Here’s how Dr. Danielle Shaper of Finesse Footcare is using advanced treatment options to improve her patients’ quality of life

By Patricia Nugent

Podiatrist Dr. Danielle Shaper, of Finesse Footcare, has earned a reputation for bringing leading-edge treatments to the Cleveland area.

She founded Finesse Footcare in Lyndhurst in the fall of 2019 and introduced Radial Shockwave Therapy to treat heel pain and Lunula laser therapy to treat toenail fungus in 2020. The laser was so successful, she bought a second one so patients could do two feet or hands at the same time.

Now she’s thrilled to bring to the area a next-generation treatment: regenerative amniotic injections.

“I’ve always sought out treatments that are at the forefront when it comes to conservative care,” says Dr. Shaper. “To be honest, one of the considerations I had in waiting to introduce these injections to my practice was the cost. They are not covered by insurance and can be expensive. But when I researched the industry, I found a company that produces a product that meets my high standards at an affordable cost, I knew the time was right.”

The Science Behind Regenerative Medicine
FDA-approved amniotic injections are different from stem cell injections.

“Stem cell injection uses embryonic stem cells or the patient’s own stem cells harvested from fat or bone,” she explains. “Amniotic injections are made up of the highly concentrated nutrients taken from the amniotic membrane that can regenerate tissue. They have strong anti-inflammatory and healing properties, encouraging the tissue to regrow and heal itself.”

She sees treatment applications for amniotic injections that run the gamut from any tendon or soft tissue condition.

“The improvement is superior to steroid injections or over-the-counter medication, which can both have side effects,” she says. “In most cases, the healing is profound, and the patient no longer needs surgery for the condition we are treating.”

She says nearly everyone over 18 years of age is a candidate for amniotic injections.

“I’m excited to be able to help athletes and student-athletes heal more quickly and more effectively,” she says. “For many kids, especially high school athletes who are being recruited by colleges to play a sport, taking a season off because of surgery can be detrimental. Amniotic injections are a serious game-changer for their future.”

Like a Miracle
Bonnie H. suffered from post tibial tendinitis caused by fallen arches. She received a diagnosis and recommendation from a local orthopedic surgeon to implant two steel plates in her foot.

When her husband read about Dr. Shaper in Mimi Magazine, he suggested she seek out a second opinion.

Dr. Shaper knew that an amniotic injection would treat her advanced condition.

“It’s been like a miracle,” says Bonnie. “The pain left right after the injection. To keep the condition from coming back, Dr. Shaper also prescribed custom orthotics.”

Layers of Treatment
Over the years, Dr. Shaper has been known to use several complementary layers of treatment for the best possible outcomes with her patients.

She often prescribes custom orthotics shoe inserts for people to realign the biomechanics of their feet for more effective and long-lasting healing.

“I also often combine a stretching regimen or low dye taping for patients,” she adds.

As a full-service podiatrist, Dr. Shaper treats most foot and ankle issues, such as ingrown toenails, bunions, heel pain, hammertoes, and corns. She also offers diabetic footcare, orthotics, sports medicine and surgery, as well as basic routine foot care.

Healing Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon, which joins the calf muscle to the heel bone, is one of the hardest working tendons in the body and can handle up to four times a person’s body weight.

Unfortunately, it also takes a lot of day-to-day stress and can cause pain and swelling with overuse.

For 70-year-old Melanie W. of Chagrin Falls, chronic Achilles tendinitis in her left ankle caused heel pain, swelling and difficulty walking.

“I had gone through physical therapy, which initially worked, but then the pain came back,” she says. “I was desperate for help. When I heard about Dr. Shaper’s Radial Shockwave Therapy, I thought it was worth a try. I’ve had five treatments already and began to feel relief after the first one. Today my pain is completely gone and I’m as active as ever.”

Melanie says the Shockwave was painless and there was no downtime. This FDA-cleared therapy increases healing in soft tissue.

“It was surprisingly easy,” she says. “I recommend this for anyone with heel pain.”

Dr. Shaper says she likes the Shockwave Therapy because it is a minimally invasive approach to an area that’s tricky to treat.

“Surgery is not a viable option for Achilles injuries, as this tendon can easily rupture,” she says. “I was thrilled to bring Radial Shockwave Therapy to my patients. Our results have been amazing.”

Finesse Footcare is located at 5035 Mayfield Road, Suite 201, in Lyndhurst. Look for Dr. Shaper’s special segment about regenerative amniotic injections to appear on New Day Cleveland. Call 216-382-8070 or visit FinesseFootcare.com for more information.