If foot or ankle pain keeps you from doing what you love, you may feel like you're running out of treatment options. Conservative treatments like physical therapy, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications can be very effective for some people. However, they don't always provide adequate relief.
Fortunately, regenerative medicine therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections offer new hope to patients who haven't responded to traditional treatments. Our Phoenix area podiatrists may be able to help you finally overcome stubborn pain and regain your active lifestyle.
PRP Therapy Explained
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated solution derived from your own blood. It contains a high concentration of platelets, the blood cells responsible for clotting and tissue repair. Your platelets also contain growth factors that assist in healing.
To prepare PRP, a small sample of your blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge. This rapidly spinning machine separates the platelets from the other components of your blood. The resulting plasma contains five to ten times the number of growth factors compared to normal blood.
When injected into an injured area, PRP triggers an inflammatory response that attracts stem cells and stimulates the production of new, healthy tissue. The therapy relies upon your body's natural healing mechanisms to repair damaged soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, muscles, and cartilage.
PRP injections can accelerate healing and tissue regeneration.
PRP Therapy for Foot and Ankle Conditions
PRP therapy can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal issues, including acute injuries and chronic conditions. Some of the most common foot and ankle conditions that may benefit from PRP injections include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Ankle sprains
- Arthritis
- Peroneal tendonitis
- Ligament injuries
Your podiatrist will thoroughly evaluate your condition, medical history, and treatment goals to determine if PRP therapy suits you.
PRP Treatment Process
PRP is a minimally invasive treatment performed during an office visit with your foot doctor. Here's what you can expect:
- Blood draw. A blood sample is collected from your arm. The amount drawn depends on the size of the treatment area.
- Centrifugation. A centrifuge machine rapidly spins the blood, separating the red blood cells and platelets.
- PRP extraction. The platelet-rich portion of the blood is carefully extracted into a syringe, creating a concentrated PRP solution ready for injection.
- Injection. The PRP is injected into the injured tissues using ultrasound guidance to ensure optimal placement. Your podiatrist may give you a local anesthetic for comfort.
- Recovery. You can go home immediately after the injection. However, you may experience some soreness and swelling for a few days. Your podiatrist will provide personalized aftercare instructions.
Some patients will need two or more PRP treatments spaced several weeks apart. As healthy new tissue forms over several weeks or months, you can expect a gradual improvement in pain and function.
What to Expect After a PRP Injection
While PRP injections are considered safe and well-tolerated, you may experience some mild side effects in the days following your treatment, such as:
- Pain and soreness at the injection site
- Swelling and minor bruising
- Redness and a feeling of warmth
- Temporary worsening of symptoms
These side effects are a normal part of the healing process and should resolve within a few days. Your podiatrist will explain how to apply ice and take over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage discomfort.
Avoid strenuous activities for about two weeks after the injections to give the tissue time to heal. Your podiatrist will tell you when it is safe to resume exercise and return to your routine. You may also need physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility as you recover.