Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has become a valuable option in podiatry for patients with chronic foot and ankle injuries that haven't responded to conservative care. This regenerative therapy uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair in damaged tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
PRP can provide relief to patients who need more than physical therapy but want to avoid the recovery time and risks associated with surgery. The Southern California podiatrists at Foot & Ankle Concepts, Inc. have experience using PRP to help patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, peroneal injuries, and persistent ankle sprains.
PRP Treatment: What it Is
When an injury becomes chronic, the natural repair process often slows down or stops entirely. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a regenerative procedure designed to stimulate the body's natural healing process. The goal isn't just to mask pain. It's to repair the underlying damage so your foot or ankle functions properly again.
How PRP Works
PRP harnesses your body's natural healing mechanisms. PRP treatment works by concentrating the platelets in your own blood and injecting them directly into areas that are damaged or inflamed. Platelets carry growth factors that signal damaged tissue to repair itself, leading to reduced inflammation, formation of new blood vessels, and tissue rebuilding.
What PRP Treatment Involves
The PRP treatment procedure is straightforward. Our Southern California podiatrists typically perform it in the office.
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A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, then placed in a centrifuge that separates platelets from red and white blood cells.
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The resulting concentrated plasma is loaded into a syringe and injected into the injured tendon, ligament, or fascia under ultrasound guidance for precision.
Foot Conditions That Respond Well to PRP
Not every foot or ankle problem needs regenerative therapy—but some conditions respond exceptionally well to PRP when other treatments haven't delivered results. Your podiatrist will evaluate your imaging, symptoms, and treatment history to determine whether PRP is suitable for your specific situation. Our Southern California podiatrists often recommend PRP for conditions such as:
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Chronic plantar fasciitis. When heel pain persists longer than six months despite stretching, orthotics, and physical therapy, PRP can help stimulate tissue repair.
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Achilles tendinopathy. Degenerative changes in the Achilles tendon often resist traditional care. PRP can encourage collagen remodeling and reduce pain.
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Peroneal tendon injuries. Tears or inflammation in the tendons running along the outside of the ankle can linger for months. PRP targets the damaged tissue directly.
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Ankle sprains that won't fully heal. Recurring instability or pain long after a sprain suggests incomplete ligament healing. PRP may improve joint stability and recovery.
PRP Treatment and Recovery
An entire PRP appointment usually takes less than an hour. Patients typically describe mild discomfort during the injection, similar to that of a cortisone shot. Some soreness is likely for a few days after PRP therapy as the healing response begins. Icing and elevation help manage discomfort, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications are typically fine unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Improvement is gradual. Some patients notice a reduction in pain within a few weeks, while others may take two to three months to experience a significant improvement. Follow-up appointments enable your podiatrist to monitor your progress and assess whether you may need additional injections.
Key Benefits of PRP Treatment
PRP works best for patients who've exhausted conservative options but want to avoid surgery. If you've spent months attempting to manage pain with physical therapy, bracing, and medication without lasting relief and imaging shows tissue damage without complete rupture, you may be a strong candidate. Benefits associated with platelet-rich therapy for podiatric conditions include:
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Because PRP treatment uses your own blood, there's no risk of rejection or allergic reaction. It's autologous, meaning the healing agents come directly from your body.
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PRP therapy is a minimally invasive alternative to surgical repair, requiring no incisions, anesthesia, or prolonged downtime.
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Most patients return to normal activity within a few days, although it’s best to wait a few weeks before attempting high-impact sports or heavy lifting.
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The treatment can be performed in a podiatry office without requiring a hospital visit. Recovery is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
Understand PRP’s Limitations
PRP treatment isn't a miracle cure. It can be highly effective in the right circumstances, but it’s essential to be aware of key limitations and maintain realistic expectations.
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The results of PRP therapy are not always immediately apparent. It can take weeks for new tissue to form.
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Some patients require two or three injections, spaced several weeks apart, to achieve meaningful improvement.
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Severe tendon degeneration or complete tears may require surgery regardless of how well PRP works for early-stage damage.
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Some insurance plans cover PRP for specific diagnoses, but many policies continue to classify it as experimental and deny claims.
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Out-of-pocket costs can vary widely. Be sure to clarify pricing with your podiatrist before committing to treatment.
You should also be aware that PRP is less effective for acute injuries that are still healing on their own, or for conditions caused by structural problems such as severe flat feet or arthritis. In those cases, addressing the underlying biomechanics or joint health may be more important than injecting growth factors.