PRP Injections
Innovative Treatment Option For Chronic Foot Conditions
Performed in Our Office!
PRP is “platelet-rich plasma”. This is also known as autologous blood concentrate APC. Platelets are a specialized type of blood cells that are involved with injury healing. With PRP, a concentrated platelet solution is injected into the injured area to stimulate healing.
Foot Conditions that are effectively treated with PRP
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Ankle Sprains
- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
- Ligament Tears
- Non healing fractures
- Ulcers
PRP works best for chronic ligament and tendon sprains/strains that had failed to benefit from other conservative therapies, injections, or footwear modifications. Also, it can be used for bone healing and wounds and many other soft tissue injuries.
PRP recreates and stimulates the bodies’ natural healing process. Since human platelets are naturally extremely rich in connective tissue growth factor, injecting these growth factors into damaged ligaments and tendons stimulates a natural repair process. In order to benefit from these natural healing proteins the platelets must first be concentrated.
PRP can be performed in office setting. First, blood is drawn form the patient and placed in a special centrifuge, where the blood is spun down. During this process the platelets are separated from the red blood cells and are concentrated. The red blood cells are then discarded and the resulting platelets concentrate is used for treatment. During the time the blood is spinning in the centrifuge, the painful area is injected with a local anesthetic such as lidocaine, to numb it up. Once the area is anesthetized, the concentrated growth factros are then injected with Ultrasound guidance into the area of injury. The entire treatment takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
For the first week after the injections it is critical to avoid anti-inflammatories such as Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Celebrex, Mobic etc. Also, patients are to avoid using ice on the treated area. These will interfere with the healing response.
Tylenol may be used for pain relief. Patients may be places into a cam walker or soft cast for 3-4 days, after the injection. Generally, patients may return to normal gym activities in 3-4 weeks after the treatment.
Typically, after the initial treatment, patients are seen for a follow up in 6-8 weeks. Some patients respond very well after just one treatment, but a subsequent treatment may be required.
Improvement of 80-85% is suggested by most studies. Some patients experience complete relief in their pain and the results are generally permanent!!
Here is a link to an article listing professional athletes that had benefited from PRP.
https://drprpusa.com/21-pro-athletes-saved-by-platelet-rich-plasma-in-2016/
For more questions, please contact one of our offices.
Dr. Zinoviy Rabinovich D.P.M., Board Certified Physician and Surgeon of Foot and Ankle – a doctor who is on time, who looks at and listens to you and not the computer, who provides immediate relief and follows through to complete satisfaction. Experience, expertise, convenience of scheduling, evening hours, and a personal innovative approach for all your and your children’s foot care needs. Northbrook 847-297-9660, Crest Hill 815-838-9505 or book online at www.absolutefootandankleclinic.com.
