PLATELET-RICH PLASMA

PLATELET-RICH PLASMA

What is PRP?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment that uses your body’s own platelets to promote healing and tissue regeneration. Platelets are blood cells that contain growth factors proteins that is essential in repairing injuries and reducing inflammation. By concentrating these platelets and injecting them into an injured area, PRP can stimulate body’s natural healing processes.

Growth factors in PRP:

🟦 Platelet derived growth factor PDGF -Enhances collagen synthesis, proliferation of bone cells, fibroblast chemotaxis and proliferative activity, macrophage activation

🟦 Transforming growth factor ß TGF-ß -Enhances synthesis of type I collagen, promotes angiogenesis, stimulates chemotaxis of immune cells, inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption

🟦 Vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF -Stimulates angiogenesis, migration and mitosis of endothelial cells, increases permeability of the vessels, stimulates chemotaxis of macrophages and neutrophils

🟦 Epidermal growth factor EGF -Stimulates cellular proliferation, differentiation of epithelial cells, promotes cytokine secretion by mesenchymal and epithelial cells

🟦 Insulin-like growth factor IGF -Promotes cell growth, differentiation, recruitment in bone, blood vessel, skin and other tissues, stimulates collagen synthesis together with PDGF

🟦 Fibroblast growth factor FGF -Promotes proliferation of mesenchymal cells, chondrocytes and osteoblasts, stimulates the growth and differentiation of chondrocytes and osteoblast

How does PRP work?

Blood Collection: A small sample of your blood is drawn, similar to a routine blood test.

  1. Platelet Concentration: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate platelets from other blood components.

  2. Injection: The concentrated PRP is carefully injected into the injured area—such as tendons, ligaments, joints, or soft tissues in the foot and ankle.

Once injected, the growth factors in PRP help accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and improve tissue regeneration, supporting recovery from chronic injuries or degenerative conditions.

What to Expect During Treatment

🟦 Natural and safe: Uses your own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions.

🔵Accelerated healing: Growth factors stimulate tissue repair.

🔵Minimally invasive: Done in-office with minimal downtime.

🔵Reduced pain and inflammation: Can improve mobility and quality of life.

Common Conditions Treated with PRP

🟦PRP is increasingly used in foot and ankle care, including:

🔵 Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

🔵Achilles tendon injuries or tendinopathy

🔵Ankle sprains and ligament injuries

🔵Osteoarthritis of the foot or ankle joints

🔵Post-surgical healing support

🔵Chronic tendon injuries that have not responded to conventional treatments

Benefits of PRP Therapy

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.

Local anesthesia may be used for comfort.

Most patients can resume light activity immediately, though strenuous activity may be limited for a few days.

Multiple sessions may be recommended depending on the condition and severity.

Considerations and Limitations

🔵PRP is not a guaranteed cure; results can vary between individuals.

🔵It is generally used when conservative treatments fail or as an adjunct to other therapies.

🔵Your podiatrist will evaluate if PRP is appropriate based on your specific condition, age, and overall health.

Is PRP right for me?

🔵PRP may be a good option if you have exhausted conservative options and are not yet prepared for surgery. Discussing your treatment options may help you decide when and if PRP is the right treatment option for you.

Chronic foot and ankle problems can significantly impact daily life. PRP therapy offers a cutting-edge solution to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function—using your body’s own natural repair mechanisms. When combined with proper footwear, orthotics, and physical therapy, PRP can help patients get back on their feet faster and with less discomfort.