Advanced Non-surgical Treatments

Exploring Regenerative Treatment Options for Chronic Foot and Ankle Conditions

Living with chronic foot or ankle pain can take a toll—not only on your physical health, but also on your ability to stay active and enjoy daily life. When traditional treatments like rest, physical therapy, or orthotics don’t provide lasting relief, it’s natural to start looking for alternatives. At Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons, we understand the frustration that comes with persistent pain, and we’re committed to offering treatment options grounded in both experience and evolving medical science.

At Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons, we offer Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy as a regenerative, non-surgical option for patients with chronic foot and ankle conditions that have not responded to conservative care.

PRP therapy involves using a concentrated sample of your own platelets—drawn from a small amount of your blood—to support the body’s natural healing processes. Platelets contain important growth factors and proteins that may help promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation when injected into targeted areas such as the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, or peroneal tendons.

What Common Conditions PRP May Be Considered?

• Chronic plantar fasciitis
• Insertional or mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy
• Peroneal tendinopathy
• Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
• Post-surgical recovery (case-dependent)

While research into PRP continues to evolve, some clinical studies suggest that PRP therapy may improve symptoms and function in patients with certain chronic musculoskeletal conditions—particularly when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. However, it’s important to understand that results vary, and not all patients experience significant or lasting improvement.

What to Expect

The PRP procedure is performed in-office and typically takes less than an hour. After drawing a small amount of blood, it is processed in a specialized centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich portion. This PRP is then carefully injected into the area of concern under ultrasound guidance or anatomical landmarks, depending on the indication.

Most patients experience mild soreness after the procedure, which typically resolves within a few days. Full effects may take several weeks to develop, as the body’s healing response progresses.

Important Considerations

• PRP is generally well-tolerated since it uses the patient’s own blood.
• Not all conditions are appropriate for PRP, and a detailed evaluation is necessary to determine suitability.
• Insurance does not typically cover PRP therapy, as it is considered investigational for many orthopedic and soft tissue conditions.
• While PRP may reduce pain and improve function in some cases, it does not guarantee a cure and may not replace the need for surgery in more advanced or structural conditions.

Schedule a Consultation

To find out whether PRP therapy is appropriate for your specific condition, call us at 623.439.2200 or request a consultation. We’ll assess your history, diagnosis, and treatment goals to determine the best course of care for long-term recovery.