You’ve tried stretching, ice, and medications—yet stubborn heel pain or Achilles tendon discomfort lingers. Maybe you’ve heard about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and wondered if it’s only for professional athletes. The truth is, PRP helps people just like you get back on their feet faster.
As a trusted leader in foot and ankle care in the Treasure Valley, Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle offers patients access to advanced therapies such as PRP combined with sound medical judgment and compassionate care.
Whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, tendon injuries, or post-surgical recovery, this therapy could be part of a smarter, more personalized path to healing. Let’s take a closer look at the myths and facts surrounding PRP therapy.
Is PRP Therapy Just a Trend or Is It Based on Real Science?
Platelet-rich plasma—clinically referred to as autologous conditioned plasma—comes from your body. Plasma is mostly water but contains various nutrients, growth factors, proteins, and antibodies. Platelets, which are a component of blood, contain proteins and substances known as growth factors and are instrumental in the healing process.
While PRP is often labeled as experimental, this misconception largely stems from earlier studies that yielded mixed results. But research has evolved.
Recent data shows that PRP injections—which are created with a patient’s own blood—accelerate healing and reduce pain in a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. For example, a 2025 systematic review found that PRP helped people with ankle sprains recover more quickly, with no adverse effects.
The challenge? Outcomes vary depending on how PRP is prepared and administered. It’s difficult to compare treatment success across clinics due to:
- A lack of standardization.
- Differences in how blood is processed.
- The number of concentrated platelets.
- Injection technique.
That’s why it’s critical to seek care from an Idaho podiatrist with considerable experience and clinical judgment—like our skilled doctors at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle—who tailor treatment protocols to you and your specific condition.
Is PRP Therapy Safe?
For many patients, one of the biggest concerns is safety and pain. PRP is considered a low-risk, minimally invasive procedure because it uses your own blood, not drugs, implants, or foreign substances. Here’s what typically happens during a PRP session:
- Blood draw. A small sample of your blood is taken, just like a basic lab test.
- Centrifuge processing. The blood is spun at high speeds to isolate and concentrate the platelets and growth factors.
- Injection. The PRP solution is carefully inserted into the area of pain or injury, often guided by ultrasound.
Some patients experience mild soreness afterward a PRP injection, similar to a flu shot. But serious side effects are rare, and downtime is minimal. Most people resume daily activities within a day or two.
Is PRP Only for Elite Athletes?
While it first gained attention among high-performance athletes, PRP therapy has since become a valuable solution in progressive podiatric care. At Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle, we frequently design a treatment protocol that includes this approach to help active adults, busy parents, and seniors with a range of chronic or recurring foot and ankle problems, including, but not limited to:
- Plantar fasciitis. When heel pain persists despite conservative treatment, PRP may reduce inflammation and support tissue healing.
- Achilles tendinitis. For chronic tendon pain, PRP can repair micro-tears and reduce stiffness.
- Ankle sprains and ligament injuries. As mentioned above, PRP enhances healing, especially in physically active patients.
- Arthritis. In the early stages of this disease, PRP may reduce joint pain and slow cartilage degeneration.
What to Discuss With Our Idaho Podiatrists Before Treatment
We aim to dispel any myths about PRP therapy and examine it in the context of your specific condition and goals. So come to your consultation in our Caldwell or Meridian offices with questions such as:
- Are there risks or contraindications in my case? Our team conducts a thorough medical intake before recommending any procedure. Infection, bleeding disorders, and cancer are just a few conditions that prohibit PRP therapy.
- What’s the specific goal of PRP for my condition? A detailed assessment is the first step to designing an effective treatment protocol. We might recommend it to relieve pain, promote tendon or ligament healing, support cartilage regeneration, or delay surgery.
- What type of PRP preparation will you use? Inconsistencies can affect outcomes, so we’ll take you through the process step-by-step.
- How many injections are likely needed and on what schedule? Some cases respond to a single injection, while others may need a series.
- What are realistic expectations for recovery time and pain relief? Healing and collagen formation can take several weeks to months.
- What post‑injection care is recommended? Our team may advise a rest period, footwear adjustments, physical therapy, or avoiding certain medications.
PRP therapy isn’t hype—it’s a medical approach with real potential when used efficiently. At Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle, we’re proud to offer advanced options like this as a component of our trusted, evidence-based care. Our podiatrists serve people throughout the greater Treasure Valley with a commitment to transparency, compassion, and results.