PRP Therapy for Foot and Ankle Conditions

Orthopedists are always looking for new and innovative ways to treat their patients. PRP therapy provides a minimally invasive method of promoting healing without surgery or in addition to a surgical procedure. The goal is not to just relieve symptoms but to promote actual healing.



What is Platelet Rich Plasma?



Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is plasma with many more platelets than is typically found in blood. Platelets contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors which are very important in the healing process and can stimulate that natural process in orthopedic injuries. With PRP therapy, a technician draws the patient's blood, the platelet rich plasma layer is concentrated using a centrifuge, and then the PRP is injected back into the affected area.



What to Expect with PRP Therapy



For PRP therapy the procedure is similar to receiving a cortisone injection, and the healing process begins immediately after you receive the injection. You may experience some pain or irritation after the injection, and your doctor may ask that you limit activity after your PRP therapy injection. You should start to experience a reduction of pain in 2-6 weeks. Some people will still experience limited improvement after three months. In these cases a follow-up injection may be needed. Many patients will still experience relief up to two years or more after treatment.



Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dresher for a consultation to find out how PRP therapy can benefit you.