PRP Injections for Achilles Tendinopathy 

PRP therapy is a treatment that uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to promote healing in damaged tissue. PRP is a concentration of platelets and growth factors derived from your blood and injected into the affected area. Platelets are important for healing because they release Cytokines that help to promote cell growth and regeneration. PRP injections are effective in treating tendinopathy and other sports injuries, including tendonitis, ligament injuries, and arthritis. 

What is Achilles Tendinopathy? 

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that results in pain and stiffness along the back of the leg near the heel. The Achilles tendon is the large tendon at the back of the leg that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Tendinopathy occurs when the tendon becomes damaged and is unable to heal properly. This can happen due to overuse, injury, or even the natural aging process. 

Symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy include: 

• Pain along the back of the leg near the heel 
• Stiffness and tenderness in the affected area 
• Swelling in the area  
• Difficulty flexing your foot or pointing your toes downward  

Achilles tendinopathy can be treated with rest, ice, and physical therapy. However, if these methods do not provide relief, you may be a candidate for PRP injections.  

How PRP Therapy Can Help  

PRP therapy can help by relieving pain and promoting the healing of the Achilles tendon. The injection itself takes about 30 minutes to complete. You may need one or more injections, depending on the severity of your condition. Most people experience relief from their symptoms within a few weeks after receiving PRP injections. The effects of PRP therapy may last up to several months.  

PRP injections are an effective treatment for Achilles tendinopathy and other sports injuries such as tennis elbow and patellar tendinitis. A study published in 2017 showed that 85% of patients who received PRP injections for Achilles tendinopathy were satisfied with the procedure and significantly improved their symptoms a few months after treatment.  

PRP injections are typically done as a series of 3 injections spaced 4-6 weeks apart. And as mentioned earlier, the injection takes only a few minutes to complete and can be done in our office with minimal discomfort.  

Risks and Benefits of PRP Injections  

PRP therapy is generally safe because it uses your own blood products. But as with any medical treatment, there are potential risks and benefits associated with PRP injections. These should be discussed with your doctor before treatment. Some possible risks include the following:  

• Pain at the injection site  
• There is a small risk of infection at the injection site 
• Nerve damage  
• Inflammation  
• You may also experience temporary discomfort, bruising, or swelling after receiving PRP injections 

Some potential benefits include:  

• Improved symptoms  
• Decreased pain  
• Improved function of the Achilles tendon 

You may have Achilles tendinopathy if you experience pain along the back of your leg near your heel. This condition most often affects people who play sports or do other activities that stress the Achilles tendon. 

Treating Achilles Tendinopathy

If you suffer from Achilles tendinopathy, you may wonder your treatment options. One option that you may not have considered is PRP therapy. PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated mixture of platelets into the affected area. Platelets are cells in the blood that contain growth factors essential for healing tissue.  

Injecting PRP into the Achilles tendon can help to promote healing and reduce pain and stiffness. The benefits of PRP therapy include reduced pain and improved function. If you want to learn more about this treatment option, please fill out the form below.