Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ames

Synapep BPC-157 — Healing from Within

A next-generation oral peptide that supports tendon, ligament, and soft tissue repair in the foot and ankle — without injections, without downtime.

Patented Oral Delivery

Synapep uses lactoferrin conjugation and liposomal protection to deliver BPC-157 through the digestive tract — protecting the peptide from stomach acid and maximizing absorption.

15

amino acid peptide chain

0

injections required

No

downtime or recovery

+

pairs with Class IV Laser & orthotics

About the Treatment

What Is Synapep BPC-157?

BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a naturally occurring protein in the stomach. Synapep is a physician-grade formulation that makes this peptide available orally for the first time — using a patented delivery system designed specifically for soft tissue healing.

BPC-157 — short for Body Protection Compound 157 — was first studied for gastrointestinal conditions, where it showed a remarkable ability to accelerate mucosal healing. Researchers then discovered these same tissue-repair properties extend throughout the musculoskeletal system, including the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage of the foot and ankle.

Traditionally, BPC-157 required subcutaneous injection to be effective. Synapep changes that by conjugating the peptide to lactoferrin — a natural carrier protein — which allows it to survive digestion and absorb through the lining of the mouth and intestines directly into the bloodstream.

At Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ames, Dr. Nelson offers Synapep as part of a broader regenerative strategy for patients dealing with chronic soft tissue pain, stalled healing, and conditions that haven’t responded fully to conservative care.

How the Delivery System Works

1

Lactoferrin Conjugation

BPC-157 binds to lactoferrin, a natural carrier protein that protects the peptide through the stomach and enables attachment to intestinal cells.

2

Liposomal Protection

A lipid coating shields the peptide complex from enzymatic degradation, allowing it to reach the lower intestine intact.

3

Epithelial Absorption

The peptide attaches to epithelial surfaces in the oral cavity and intestines, then detaches from lactoferrin and enters the bloodstream.

4

Systemic Healing Response

BPC-157 signals tissue repair pathways — promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, and upregulating collagen production where you need it most.

Mechanisms of Action

How Synapep Supports Healing

BPC-157 works through multiple biological pathways simultaneously — which is why it can be effective where single-mechanism treatments fall short.

Accelerates Tissue Repair

BPC-157 stimulates the body’s natural regenerative processes, helping tendons and ligaments move through the stages of healing more efficiently — particularly in tissue that has stalled in chronic inflammation.

Reduces Chronic Inflammation

By modulating inflammatory cytokines, BPC-157 helps interrupt the cycle of persistent inflammation that keeps many foot and ankle conditions from fully resolving — including Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.

Increases Collagen Production

Collagen is the primary structural protein in tendons and ligaments. BPC-157 upregulates collagen synthesis to repair and reinforce damaged connective tissues in the foot and ankle.

Promotes New Blood Vessel Growth

The foot and ankle have notoriously limited circulation, which slows healing. BPC-157 supports angiogenesis — the formation of new blood vessels — improving nutrient delivery to injured tissue.

Supports Fibroblast Activity

Fibroblasts are the cells responsible for building connective tissue. BPC-157 enhances their activity and migration to injury sites, making it especially useful as an adjunct to PRP or laser therapy.

Easy, Injection-Free Dosing

Pre-dosed oral sachets make Synapep straightforward to use at home. No clinic visits, no needles, no complicated protocols — just a simple part of your daily recovery routine.

Conditions We Treat

Common Foot & Ankle Conditions That May Benefit

Dr. Nelson may recommend Synapep BPC-157 for patients with the following diagnoses — particularly when initial conservative treatment hasn’t produced full resolution.

Plantar Fasciitis & Chronic Heel Pain

Achilles Tendinitis & Tendinopathy

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Chronic Ankle Instability & Ligament Sprains

Peroneal Tendinitis

Peripheral Nerve Pain & Neuropathy

Post-Surgical Soft Tissue Recovery

Soft Tissue Injuries with Limited Circulation

Diabetic Foot & Slow-Healing Tissue

Fat Pad Atrophy & Forefoot Pain

Is It Right for You?

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Synapep works best as part of a thoughtful treatment plan. Dr. Nelson will evaluate your history and imaging to determine if it’s the right fit.

Pairs Well With

Synapep is often used alongside other in-office therapies at FAS-Ames to amplify and extend healing between visits.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Stimulates cellular energy and circulation, complementing BPC-157’s angiogenic effects.

You've had a tendon, ligament, or soft tissue injury for more than 6–8 weeks with limited improvement.

Conservative care (rest, orthotics, physical therapy) has helped but recovery has stalled.

You have diabetes, neuropathy, or poor circulation affecting foot and ankle tissue healing.

You are preparing for or recovering from foot or ankle surgery and want to optimize tissue repair.

You prefer an injection-free approach to regenerative therapy and want a take-home option.

Your Experience

What to Expect

Starting Synapep is straightforward. Here’s what a typical course of therapy looks like from your first visit.

1

Evaluation & Diagnosis

Dr. Nelson reviews your history, conducts a physical exam, and may use diagnostic ultrasound or imaging to assess the extent of tissue damage and determine if Synapep is appropriate for your case.

2

Personalized Treatment Plan

If Synapep is recommended, Dr. Nelson will outline how it fits into your broader treatment strategy — including any in-office therapies, orthotics, or activity modifications that go alongside it.

3

At-Home Dosing & Follow-Up

Synapep is taken at home using pre-dosed sachets. Dr. Nelson will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your response, adjust the plan as needed, and track your recovery progress.

Schedule Your Consultation

Schedule your consultation today to discover how we can help alleviate your fat pad atrophy symptoms and get you back to the activities you love.

 Call the Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ames at (515) 444-2390  or email info@fas-ames.com to make an appointment!