Don’t Let Ankle Pain Sideline You: 3 Regenerative Solutions

Ankle pain can stop you in your tracks. One wrong step, a lingering injury, or years of wear can turn simple movements into daily frustrations.

Many people try to push through the pain, hoping it fades on its own. Others rely on rest and pain medication, only to find the relief never lasts. 

Regenerative medicine focuses on healing the injury instead of masking symptoms. 

At Coastal Regenerative Orthopedics & Wellness Center in San Diego, California, Ronald Cohen, MD, and the team can answer your questions about caring for your ankles.

Why ankle pain often lingers

The ankle supports your full body weight with every step. It absorbs impact when you walk, run, jump, and pivot. Ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bone team up to keep the joint stable. When one structure is injured or inflamed, the entire joint can suffer.

Sprains, tendon injuries, arthritis, and overuse frequently cause ongoing ankle pain. Limited blood flow in certain tissues can slow healing. Repeated stress can also prevent complete recovery. 

Regenerative treatments support the body’s natural repair process and restore function at the source of pain.

How regenerative medicine supports healing

Regenerative medicine, such as Regenexx®, uses your body’s healing mechanisms to repair damaged tissue. These treatments focus on reducing inflammation, improving tissue quality, and encouraging regeneration. 

Many patients choose regenerative options because they avoid surgery and require minimal downtime.

Dr. Cohen often recommends the following three regenerative therapies when conservative care no longer provides relief. Regenerative treatments can help patients return to activity with improved strength and stability.

1. Platelet-rich plasma therapy for ankle injuries

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) uses a concentrated portion of your blood. We draw a small blood sample and process it to isolate platelets and growth factors. These components play a key role in tissue repair.

Dr. Cohen injects PRP directly into the injured ankle. The growth factors signal the body to begin healing. 

PRP can support recovery from ligament sprains, tendon injuries, and early degenerative changes. Many patients notice gradual improvement in pain and function over several weeks as the tissue heals.

PRP works well for people who want a natural option. The treatment requires little downtime and fits easily into an active lifestyle.

1. Stem cell therapy for deeper tissue repair

Stem cells can develop into different tissue types and support repair in damaged areas. We often use stem cells derived from bone marrow or other approved sources.

During treatment, Dr. Cohen carefully injects stem cells into the injured ankle structures. These cells help reduce inflammation and support the regeneration of cartilage, tendon, or ligament tissue. 

Stem cell therapy can benefit patients with more advanced injuries or chronic ankle pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments. Patients often choose this option when they want to delay or avoid surgery.

Improvement typically occurs over time as the tissue strengthens and stabilizes.

1. Prolotherapy to strengthen ankle stability

Prolotherapy focuses on strengthening ligaments and supporting joint stability. We inject a special solution into areas around the ankle. This solution triggers a mild inflammatory response that tells the body to repair and reinforce weakened tissue.

Ankle instability often leads to recurring pain and repeated sprains. Prolotherapy can help tighten and strengthen ligaments, improving joint support. Patients frequently report improved confidence during movement and reduced pain during daily activities.

The treatment is a good option for people who experience ankle weakness or instability rather than severe structural damage.

Choosing the right regenerative solution

Ankle injuries present differently. During a thorough evaluation, Dr. Cohen considers your activity level, injury history, and recovery goals to determine which treatment fits your needs. You may benefit from a single therapy or a combination approach.

Regenerative medicine doesn’t promise overnight results. Healing takes time. Many patients appreciate the steady progress and lasting improvement these treatments provide. Schedule a consultation by phone or online today to receive personalized care.