Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in Foot and Ankle Care

Chronic foot and ankle pain can make everyday activities challenging—especially when injuries don’t seem to heal with rest or traditional treatments. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an emerging option in orthopedic care that uses the body’s own healing abilities to help repair injured tissue. For certain foot and ankle conditions, PRP may offer a non-surgical path to pain relief and recovery.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?

PRP therapy involves using a small sample of your own blood to promote healing. The blood is placed in a centrifuge, which separates and concentrates the platelets. These platelets are rich in growth factors that help stimulate tissue repair.

Once prepared, the platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into the injured area under sterile conditions—often with imaging guidance to ensure accuracy.

How PRP Works

Platelets play a key role in the body’s natural healing process. When PRP is injected into damaged tissue, it releases growth factors that may:

• Reduce inflammation
• Promote tissue regeneration
• Improve blood flow to injured areas
• Support long-term healing

Because PRP comes from your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is very low.

Foot and Ankle Conditions Treated with PRP

PRP therapy may be used to help treat a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendinitis or partial tears
• Peroneal tendon injuries
• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (early stages)
• Ankle ligament sprains or chronic instability
• Mild to moderate arthritis

PRP is often considered when conservative treatments—such as rest, physical therapy, or bracing—have not provided sufficient relief.

What to Expect During Treatment

PRP therapy is typically performed in the office and takes about 30–60 minutes. Patients may experience:

• Mild discomfort during the injection
• Temporary soreness or swelling afterward
• Gradual improvement over several weeks

Unlike cortisone injections, PRP does not provide immediate pain relief. Instead, it works by supporting the body’s healing process over time.

Recovery and Results

Most patients can return to light activities within a few days, although activity modification is often recommended for several weeks. Physical therapy may be incorporated to maximize results.

Improvement is usually gradual, with many patients noticing decreased pain and improved function within 4–8 weeks. In some cases, more than one PRP injection may be recommended.

Is PRP Right for You?

PRP therapy is not appropriate for every condition or patient. It tends to be most effective for chronic tendon and ligament injuries rather than complete tears or advanced arthritis. A foot and ankle orthopedic specialist can determine whether PRP is a good option based on your diagnosis, activity level, and treatment goals.

The Bottom Line

Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy is a promising treatment that harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities to address certain foot and ankle conditions. While it is not a replacement for surgery in all cases, PRP may offer an effective, minimally invasive option for patients looking to reduce pain and improve function without surgery.

If you’re struggling with persistent foot or ankle pain, an orthopedic foot and ankle specialist can help you explore whether PRP therapy is right for you.