PRP Injections for Foot & Ankle in Michigan | Evidence & Results

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 Township practices. Call (810) 206-1402.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Week Appointments Available

Our podiatry team serves patients throughout Michigan including Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township. If you’re dealing with heel pain, ingrown toenails, or a foot injury, we have same-week appointment availability.