ADVANCED TREATMENTS
& THERAPIES
Comprehensive Podiatry Care: Advanced Treatments for Wound Healing & Foot Health
Explore a range of cutting-edge therapies in Regenerative Medicine designed to address your foot and ankle concerns. Learn about advanced treatments such as wound care, grafts, injections, shockwave therapy, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), ultrasound therapy, gait & balance solutions, and custom orthotics.
Wound Care
Podiatric Wound Care: Prevention and Treatment
At Peoria Foot & Ankle, we understand that your feet are essential to your mobility and overall quality of life. When wounds, especially ulcers, affect your feet, they can make daily activities difficult and impact your health. We’re here to help with advanced treatments and cutting-edge therapies to ensure you get the best care possible.
What Are Ulcers and How Do They Happen?
Ulcers are open sores that form when the outer layer of your skin is damaged, exposing deeper tissues underneath. These wounds can develop for several reasons, including:
Excess pressure from tight or poorly fitting shoes, or from staying in one position for too long.
Injuries that break the skin.
Underlying health conditions like diabetes, neuropathy (nerve damage), or vascular disease (poor circulation), which can make it harder for wounds to heal.
Without proper care, ulcers can lead to infections in both the skin and bones, which is why early detection and treatment are key to preventing complications.
How We Diagnose Ulcers
To accurately diagnose and assess your ulcer, we use the latest diagnostic tools, including:
X-rays to check for any bone involvement that could affect healing.
Imaging studies to look for signs of vascular disease, which could impair circulation and hinder recovery.
How We Treat Ulcers
Each ulcer is unique, so we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Our approach may include:
Debridement: This involves carefully removing unhealthy tissue to help your wound heal faster.
Local wound care: We clean and dress the wound to create the optimal environment for healing.
Pressure relief: We use specialized footwear or padding to reduce pressure on the affected area and prevent further injury.
Infection management: If an infection is present, we’ll provide the necessary topical or oral antibiotics to address it.
Advanced Therapies for Faster Healing
In more severe or slow-healing cases, we may recommend advanced therapies, including:
Stem cell therapy: This helps accelerate the healing process by using your body’s own healing cells.
Skin grafting: For larger or more complex wounds, skin grafts (either natural or synthetic) can support new skin growth and speed up recovery.
Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
At Peoria Foot & Ankle, we are committed to providing comprehensive, in-house care for all types of foot and ankle wounds, including ulcers. Our team is skilled in using the latest treatments and technologies to ensure you heal as quickly and effectively as possible. We also offer:
Off-loading techniques to prevent further damage to your ulcer and reduce pressure.
We want to help you get back on your feet and maintain your quality of life. If you’re dealing with a foot wound or ulcer, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with us today, and we’ll create a plan to help you heal and feel better.
Shockwave Therapy
Shock Wave Therapy for Foot & Ankle Pain
At Peoria Foot & Ankle, we offer Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), a non-invasive, cutting-edge treatment designed to relieve pain and promote healing in your foot and ankle. Using the advanced Piezowave2 machine, this therapy applies acoustic waves to targeted areas of pain, helping to regenerate and repair damaged tissues, tendons, and bones.
Conditions We Treat
Shock wave therapy can effectively address a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including:
- Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Heel Spurs
- Neuromas
- Ankle Sprains & Pain
- Shin Splints
- Patellar Tendonitis
- Sports Injuries
How It Works
During a treatment session, the Piezowave2 machine generates acoustic waves that are delivered directly to the affected area. These sound waves penetrate deep into the tissue, providing a focused, therapeutic deep tissue massage. The shockwaves work to:
Increase blood flow and circulation to the area.
Reduce pain and inflammation, offering relief from discomfort.
Stimulate natural healing within the tissue, accelerating recovery.
What to Expect from Shockwave Therapy
Treatment Duration: Each session typically lasts between 10 to 20 minutes.
Frequency: Most patients benefit from 1-2 sessions per week, with 3-5 sessions generally recommended for lasting relief. Some patients feel significant improvement after just one session, particularly if their pain is acute.
Non-invasive: There’s no surgery, injections, or downtime involved with shockwave therapy.
Benefits of Shock Wave Therapy
Non-surgical treatment: A gentle, non-invasive alternative to surgery.
Pain relief: Effectively reduces pain and inflammation in the treated area.
Faster healing: Stimulates tissue regeneration and speeds up the recovery process.
Improved mobility: Enhances movement and flexibility, helping you get back to your daily activities.
Less reliance on pain medications: Helps decrease the need for oral pain relievers.
Quick sessions: Most treatments take only 10-20 minutes, so it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule.
Affordable & Effective Alternative
Shockwave therapy is a cost-effective, non-invasive treatment that can be an excellent alternative to surgery, expensive physical therapy, and other invasive procedures. If you’re dealing with foot or ankle pain and want to explore this advanced therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information or to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you find the right treatment to meet your needs and get you back on your feet!
PRP - Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for Foot & Ankle Pain
At Peoria Foot & Ankle, we offer Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, a regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own platelets to promote healing and reduce pain. By concentrating platelets from your blood, PRP therapy accelerates recovery, reduces inflammation, and helps repair damaged tissues in the foot and ankle.
How PRP Therapy Works
The process begins with a simple blood draw from your arm. Your blood is then processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, which play a key role in tissue repair. The resulting PRP solution is injected directly into the injured area of your foot or ankle. This stimulates healing, encourages new tissue growth, and helps reduce pain and inflammation.
Conditions Treated with PRP Therapy
PRP therapy is effective for a range of foot and ankle conditions, including:
- Achilles Tendonitis & Tendon Tears
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Chronic Heel Pain
- Ankle Sprains
- Shin Splints
- Arthritis
- Stress Fractures
- Soft Tissue Injuries (e.g., tendon or ligament damage)
Benefits of PRP Therapy
Natural Healing: Uses your own blood, so there’s no risk of rejection or adverse reactions.
Faster Recovery: Accelerates tissue healing, reducing recovery time.
Non-Surgical Option: A non-invasive alternative to surgery, minimizing downtime.
Pain Relief: Helps alleviate inflammation and provides long-lasting pain relief.
Tissue Regeneration: Stimulates collagen production and tissue repair, helping heal damaged tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
What to Expect During PRP Therapy
Procedure: The process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, with blood drawn, processed to concentrate platelets, and then injected into the injured area.
Minimal Downtime: Most patients return to regular activities within a day or two, though avoiding strenuous activity is advised for a short time.
Multiple Sessions: Depending on your condition, 1-3 sessions are typically recommended, spaced a few weeks apart.
Is PRP Therapy Right for You?
PRP therapy is ideal for patients with chronic pain or injuries that haven’t healed with other treatments, like rest or physical therapy. While it’s highly effective, it may not be suitable for everyone. Our podiatrists will evaluate your specific condition and health history to determine if PRP is the right treatment for you.
Why Choose PRP Therapy?
Effective for Chronic Injuries: Particularly beneficial for long-term injuries that aren’t healing on their own.
Low Risk: Since it uses your own blood, PRP therapy has minimal risk and side effects.
Long-Lasting Results: By addressing the root cause of pain, PRP promotes long-term healing and relief.
If you’re struggling with foot or ankle pain and want to explore a natural, effective treatment option, PRP Therapy could be the solution. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how PRP therapy can help you heal faster and get back to your active lifestyle.
Grafts
Grafts in Podiatry: Promoting Healing and Recovery
At Peoria Foot & Ankle, grafting is a powerful treatment used to accelerate healing and restore function in damaged areas of the foot and ankle. Whether it’s for chronic wounds, injuries, or recovery after surgery, grafting helps promote tissue regeneration and speed up the recovery process.
Types of Grafts We Use
Skin Grafts: Used to cover open wounds or ulcers, especially in cases of diabetic foot issues or burns.
Bone Grafts: Healthy bone is transplanted to repair fractures or bone loss, commonly used after fractures or joint surgeries.
Tendon/Ligament Grafts: Help repair torn or damaged tendons and ligaments, such as those from Achilles tendon injuries.
Cartilage Grafts: Restore damaged cartilage in joints, particularly for conditions like arthritis or joint degeneration.
How Grafting Works
Grafting typically involves a surgical procedure where healthy tissue is harvested from a donor site or another area of the body and placed in the damaged area. The graft then integrates with the surrounding tissue, promoting healing. Recovery may involve rest, physical therapy, and regular follow-up care to ensure optimal results.
Benefits of Grafting
Speeds Healing: Helps wounds and injuries heal faster.
Restores Function: Rebuilds tissue to improve mobility and strength.
Reduces Complications: Minimizes infection risks and reduces pain.
Long-Term Relief: Offers lasting results for chronic conditions and severe injuries.
Is Grafting Right for You?
Grafting may be the right solution if you have chronic wounds, severe tendon or ligament injuries, or joint pain that hasn’t healed with other treatments. Our podiatrists will carefully evaluate your condition to determine if grafting is the best option for you.
Contact us today to learn more about how grafting can help speed up healing and restore function to your feet and ankles!
Injections
Steroid Injections for Foot & Ankle Pain Relief
At Peoria Foot & Ankle, we offer steroid injections as an effective treatment to reduce pain and inflammation in the foot and ankle. These injections deliver corticosteroid medication directly to the affected area, providing fast relief from conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, and inflammation caused by injury.
How Steroid Injections Work
Steroid injections contain corticosteroids, which are potent anti-inflammatory medications. When injected into the affected joint, tendon, or surrounding tissues, they help reduce swelling, pain, and discomfort. The goal is to provide rapid, targeted relief and improve mobility, allowing you to get back to your daily activities faster.
Conditions Treated with Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are effective for managing a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including:
- Arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Tendinitis (e.g., Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis)
- Bursitis
- Inflammatory conditions (e.g., gout)
- Joint pain or swelling
Benefits of Steroid Injections
Fast Pain Relief: Provides quick and significant pain relief for conditions like arthritis and tendonitis.
Reduces Inflammation: Helps decrease swelling, improving movement and function.
Non-Surgical: A non-invasive alternative to surgery for managing pain and inflammation.
Improved Mobility: By reducing pain and swelling, steroid injections can enhance joint mobility and quality of life.
What to Expect from a Steroid Injection
Procedure: The injection is quick and typically performed in our office. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the area before the injection to ensure comfort.
After the Injection: Some soreness at the injection site is common for a day or two, but pain relief is often felt within a few days. The results can last for weeks or even months, depending on the condition.
Follow-Up Care: Your podiatrist will provide instructions for post-injection care and may suggest physical therapy or other treatments to ensure long-term relief.
Are Steroid Injections Right for You?
Steroid injections are a great option if you’re dealing with pain and inflammation in your foot or ankle. They are especially helpful when other treatments, like oral medications or physical therapy, haven’t provided lasting relief. Our podiatrists will assess your condition to determine if steroid injections are the right choice for you.
Contact us today to learn more about how steroid injections can help manage your foot and ankle pain, so you can return to an active, pain-free lifestyle!
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound Therapy for Foot & Ankle Pain Relief
At Peoria Foot & Ankle, we offer ultrasound therapy, a non-invasive treatment designed to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve circulation in the foot and ankle. This therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues, stimulating the healing process for soft tissue injuries, inflammation, and chronic pain.
How Ultrasound Therapy Works
During an ultrasound therapy session, a handheld device is placed over the affected area. The device emits sound waves that pass through the skin and into the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other tissues. The sound waves help:
Increase blood flow to the area.
Reduce inflammation and swelling.
Stimulate tissue repair and collagen production.
Relieve pain and muscle spasms.
Conditions Treated with Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy is effective for a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions, including:
- Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Ankle Sprains
- Tendon and Ligament Injuries
- Bursitis
- Muscle Strains
- Chronic Pain Conditions
Benefits of Ultrasound Therapy
Non-invasive: No needles, surgery, or downtime required.
Pain Relief: Reduces pain and inflammation in the treated area.
Promotes Healing: Stimulates tissue regeneration and speeds up recovery.
Improves Mobility: Eases stiffness and relaxes muscles, promoting movement.
Quick & Comfortable: Treatment is typically painless and lasts about 10-15 minutes.
What to Expect from Ultrasound Therapy
Procedure: The ultrasound device is gently moved over the skin in the painful or injured area. A gel is applied to help the sound waves penetrate effectively.
Aftercare: No downtime is needed after treatment. You can usually resume normal activities immediately, though mild soreness may occur in the treated area, which is temporary.
Frequency: A series of treatments is typically recommended, usually 2-3 times per week, depending on your condition.
Is Ultrasound Therapy Right for You?
Ultrasound therapy is a great non-invasive, drug-free option if you’re dealing with chronic pain or soft tissue injuries. It’s especially helpful when other treatments, like medications or physical therapy, haven’t provided enough relief. Our podiatrists will evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Contact us today to learn more about how ultrasound therapy can speed up your recovery, relieve pain, and get you back on your feet!
Bracing Boots
Bracing & Boots for Foot & Ankle Support
At Peoria Foot & Ankle, we use bracing and boots to support, stabilize, and protect your foot and ankle during recovery from injuries, surgery, or chronic conditions. These devices help manage pain, reduce swelling, and prevent further damage by providing essential support to injured areas, allowing them to heal properly.
Types of Bracing & Boots We Use
Ankle Braces: Designed to support weak or injured ankles, helping prevent rolling or twisting during activities.
Conditions Treated: Ankle sprains, chronic ankle instability, and post-surgery recovery.
Walking Boots (Cam Boots): These stiff, supportive boots immobilize the foot and ankle while allowing you to walk comfortably without putting weight on a broken bone, sprain, or post-surgical area.
Conditions Treated: Fractures, tendon injuries, and post-surgery rehabilitation.
Foot Orthoses & Arch Supports: Custom or over-the-counter insoles placed inside shoes to correct alignment, improve balance, and reduce pain from conditions like flat feet or plantar fasciitis.
Conditions Treated: Plantar fasciitis, heel pain, flat feet, and overpronation.
Night Splints: Wearable devices that keep the foot in a dorsiflexed position during sleep, stretching the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia to relieve pain.
Conditions Treated: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and foot or ankle stiffness.
Benefits of Bracing & Boots
Pain Relief: Reduce discomfort by limiting movement and providing support to injured areas.
Prevents Further Injury: Protects the foot and ankle during healing, reducing the risk of further strain or damage.
Improved Mobility: Walking boots allow you to move safely and comfortably while healing.
Non-Surgical: A non-invasive alternative to surgery for stabilizing injuries and supporting recovery.
What to Expect with Bracing & Boots
Comfort: Our braces and boots are designed for comfort, with adjustable features to ensure a secure and proper fit.
Post-Treatment Care: Your podiatrist will provide clear instructions on when and how to wear your brace or boot, and how to care for it during recovery.
Duration: The length of time you’ll need to wear a brace or boot will depend on the severity of your condition and your progress in healing.
Are Bracing & Boots Right for You?
If you’re recovering from an injury, surgery, or dealing with chronic foot or ankle pain, bracing and boots can provide the support you need to heal effectively. Our podiatry team will help determine which device is right for your specific condition, ensuring you heal safely and get back to your daily activities.
Contact us today to learn more about how bracing and boots can support your foot and ankle health!
Orthotics
Custom Orthotics for Foot & Ankle Support
At Peoria Foot & Ankle, we specialize in custom orthotics, shoe inserts designed to correct abnormal walking patterns and improve comfort. Whether you’re dealing with pain, recovering from surgery, or just want better support, custom orthotics can help you stand, walk, and run more efficiently.
Types of Custom Orthotics
We offer a range of orthotics tailored to your specific needs:
Rigid Orthotics: Made from firm materials like plastic or carbon fiber, rigid orthotics are designed to control foot function. They help alleviate strains, aches, and pains in the legs, thighs, and lower back. Ideal for walking or dress shoes, they are custom-made using a mold of your foot.
Conditions Treated: Foot pain, lower back pain, leg strain, and abnormal gait.
Soft Orthotics: These orthotics are made from cushy, soft materials that absorb shock and reduce pressure on sore spots. Soft orthotics are great for conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or deformed feet. They are also molded to your foot for a custom fit, extending from the heel to the toes.
Conditions Treated: Diabetic feet, arthritis, sore spots, and foot deformities.
Semi-Rigid Orthotics: These provide a balance of support and comfort, making them ideal for sports or walking. They typically combine soft materials with rigid reinforcements and can be customized for specific activities.
Conditions Treated: Flat feet, pain from sports activities, and gait issues in children (such as intoeing or outtoeing).
Benefits of Custom Orthotics
Improved Function: Orthotics help realign the foot and ankle to reduce strain and improve walking patterns.
Pain Relief: Can alleviate pain in the feet, legs, thighs, and lower back caused by abnormal gait or pressure points.
Personalized Fit: Unlike over-the-counter inserts, custom orthotics are designed specifically for your foot shape, offering better support and comfort.
Long-Term Relief: Help manage chronic foot and ankle conditions by providing long-term support.
What to Expect with Custom Orthotics
Consultation: Our podiatrists will assess your gait and foot structure to determine the best orthotic for your needs.
Molding Process: We take an impression of your foot using a plaster cast or 3D imaging to create a perfect fit.
Adjustment & Follow-Up: After you receive your orthotics, we’ll monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Are Custom Orthotics Right for You?
Custom orthotics are ideal for individuals with chronic foot pain, abnormal gait, or those recovering from foot surgery. They provide a more personalized solution compared to over-the-counter inserts and can be essential for managing a variety of foot and ankle conditions.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how custom orthotics can support your foot health and improve your mobility!
Gait & Balance
Gait Correction for Foot & Ankle Health
At Peoria Foot & Ankle, we specialize in gait correction, a treatment aimed at improving abnormal walking patterns that may be causing pain, discomfort, or injury in your feet, ankles, knees, hips, or lower back. A proper gait is essential for maintaining good alignment and mobility. When your gait is off, it can lead to strain on various parts of your body, resulting in long-term issues. Our podiatrists work with you to assess your walking pattern and provide tailored solutions to restore comfortable movement and reduce pain.
Common Causes of Gait Issues
Flat Feet or High Arches: These conditions can throw off your walking mechanics and lead to pain in your feet, knees, or hips.
Injury or Trauma: Past injuries, such as sprains or fractures, may result in compensatory walking patterns that strain other parts of your body.
Muscle Imbalance: Weak or tight muscles in your legs or feet can contribute to abnormal walking patterns.
Arthritis: Joint pain from arthritis in your feet, knees, or hips may cause you to adjust your gait, which can worsen pain and strain.
Neurological Conditions: Conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or diabetic neuropathy can impact your nervous system and lead to gait abnormalities.
How Gait Correction Works
Assessment: We begin by thoroughly evaluating your walking pattern. Our podiatrist will observe how you walk, check for abnormal movements, and assess the function and alignment of your feet and lower limbs.
Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan that may include:
Custom Orthotics: Insoles made to correct your alignment and improve foot function.
Physical Therapy: Exercises designed to strengthen weak muscles, stretch tight muscles, and improve balance.
Braces or Supports: These provide stability and control abnormal movement while walking.
Stretching & Strengthening: Targeted exercises to improve flexibility and muscle strength.
Follow-Up Care: Gait correction is a dynamic process, and we’ll monitor your progress, adjusting your treatment as needed to ensure lasting results.
Benefits of Gait Correction
Pain Relief: Correcting your gait helps reduce strain on joints and muscles, alleviating pain in your feet, knees, hips, or lower back.
Improved Mobility: Restoring proper walking patterns enhances balance and coordination, allowing for smoother, more efficient movement.
Injury Prevention: Addressing gait abnormalities can help prevent future injuries, such as strains, sprains, or stress fractures.
Better Posture: A corrected gait improves overall body alignment, benefiting your posture and overall health.
Is Gait Correction Right for You?
If you’re dealing with pain or discomfort while walking, gait correction may be the solution you need. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, experiencing chronic pain, or simply noticing changes in how you walk, our team can help you regain normal movement and reduce discomfort.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward pain-free walking with personalized gait correction!