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Non-Surgical Options for Foot and Ankle Discomfort

Are there non-surgical options for foot or ankle pain?

The Regenexx approach offers an advanced non-surgical alternative that uses your body’s own healing agents to address foot and ankle conditions. These may include osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, and other degenerative issues. This care is available through physicians in the licensed Regenexx network at Pain Doctors Medical, located at 73-75 Ferry Street, Newark, NJ.

Are You a Regenexx Candidate?
73-75 Ferry Street Newark, NJ 07105

Evaluating Alternatives to Foot and Ankle Surgery

If an individual has been recommended steroid injections or invasive surgery for foot or ankle discomfort, there may be another approach. Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network offer Interventional Orthopedics—a non-surgical alternative that utilizes the individual’s own healing agents which may help support natural healing and repair of damaged tissue.

Conventional surgical options for common foot and ankle issues include: ankle arthroscopy to remove damaged cartilage, fusion of ankle bones in cases of cartilage loss, and tendon grafts fixed in place to stabilize joint structures. These procedures often involve post-surgical discomfort and extended rehabilitation periods required to regain strength and mobility.

Unfortunately, these surgeries can potentially lead to long-term complications. Many patients report less optimal outcomes because these procedures permanently alter biomechanics, which may lead to added strain and secondary discomfort in the knees, hips, or lower back. Since the foot plays a critical role in ground impact and force distribution through the body, even minor misalignment can trigger a chain reaction of imbalance, often resulting in additional orthopedic procedures.

This modern approach uses advanced imaging technology (fluoroscopy and ultrasound) to guide the precise placement of high-dose, biologic cells, taken from the individual’s own body, into the injured structure. This level of precision is often not achievable through basic regenerative options.

Procedures using Regenexx injectates are offered as an advanced, non-surgical option through Pain Doctors Medical. This approach uses the body’s own healing agents to target injuries such as:

  • Osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle.
  • Tendon or ligament tears or laxity.
  • A variety of other degenerative conditions affecting these areas.

Following the procedure, patients are often able to walk the same day and typically experience minimal disruption to daily activities.

This page offers a comprehensive library of educational materials on foot and ankle issues, featuring Regenexx’s intellectual property developed by founder Chris Centeno, M.D.

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Regenexx Benefits

  • Increased function
  • Pain reduction
  • Most individuals do not experience extensive downtime
  • Minimal time off of work
  • No surgery
  • Minimal use of mobility tools (crutches, etc.)
  • Minimal disruption of regular routine

73-75 Ferry Street
Newark, NJ 07105

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Dr. Ilana Etelzon is a highly skilled Pain Management Specialist with extensive experience in Interventional Pain and Musculoskeletal Medicine. Fellowship-trained, she emphasizes regenerative techniques and adopts a non-operative approach to pain management. Dr. Etelzon specializes in addressing a wide range of conditions, including lower back pain, sciatica, pinched nerves, neck pain, and musculoskeletal injuries related to overuse, sports, and arthritis. She employs advanced fluoroscopic and ultrasound-guided methods to ensure precise and effective treatments.

Dr. Etelzon is dedicated to breaking the cycle of pain by developing practical and personalized treatment plans in collaboration with her patients. Her approach begins with alleviating pain, followed by rehabilitation designed to prevent recurrence. The ultimate goal is to create an individualized strategy tailored to each patient’s needs, fostering long-term success and satisfaction.

With expertise in innovative, minimally invasive techniques, Dr. Etelzon focuses on treatments that promote the body’s natural ability to heal and repair. Her methods have been met with high success rates, as evidenced by the positive feedback from her patients.

Dr. Etelzon is an active member of leading professional organizations, including the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP), Spine Intervention Society (SIS), North American Spine Society (NASS), and the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR). She has contributed to numerous articles on pain management, regenerative medicine, sports medicine, and cardiac rehabilitation. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Etelzon remains involved in research and enjoys teaching and mentoring residents and students.

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Areas treated: Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

Areas Treated

Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

*This provider is NOT authorized by Regenexx to treat the C0-C1 or C1-C2 levels of the neck or CCI (craniocervical instability).

Regenexx Results

Since 2005 we have conducted research, accumulated patient results data, and obtained direct feedback from our patients. With one purpose in mind. To help you make an informed, confident decision to treat your condition.

Patient Results

Regenexx has performed more than 132,000 procedures worldwide. Regenexx keeps records of Regenexx procedures performed by physicians in our network in our outcomes database.

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Regenexx Safety Report

Regenexx has extensive research to support the safety of our procedures. Our study is the largest in the world on the safety of orthopedic regenerative medicine.

Safety Report

I Love Running

Faced with a tendon injury that made it impossible to run, Scott turned to Regenexx® which allowed him to return to his favorite activity.

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