Quick answer: PRP concentrates platelets from your own blood and injects them into a damaged tendon or fascia to stimulate healing. The evidence is strongest for chronic plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy that have failed months of stretching, orthotics and physical therapy. It is usually not covered by insurance. Book online, or 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 Prp Injection Foot Ankle Michigan isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Related Conditions
Quick Answer
PRP Injection Foot & Ankle Michigan Platelet-Rich Plas 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 Township: (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.
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PRP Injection Foot & Ankle Michigan
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is a regenerative medicine procedure that concentrates healing growth factors from your own blood and delivers them directly to injured tendons, ligaments, fascia, and joints to accelerate healing. At Balance Foot & Ankle, Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM offers ultrasound-guided PRP injections for foot and ankle conditions in Michigan at our Howell, Brighton, and Bloomfield Township locations.
What Is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma is prepared from a small blood draw (30–60 mL) taken at the time of your procedure. The blood is centrifuged to separate and concentrate platelets — the cells responsible for initiating tissue repair. The resulting PRP contains 3–10 times the normal platelet concentration and is rich in growth factors including PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, and IGF-1 that stimulate collagen synthesis, cell proliferation, and tissue regeneration.
Foot & Ankle Conditions Treated with PRP
- Chronic plantar fasciitis: PRP outperforms corticosteroid injection in long-term outcomes for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. A single PRP injection provides significant pain relief for 6–12+ months in 70–80% of patients.
- Achilles tendinopathy: Mid-tendon and insertional Achilles tendinopathy responds well to PRP, which stimulates collagen remodeling without the tendon-weakening risk of corticosteroids.
- Peroneal and posterior tibial tendinopathy: Degenerative tendon lesions with neovascularization are amenable to PRP.
- Ankle ligament insufficiency: PRP may reduce healing time for acute Grade 2–3 ankle sprains and support ligament regeneration.
- Osteochondral lesions: Intra-articular PRP reduces pain and inflammation in early to moderate ankle cartilage lesions.
- Plantar fascia tear: Partial tears of the fascia may benefit from PRP when conservative care has stalled.
The PRP Procedure at Balance Foot & Ankle
The procedure takes approximately 45–60 minutes in office. A blood draw is performed, and the PRP is prepared while you wait (centrifugation takes ~15 minutes). Dr. Biernacki uses diagnostic ultrasound in real time to guide the needle precisely to the treatment target — this is critical for accurate delivery and superior outcomes compared to “blind” injections. Local anesthetic is applied to the skin for comfort. The injection itself takes 1–2 minutes. Patients walk out after the procedure; temporary activity restriction for 24–48 hours is recommended.
What to Expect After PRP
A temporary increase in pain is common in the first 5–7 days following PRP — this is the normal inflammatory response that initiates the healing cascade. Pain typically begins improving at 2–4 weeks. Maximum benefit is typically achieved at 8–12 weeks. Some patients require a second PRP injection for optimal results.
PRP vs. Cortisone: Why Dr. Biernacki Prefers PRP for Tendons
Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections reduce inflammation quickly but provide short-term relief only — and can weaken collagen structure in the tendon with repeated use, increasing rupture risk. PRP stimulates true tissue regeneration rather than inflammation suppression, providing longer-lasting results without adverse tissue effects. For tendinopathy, Dr. Biernacki recommends PRP over cortisone for most patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRP injection covered by insurance?
PRP is currently not covered by most insurance plans and is self-pay. The cost at Balance Foot & Ankle is competitive with the regional market. Many patients find the long-term results — often eliminating the need for surgery — make PRP a cost-effective investment.
How many PRP injections will I need?
Most conditions respond to a single PRP injection. Chronic, severe tendinopathy may benefit from a second injection at 6–8 weeks. Intra-articular (joint) PRP for arthritis may be performed as a series of 1–3 injections.
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Schedule your PRP consultation at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell, Brighton, or Bloomfield Township, Michigan. Dr. Biernacki offers ultrasound-guided PRP for all foot and ankle tendinopathy conditions.
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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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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.
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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 Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Visit Balance Foot & Ankle — Same-Day 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-day appointment availability.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
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