Quick answer: Platelet Rich Plasma Foot Michigan is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. Effective treatment starts with a targeted diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
The most important clinical decision with Platelet Rich Plasma Foot Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Quick Answer
PRP Injections for Foot & Ankle in Michigan Evidence & relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.
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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a compelling non-surgical treatment option for chronic musculoskeletal foot and ankle conditions — particularly plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy — where traditional treatments have fallen short. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Southeast Michigan, Dr. Tom Biernacki offers PRP injections to appropriately selected patients as part of a thorough treatment plan, based on an honest assessment of the evidence and realistic expectations.
How PRP Works
PRP is prepared by drawing a small amount of the patient’s own blood (20–60 mL), placing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet layer (5–10 times normal platelet concentration), and then injecting this platelet-rich concentrate into the target tissue. Platelets contain hundreds of growth factors — including PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, EGF, IGF-1, and FGF — that orchestrate tissue repair. In chronic tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis, the degenerative tissue has failed to mount an effective healing response. PRP is thought to “restart” the healing cascade by delivering a concentrated bolus of these signaling molecules to the pathological area, stimulating angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen remodeling.
Evidence for PRP in Foot and Ankle Conditions
The strongest evidence for PRP in foot and ankle applications is for plantar fasciitis and mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Multiple randomized controlled trials comparing PRP to corticosteroid injection for plantar fasciitis show that while both produce similar short-term (1–3 month) pain relief, PRP produces superior outcomes at 6 and 12 months — with more patients achieving sustained relief and fewer returning for additional treatment. For Achilles tendinopathy, PRP outperforms placebo at 6–12 months in mid-portion disease but evidence for insertional Achilles is more mixed. Evidence for PRP in ankle arthritis, osteochondral lesions, and neuroma is preliminary. PRP is not a first-line treatment — it is reserved for patients who have failed a well-executed course of conservative management (physical therapy, orthotics, corticosteroid injection).
The PRP Procedure at Balance Foot & Ankle
PRP injections at Balance Foot & Ankle are performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement within the pathological tissue. Blood is drawn at the office, centrifuged immediately, and injected within 30–45 minutes. The injection site may be tender for 24–72 hours (a deliberate inflammatory response is part of the mechanism). NSAIDs should be avoided for 2 weeks before and after PRP to avoid blunting the platelet response. Physical therapy is often prescribed concurrent with PRP to maximize the anabolic stimulus. Most protocols use 1–3 injections spaced 4–6 weeks apart, with assessment after each.
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When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does PRP take to work for plantar fasciitis?
PRP for plantar fasciitis typically shows gradual improvement over 4–12 weeks. Unlike corticosteroid injection (which provides fast anti-inflammatory relief within days), PRP works through a biological repair process that takes time. Most patients report significant improvement at 6–8 weeks, with continued improvement through 3–6 months. Some patients need 2–3 injections for optimal response.
Is PRP covered by insurance for foot problems?
PRP is generally not covered by Medicare or most commercial insurance plans for musculoskeletal conditions including plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy as of current coverage policies. It is typically an out-of-pocket expense. Dr. Biernacki discusses the expected cost transparently before proceeding and helps patients weigh this against the expected benefits. Some supplemental or employer-sponsored plans may cover PRP — check with your insurer.
Is PRP better than cortisone for plantar fasciitis?
At 6–12 months, PRP consistently outperforms cortisone for plantar fasciitis in randomized studies. Cortisone provides faster initial relief but a higher rate of symptom recurrence. PRP produces slower but more durable relief without the tissue atrophy and fat pad weakening risks of repeated cortisone. For most patients, a cortisone injection is a reasonable first injection; PRP is preferred when symptoms recur or for patients in whom corticosteroid is contraindicated (fat pad atrophy, near a previously ruptured plantar fascia).
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PRP therapy may be the missing piece for persistent plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle to discuss whether PRP is right for you with Dr. Biernacki in Southeast Michigan.
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentPros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
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About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
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If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
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Get Expert Help at Balance Foot & Ankle
If this condition is affecting your daily activities or hasn’t improved with home treatment, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Tom Biernacki. We offer same-day appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills locations and accept most insurance including Medicare. Most patients are walking comfortably within 4-6 weeks of starting our protocol — conservative care first, surgery only when needed.
Call (248) 337-5500 or request an appointment online. Our team responds within 1 business hour during clinic days.
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day Appointments Available
Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Hills. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
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Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Shop Doctor Hoy’s →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
What does treatment cost?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
Our podiatrists treat the underlying cause, not just the symptom. Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan offices.
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Same-day appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI.
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.