear or inflammation (case-dependent)
- Persistent soft tissue pain that has not responded to standard treatment
Not every condition is a candidate. Some problems respond better to other options (targeted rehab, orthotics, PRP, shockwave, or surgery when indicated).
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a potential candidate if you:
- Have chronic symptoms that haven’t improved with conservative treatment
- Have a clear diagnosis based on exam (and imaging when appropriate)
- Want a non-surgical option and understand results vary
- Can follow a post-treatment plan (activity changes + rehab)
You may not be a candidate if your condition requires a different approach (for example: certain severe tears, advanced deformity, significant instability, or advanced joint collapse).
What to Expect: Consultation → Procedure → Recovery
Step 1: Diagnosis & Candidacy Visit
Your first step is a focused evaluation so we’re treating the right problem. This may include:
- Physical exam and gait/biomechanics review
- Review of prior treatments
- Imaging if needed (X-ray and/or other imaging based on symptoms)
Step 2: Treatment Plan Review
If regenerative injections are an option, we’ll walk through:
- Whether stem cell injections are appropriate for your diagnosis
- Alternatives (including PRP or other conservative treatments)
- Expected timeline and recovery guidelines
- Pricing and what’s included (many regenerative treatments are self-pay)
Step 3: Injection Visit (If Appropriate)
The procedure is performed in-office. In some cases, we use imaging guidance for precision depending on the tissue being treated.
Step 4: Aftercare + Follow-Up
Regenerative treatments typically require:
- Temporary activity modification
- A structured return-to-activity plan
- Rehab guidance to support tissue recovery and reduce recurrence risk
How Long Until I Notice Results?
Most regenerative therapies are not immediate. Improvement, when it occurs, is often gradual and depends on:
- The condition being treated
- Severity and chronicity
- Adherence to aftercare + rehab
- Overall health and activity demands
We’ll give you realistic expectations for your situation at your visit.
Stem Cell vs PRP: What’s the Difference?
Many patients ask which is “better.” The answer depends on your diagnosis.
PRP injections use a concentration of your own platelets and are often discussed for certain tendon/soft tissue conditions.
Stem cell injections are a different regenerative option that may be considered for other indications or more complex cases.
If you’re unsure which you need—don’t guess. We’ll evaluate and recommend the most appropriate option based on your exam and goals.
