Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Heel and Ankle Pain: Benefits, Process & Results

If you’re dealing with persistent foot or ankle pain that isn’t improving with rest, stretching, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatories, you may be wondering if there are more advanced options available. One of the most exciting treatments we offer at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.

PRP has become increasingly popular in sports medicine and orthopedic care because it uses your body’s own healing potential to support recovery—especially for chronic tendon and ligament injuries. At our office, we commonly see patients from surrounding communities who have pain that has lingered for months and are looking for a non-surgical solution.

In this blog, I’ll explain what PRP is, when it works best, and how we determine whether it’s the right treatment plan for you.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative medicine treatment that uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to promote tissue healing.

Here’s the key concept: platelets are not only responsible for clotting—they also contain powerful growth factors and healing proteins that support tissue repair. In PRP therapy:

1. A small amount of blood is drawn (similar to routine lab work).
2. The blood is placed into a centrifuge to separate the components.
3. The platelet-rich portion is concentrated.
4. PRP is injected into the injured or inflamed tissue.

Because PRP is derived from your own body, it is generally considered very safe and well-tolerated.

Why PRP Is Different from Traditional Injections

Many patients are familiar with steroid injections, but PRP is very different.

• Steroid injections may reduce inflammation quickly, but they do not rebuild damaged tissue.
• PRP is designed to stimulate healing in tissues with poor blood supply (like tendons and ligaments), which is why chronic injuries often respond well.

At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona, PRP is often considered when conservative therapy hasn’t fully resolved a problem—or when we want to avoid surgery when appropriate.

What Conditions Can PRP Help Treat?

PRP is most effective when pain is caused by chronic inflammation or tissue degeneration, particularly tendon-related conditions.

Some common conditions we treat with PRP include:

Plantar Fasciitis

If you experience heel pain, especially with the first steps in the morning, you may have plantar fasciitis. PRP can help reduce inflammation and promote healing of the plantar fascia.

Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is common in runners, active adults, and “weekend warriors.” PRP can support tendon recovery by stimulating repair in chronically irritated tissue.

Ankle Sprains / Chronic Ligament Pain

Repeated ankle sprains can lead to instability and chronic pain. PRP may help support ligament healing, especially when paired with bracing and physical therapy.

Tendinitis

PRP can also help treat:

• Peroneal tendonitis
• Posterior tibial tendonitis (common in flat feet)
• Any other chronic tendon injuries affecting foot or ankle

Arthritis (Certain Cases)

PRP may provide symptom relief for some types of arthritis in the foot and ankle by reducing inflammation. While it does not “cure” arthritis, it may help improve comfort and function.

How PRP Works (What’s Happening Inside Your Body)

After PRP is injected, platelets release growth factors that trigger a healing response. This can:

• Reduce inflammation over time
• Encourage new tissue repair
• Improve tendon structure
• Support long-term recovery

It’s important to know that PRP is not like a numbing injection. It doesn’t typically provide immediate relief. PRP works gradually as tissue remodeling occurs.

What to Expect During PRP Treatment

PRP is performed in-office and usually takes 30 minutes.

Your PRP visit typically includes:

• Evaluation and diagnosis
• Imaging as needed (X-ray and/or ultrasound)
• Blood draw
• PRP preparation
• Injection into the affected area

Ultrasound-Guided PRP Injections

When appropriate, we use ultrasound imaging to guide PRP injections. This helps ensure the PRP is placed precisely where it needs to go—especially for tendon injuries and areas with complex anatomy.

This is a major advantage and supports better accuracy and outcomes.

Recovery After PRP: Downtime and Timeline

Most patients can resume light activities within 1–2 days, but full recovery varies.

Common post-treatment expectations:

• Mild to moderate soreness for several days (this is normal)
• Avoid high-impact activity temporarily (running/jumping)
• Gradual return to activity based on improvement and exam findings
• Healing response may take several weeks
• Some cases benefit from a series of PRP injections

We often recommend pairing PRP with supportive care such as:

• Custom orthotics
• Bracing
• Foot and ankle therapy (physical therapy)
• Shoe modifications and activity guidance

Is PRP Right for You?

PRP can be an excellent option if:

• You’ve had symptoms for weeks to months
• Conservative care has helped but not fully resolved the issue
• You want a treatment option that supports healing 
• You prefer to avoid surgery if possible
• You are healthy enough to undergo the procedure

PRP may not be recommended if you have:

• Active infection
• Certain blood disorders
• Severe medical instability
• Some medication restrictions (we review this with you)

The best way to know is through a proper medical evaluation.

Our Approach at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona

At Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona, our focus is not just treating pain—it’s identifying the cause.

When someone comes in with foot pain or ankle pain, our goal is to build a plan that fits your lifestyle and long-term mobility goals. That may include:

• Diagnostic imaging (X-ray and ultrasound)
• MLS Laser Therapy
• Conservative treatments like taping, stretching, bracing
• Custom orthotics
• PRP for appropriate cases
• Surgical planning if needed

Schedule a PRP Consultation in Chandler, Arizona

If you’re struggling with chronic heel pain, tendonitis, ankle pain, or lingering injuries—and you’re wondering if PRP may help—don’t wait.