Regenerate and Renew Yourself with PRP

What is Platelet Rich Plasma?

Plate rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated serum derived from a patient’s own blood and used to help heal damaged tissues. It includes a high concentration of platelets – the primary cell-like structures that serve as the “first responders” to an injury – along with growth factors and stem cell-attracting molecules that produce an added wave of healing to an injured area. This is a form of regenerative medicine.

Am I A Candidate for PRP?

Patients that have had ongoing pain and discomfort due to foot and ankle conditions such as plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, tendinopathies (tendinitis and tendinosis), muscle injuries, arthritis, and others may be candidates.

If a patient has tried conservative care such as immobilization, physical therapy, activity changes, stretching, orthotics, shoe changes, oral and topical medications and not seen improvement, they may be a candidate for PRP.

If a patient is hoping to delay or even avoid surgery, PRP may be an option. Ultimately, the best way to determine if PRP is right for you is to schedule a visit with your foot and ankle doctor.

Does PRP Work?

Research studies on plantar fasciitis suggest that PRP injections are just as effective as steroid injections but provide more long-term relief. Research also supports PRP for treatment of symptoms after ankle sprains, early ankle arthritis, and more.

Please keep in mind that some conditions respond better to this therapy than others and the research is evolving.

For some patients, more than one PRP injection may be necessary.

What’s the Process for PRP? Is it a Surgery?

This procedure can be done at your doctor’s office – no hospital visit required. Patients are instructed to discontinue anti-inflammatory medications (unless directed otherwise by their physician) for one week before the procedure. On the day of the procedure, a patient goes to the clinic, has blood drawn, receives a local anesthetic and then the PRP is injected. The area of injury is immobilized in a surgical boot for 2-3 weeks. While one is cleared to walk after the procedure, the surgical boot helps to keep the foot and ankle protected so that the PRP activity is not disrupted. Anti-inflammatories, ice, and heat are not allowed for up to two months after the injection.

Does My Insurance Cover PRP?

Unfortunately, no. Please speak to your provider’s office regarding pricing.

Think you might be a candidate for PRP?

Make an appointment today with Dr. Miner in our Smyrna office or Dr. Martucci in our Marietta Kennestone office to discuss more!