At Diablo Foot & Ankle, we are dedicated to providing the best possible podiatry treatments for our patients, which means we are always investing in new, advanced, and evidence-based procedures and technologies that help our patients get back on their feet faster. The latest addition to our variety of podiatry treatments is Platelet Rich Plasma Injection Therapy. This new treatment uses the patient’s own blood to facilitate healing, which improves the soft tissue and bone healing process. Keep reading to learn more!

What is PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)?

PRP therapy uses a patient’s own blood to facilitate healing. Our blood is made up of three main components: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets contain proteins called growth factors. Growth factors play an integral part in healing tissue including connective tissue, tendons, muscles, ligaments, and soft tissue. Platelet-rich plasma is plasma that contains 5 to 10 times the typical number of platelets, in turn, increasing the concentration of growth factors.

What conditions does it treat?

·       Plantar Fasciitis

·       Achilles Tendinopathy

·       Osteoarthritis

·       Acute Fracture or Nonunion

·       Surgical Augmentation

·       Ankle Ligament Trauma

Is PRP Safe?

Because PRP therapy is using the patient’s own blood, it is considered a safe procedure. In most cases, patients experience no adverse reactions to the injections. Common side effects include injection site pain and lightheadedness. The procedure in total takes approximately 30 minutes.

Is treatment effective?

Several basic science studies in both human and animal models suggest that PRP treatment can improve healing in soft tissue and bone. Below are a list of several studies that look at PRP effectiveness.

How do I prepare for treatment?

You’ll likely need to stop taking certain medications that thin your blood, like aspirin and ibuprofen, before you get PRP injections. You may also need to take a break from certain vitamins or supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Your doctor can tell you exactly what you need to do to prepare for these shots.

Get PRP treatment at Diablo Foot & Ankle in Walnut Creek

Getting Platelet Rich Plasma Injection therapy treatment at Diablo Foot & Ankle is as easy as calling us on the phone to make an appointment at 925-464-1982 or by simply submitting an appointment request form here on our website. We look forward to treating you!

Content References:

1. Alsousou J, Thompson M, Hulley P, Noble A, Willett K. The biology of platelet-rich plasma and its application in trauma and orthopaedic surgery: a review of the literature. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2009 Aug;91(8):987-96. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.91B8.22546. PMID: 19651823.

2. Ling, Yan, and Shu Wang. “Effects of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of plantar fasciitis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Medicine vol. 97,37 (2018): e12110. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000012110

3. Mehta S, Watson JT. Platelet-rich concentrate: basic science and clinical applications. J Orthop Trauma. 2008;22(6):432-438.