PRP: A Regenerative Option for Foot & Ankle Pain
As a physician who treats many active adults, I often hear a familiar concern:
“I want to stay active, but my feet and ankles are slowing me down. I’m not ready for surgery—what else can I do?”
So many people live in Florida with the goal being to stay active throughout their life. The good news is that surgery is not the only option for treating ongoing foot and ankle pain. One of the regenerative treatments we have available is PRP, also known as Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, which can help many people manage their pain and stay active longer.
What is PRP?
PRP is unique in that it uses your body’s own healing potential. We draw a small amount of your blood, and then we use a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. Platelets are cells rich in growth factors that play a vital role in tissue repair. This concentrated plasma is then injected into the area causing pain, such as an arthritic ankle joint, plantar fascia, or a tendon.
Unlike cortisone injections, which primarily mask pain and can weaken tissue with repeated use, PRP is designed to stimulate repair and reduce inflammation at the source.
Why Consider PRP?
For active adults, PRP offers several benefits:
- Minimally invasive – no incisions, no hardware, and typically a short recovery period.
- Helps delay or avoid surgery – especially for conditions like tendon injuries, plantar fasciitis, or early arthritis.
- Uses your own biology – meaning no foreign substances, just your body working to heal itself. You don’t have to worry about your body rejecting anything.
It’s important to understand that PRP isn’t a “quick fix.” Results can take several weeks to develop, and outcomes vary depending on the severity of your condition. But many of my patients experience meaningful improvements in pain and function, allowing them to continue walking, hiking, or enjoying other activities with less discomfort.
Staying Active Without Surgery
If your goal is to remain active and enjoy the Florida sunshine—and you’d like to explore options beyond medication and surgery—PRP may be worth a conversation. It’s not the right choice for everyone, but for many patients it provides a valuable middle ground: supporting healing, reducing pain, and keeping you on your feet longer.
If you’re interested, schedule a consultation with our office. Together, we can review whether this regenerative approach may be a good fit for your specific condition and your goals.
