PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a regenerative treatment that is rapidly gaining popularity for its therapeutic benefits. This minimally invasive treatment supports the body’s natural healing process for relief from a range of injuries and conditions, including pain in the Achilles tendon.
Understanding Achilles Tendon Pain
The Achilles tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. Also referred to as the calcaneal tendon, it’s the strongest and largest tendon in the human body. We need the Achilles tendon to walk, run, jump, and complete other basic movements. So, when Achilles tendon pain is persistent, it can disrupt your ability to be active and stay comfortable throughout the day.
Pain in the Achilles tendon due to overuse is especially common among athletes. Runners, in particular, are often sidelined due to Achilles tendon pain. While rest, ice, and NSAIDs can help heal this injury, for long-term relief, regenerative treatment with PRP therapy is a superior option.
PRP Therapy for Achilles Pain
PRP is derived from platelets in the patients’ own blood. Platelets contain many vital proteins and growth factors with the ability to stimulate the body’s healing process. During PRP therapy, the patient’s own blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge concentrates the platelets, which are then suspended in a limited amount of blood plasma. With ultrasound guidance, the PRP can then be injected into the area with damaged tissue, like the Achilles tendon.
Tendons receive minimal blood flow, often making for a slow recovery process. By delivering growth factors and proteins directly to the damaged tendon, PRP therapy can significantly speed up a tendon’s healing process, providing lasting relief from pain and discomfort. In comparison to corticosteroid shots, which only provide temporary pain relief, PRP therapy is a superior choice to fully recover from Achilles tendon pain.
To learn more about PRP therapy for Achilles pain, schedule an appointment at Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine.