If you’re dealing with persistent heel pain and have tried everything with no relief, you might be wondering if PRP injections are the answer. Many patients with chronic plantar fasciitis are desperate for a solution and consider jumping straight to advanced treatments like PRP. But here’s the truth: PRP injections for plantar fasciitis can be helpful—but only when used at the right time, and in the right way.
What Is a PRP Injection?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It’s a treatment where your blood is drawn, spun down to isolate the plasma rich in growth factors, and then injected into the painful area—like the plantar fascia, the ligament running along the bottom of your foot. This plasma is thought to encourage healing, particularly in cases of torn or damaged tissue. While many professional athletes use PRP for recovery, it’s still considered experimental and is not FDA-approved.
Why PRP Shouldn’t Be Your First Option
According to Dr. Po Raval, a podiatric physician with over 35 years of experience, PRP injections for plantar fasciitis should never be the first step. There’s a proven order of treatment that has helped thousands of patients find relief without jumping into costly or premature procedures.
Dr. Raval’s Step-by-Step Approach to Treating Plantar Fasciitis
- Examine the Plantar Fascia – Is the muscle tight? Is there heel pain or a bone spur involved?
- Start Physical Therapy – Not just to loosen the fascia, but to build long-term muscle memory.
- Use Custom Orthotics – Insoles tailored to your foot can relieve pressure and prevent further damage.
- Evaluate Footwear – Your shoes should be stable and non-wobbly to support healing.
- Take an X-Ray – To check for bone spurs and determine if more support is needed.
- Get an MRI – If pain persists, this reveals whether there’s scar tissue or a tendon tear.
- Try a Cast Boot – For tendon tears, this allows for healing before moving to any injections.
When PRP Injections Make Sense
Only after all conservative methods have been tried and the pain still lingers does Dr. Raval recommend PRP. If an MRI shows an unhealed tendon tear, a PRP injection may be warranted. After the first injection, it’s important to wait four weeks and retest via MRI to evaluate progress. A second injection may be considered if healing hasn’t occurred.
Final Thoughts
PRP injections can be a valuable tool—but they should never be your starting point. Understanding when and how to use them is key to avoiding wasted time, money, and frustration. Trust the process, follow a proven treatment plan, and reserve PRP for when it’s truly needed.
For more foot health tips and a step-by-step recovery plan, visit Archmaker.net.
