Professor Shim Dong-woo
[Financial News] As summer approaches, rising humidity leads to the wearing of shoes with thin and hard soles. Excessive walking or prolonged standing due to improper footwear can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition, characterized by inflammation of the broad fascia that extends from the heel bone to the toes. It is known to occur twice as often in women as in men.
Pain often extends to the inner heel and the inner side of the foot, and is typically worst when patients take their first steps in the morning.
Plantar fasciitis requires conservative treatment for at least six months. If symptoms persist beyond this period, surgery may be considered. However, careful consideration is required, as it can lead to complications such as nerve damage.
Professor Shim Dong-woo of International St. Mary’s Hospital announced on the 19th that he is conducting a clinical trial to demonstrate the effectiveness of stem cell injection therapy, a non-surgical treatment, in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Professor Shim explained, “Stem cell therapy has been suggested as a treatment option for osteochondral injuries of the talus. While clinical data are still limited, Ambrosi et al. reported significant clinical improvement in four patients with osteochondral injuries of the talus after administering autologous adipose-derived stem cells.”
He added, “In this study, we aim to report the differences in treatment outcomes associated with stem cell therapy in patients with refractory plantar fasciitis, whose symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative treatment.”
The cutting-edge, convergent medical devices and medical supplies used in this clinical study are supplied by Miracell. Autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells are extracted and used for treatment to regenerate the plantar fascia and reduce inflammation in patients with plantar fasciitis injuries. This medical device has been approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for the treatment of cartilage injuries.
Approximately 60ml of bone marrow is collected from the patient. Using medical supplies and a cutting-edge convergence system provided by Miracell, advanced cells are obtained through minimal manipulation. These cells, including healthy stem cells and immune cells, are then injected directly into the fascia.
Pain and inflammation gradually decrease 15 days after the procedure, leading to healing.
Patients with plantar fasciitis who wish to participate in the study can contact Miracell (mira1@mira119.com).
Pompom@fnnews.com, Reporter Jeong Myeong-jin
Original article link: https://www.fnnews.com/news/202005190918029425