Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

What are PRP injections?

PRP injections are a regenerative treatment that uses your own blood to relieve pain and speed the healing process. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Your blood is made up of various substances, and platelets are one of the components.

Platelets are essential for healing injuries and chronic soft tisue conditions.  Platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors. These growth factors are vital in the healing process.

PRP is plasma that’s supercharged with many more platelets (9-12x) than what’s normally found in your blood. Because PRP is loaded with platelets, it has a higher concentration of growth factors. Research shows this boosts the healing process of the injured strcture instead of just blocking the symptoms like cortisone shots do.

Since PRP injections use your own blood, this treatment is regarded as a more natural approach to healing, with less risk of injury or infection.

PRP injections are used to treat:

• Achilles tendon injuries
• Plantar fasciitis
• Acute and chronic tendinitis
• Bone injuries
• Ankle ligament injuries (Ankle Sprains)
• Arthritis

For some injuries, PRP injections can also enhance healing after surgery.

Am I a candidate for PRP injections?

Certain factors can influence whether PRP treatment is effective. These factors include:

• Your overall health
• The area of your body needing treatment
• Whether your injury is acute or chronic

After a comprehensive exam, Dr. Katz will suggest if PRP injections are right for you.

How are PRP injections made?

To make platelet-rich plasma, Dr. Katz first draws your blood. The blood is placed in an instrument that spins at high speed. This produces highly concentrated plasma-rich platelets containing nearly 9-12x more growth factors than in normal blood.

What happens during PRP injections?

Dr. Katz makes the plasma-rich platelets into an injection.  The system we use is called EMCYTE.  This system is FDA approved and is able to achieve the highest concentration of platelets in ordere to achieve best results for our patients.

As you’re getting your PRP injections, he monitors the site with an ultrasound. You may feel a slight irritation where you’re getting the injection.

Depending on your injury, Dr. Katz may recommend one injection or a series of injections.

What should I expect after PRP injections?

You’ll need to take it easy. For 3-7 days after treatment, you should limit weight-bearing activities that involve the treated part of your body.

After treatment, it’s possible you’ll no longer need medications or surgery for your health condition.

Dr. Katz Strives to obtain the best possible resutls with his patients, so after tyhis treatment he will create  a patient specific protocol which may include recomendations for supplimentation to increase nutrient healing, physical therapy or at home regimen, stretching, arch supports, warm moist heat, as well as other recomendations that are specific to each patient and their condition. 

If you’re ready to explore PRP injections to stimulate your body’s natural healing process, call today or book a consultation online with the regenerative care specialists at Katz Regenerative Foot & Ankle, LLC.