Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ames

DPMx Umbilical Cord Tissue Allograft

A biologic solution for chronic foot and ankle conditions — when cortisone has worn out its welcome and surgery isn’t the right next step.

Overview

What is DPMx?

DPMx is a human umbilical cord tissue allograft — a naturally derived biologic material processed to preserve its structural integrity and delivered as a minimally invasive injection directly to the affected area of your foot or ankle.

Your body’s tissues naturally cushion and protect joints, tendons, and nerves. Over time — through injury, repetitive stress, or simple aging — that cushioning degrades. DPMx replenishes it with a tissue that closely mirrors what was lost, supporting your body’s own healing rather than simply masking symptoms.

Unlike corticosteroid injections, which reduce inflammation temporarily, or surgery, which requires significant recovery time, DPMx works at the tissue level — encouraging regeneration and restoration of the structures that support comfortable movement.

What's inside

The biology behind it

DPMx is derived from the Wharton’s jelly of the umbilical cord — a rich source of structural and bioactive tissue components. The allograft is minimally manipulated and DMSO-free, preserving the naturally occurring characteristics of the source tissue.

Extracellular Matrix

Contains elastin, hyaluronan, glycosaminoglycans, and acid mucopolysaccharides — the structural scaffold your tissues depend on for flexibility and resilience.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

The tissue’s natural components help modulate inflammation and reduce scar tissue formation, supporting healthier long-term healing.

Proprietary Cryopreservation

Processed using advanced cryopreservation that maintains tissue viability and structural integrity from processing through delivery.

Cushioning Restoration

Designed specifically to supplement tissue lost to age or injury — restoring the natural cushioning that supports comfortable, pain-free movement.

Who it helps

Conditions We Treat With DPMx

DPMx is particularly well-suited for chronic conditions where conventional treatments have provided limited or temporary relief. Dr. Nelson may recommend it for patients who have not responded adequately to orthotics, physical therapy, or steroid injections.

Plantar fasciitis

Achilles tendinitis

Peripheral nerve entrapment

Ankle arthritis

Subtalar joint arthritis

Post-surgical recovery support

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tendonitis

Ankle sprain

DPMx vs. traditional options

Why consider allograft over other treatments?

DPMx is particularly well-suited for chronic conditions where conventional treatments have provided limited or temporary relief. Dr. Nelson may recommend it for patients who have not responded adequately to orthotics, physical therapy, or steroid injections.

Conventional Approaches

DPMx Allograft

WHAT TO EXPECT

The DPMx Process at FAS-Ames

1

Consultation and Evaluation

Dr. Nelson conducts a thorough clinical exam, reviews your history, and determines whether DPMx is the right fit for your condition and goals. Imaging may be performed in-house if needed.

2

Consultation and Evaluation

The allograft is delivered by precise injection to the affected site. The procedure is brief and performed in-office, with no general anesthesia required.

3

Consultation and Evaluation

Most patients return to light activity within a few days. Dr. Nelson will outline a personalized recovery plan and schedule follow-up to monitor your progress.

Safety and sourcing

Rigorous standards, ethically sourced

DPMx is processed in an FDA-registered, CGMP-certified, and AATB-accredited facility. All tissue is bio-ethically donated by healthy, consenting mothers following full-term, live, C-section births — with comprehensive medical background checks, genetic testing, and blood screenings required.

FDA-Registered Facility

Classified as an HCT/P under 21 CFR Part 1271

AATB Accredited

American Association of Tissue Banks standards

Bio-Ethical Sourcing

Consenting donors, full genetic and blood screening

Minimal Infection Risk

Rigorous screening minimizes disease transmission risk

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!