Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
Quick Answer
PRP Injection Therapy for Foot and Ankle Conditions: What th relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. 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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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy has transformed the treatment of chronic foot and ankle conditions — offering regenerative healing where anti-inflammatory treatments like cortisone only suppress symptoms. As one of the most evidence-supported regenerative treatments available, PRP is now a first-line option for several conditions at Balance Foot & Ankle.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is created by drawing a small amount of your own blood (typically 30–60ml), processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets 5–10x above normal blood concentration, and injecting this platelet-rich concentrate directly into the injured or degenerating tissue. Platelets contain hundreds of growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF, IGF-1) that orchestrate the body’s natural healing cascade — stimulating collagen synthesis, vascularization, and cellular regeneration.
Foot and Ankle Conditions Treated with PRP at Balance Foot & Ankle
Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
The evidence for PRP in plantar fasciitis is among the strongest of any musculoskeletal condition. Multiple randomized controlled trials show PRP produces greater and more durable pain reduction than cortisone injection at 6 and 12 months. PRP is the preferred choice at Balance Foot & Ankle when: symptoms have persisted beyond 3–6 months, cortisone has failed or is contraindicated, or recurrence after cortisone is a concern.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Chronic Achilles tendinosis involves collagen degeneration, not active inflammation — making cortisone inappropriate and potentially harmful (increases rupture risk). PRP directly addresses the degenerative pathology by stimulating collagen synthesis and neovascularization. Particularly effective in mid-substance tendinopathy when combined with eccentric rehabilitation.
Ankle Osteoarthritis
PRP intra-articular injection for ankle osteoarthritis shows significant pain reduction and functional improvement at 12 months in comparative studies versus hyaluronic acid and saline. Best results in mild to moderate osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence Grade 1–2).
Peroneal and Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy
Chronic tendinopathies of the peroneal or posterior tibial tendons that have failed conservative management are excellent PRP candidates, particularly when ultrasound imaging confirms degenerative changes without complete tear.
What to Expect from PRP Treatment
- The procedure: Blood draw → centrifuge processing (15 minutes) → ultrasound-guided injection → done in one visit
- Post-injection protocol: Avoid anti-inflammatory medications for 2–4 weeks (they blunt the PRP healing response); expect 1–2 weeks of increased soreness as the healing cascade activates
- Timeline: Improvement typically begins at 4–6 weeks; full effect at 12 weeks; may repeat at 3 months if incomplete response
- Number of injections: Most patients benefit from 1–3 injections; the number depends on the condition, severity, and response
Is PRP Covered by Insurance?
Currently, most commercial insurance plans do not cover PRP therapy (it remains classified as “experimental” by many payers despite substantial clinical evidence). Medicare does not cover PRP for musculoskeletal indications. Pricing at Balance Foot & Ankle is transparent; we discuss costs and help patients determine if PRP is the right investment for their specific condition.
Chronic Foot or Ankle Pain? Ask About PRP.
Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle offers ultrasound-guided PRP therapy for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and more. Serving Howell, Brighton, and SE Michigan.
Learn About PRP at My Appointment →
or call (810) 206-1402
📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Book online 24/7 at either office.
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 Township Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Book online 24/7 at either office.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Cortisone Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
Cortisone injections are most effective when paired with a root-cause fix — orthotic, shoe change, or physical therapy. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we use ultrasound guidance to place every injection exactly in the inflamed space, maximizing relief. And we always discuss the treatment plan that follows, so the pain stays gone.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Township
Watch: Dr. Tom explains
Podiatrist-recommended products
As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.
Supports tissues during PRP recovery.
Unloads treated tendons post-PRP.
Reduces swelling after injection.
Post-injection inflammation management.
Related resources
Ready to solve this? Book today.
Book online 24/7 · Howell & Bloomfield Township · 4.9★ (1,200+ reviews)
Watch: Dr. Tom explains
Podiatrist-recommended products
As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.
Post-PRP support.
Post-injection swelling.
Recovery support.
Off-loading post-procedure.
Related resources
Ready to solve this? Book today.
Book online 24/7 · Howell & Bloomfield Township · 4.9★ (1,200+ reviews)
Watch: Dr. Tom explains
Podiatrist-recommended products
As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.
Post-injection support.
Post-injection recovery.
Max-cushion return to activity.
Tendon unload post-PRP.
Related resources
Ready to solve this? Book today.
Book online 24/7 · Howell & Bloomfield Township · 4.9★ (1,200+ reviews)
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Book online 24/7
- ✓ 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?
Appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Township. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle injuries, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with expert evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Book online 24/7. (810) 206-1402
VitaMedica Arnica Gel
Arnica gel plus 15 plant compounds for sore feet, plantar fasciitis flares and post-activity soreness. Apply a thin layer to the sore area.
Ready for Expert Care?
Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI.
4.9★ | 1,200+ Reviews | 3,000+ Surgeries
Or call: (810) 206-1402
The most important clinical decision with Prp Injection Therapy Foot Ankle isn't which treatment to start with — it's which subtype or underlying cause you actually have. Our podiatrists regularly see patients who've been treated for months for the wrong diagnosis. The correct identification changes the entire treatment path. Call (810) 206-1402 — Dr. Tom evaluates this condition at both Howell and Bloomfield Township locations.
