Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. 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.

PRP Injection Therapy for Foot & Ankle Conditions in Michigan

Considering platelet-rich plasma therapy for chronic foot or ankle pain? Our podiatrists offer PRP injections to accelerate healing of tendon and ligament injuries.

See Our Advanced Treatment Options → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Franceschi F, et al. Platelet-rich plasma for chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2012;40(5):1010-1015.
2. Peerbooms JC, et al. Positive effect of an autologous platelet concentrate in lateral epicondylitis in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2010;38(2):255-262.
3. Monto RR. Platelet-rich plasma efficacy versus corticosteroid injection treatment for chronic severe plantar fasciitis. Foot & Ankle International, 2014;35(4):313-318.

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon 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 reached over one million views.