PRP Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy: Evidence and Outcomes Achilles tendinopathy is a common cause of heel pain, affecting 5-10% of runners and athletes.[ref]Lysholm J, Wiklander J.
PRP Therapy for Achilles Tendinopathy: Evidence and Outcomes Achilles tendinopathy is a common cause of heel pain, affecting 5-10% of runners and athletes. It is an overuse injury which is often chronic in nature. The diagnosis is easily made on the clinical exam but can be confirmed with US or MRI.
Treatment typically revolves around activity modification, physical therapy, heel lifts and medications. Of those, physical therapy emphasizing eccentric exercises and stretching appear to be the most important. Up to 25% of patients still experience symptoms up to 8 years after onset, making it a very stubborn disease. Case Vignette You are initiating treatment on a 21 year old runner with achilles tendinitis.
Plantarflexion is intact but painful, even in the office. Which of the following would be the most appropriate initial treatment for this patient? A) Heel lift, topical nitroglycerin B) Physical therapy, US guided corticosteroid injection C) NSAIDS, US guided PRP injection D) Activity modification, physical therapy Injection therapies are sometimes considered and utilized.
Potential injectants include prolotherapy, hydrodilation (high volume), corticosteroids (not recommended) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is a regenerative therapy which involves using a centrifuge to isolate the plasma in a patient's blood and inject it into or around pathologic tissue. "Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection vs Sham Injection on Tendon Dysfunction in Patients With Chronic Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial." JAMA 326.2: 137-144.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to prp and achilles tendinopathy, it is important to see a sports medicine physician. Early evaluation and treatment typically lead to better outcomes. Do not ignore pain or symptoms that are limiting your activity.
*This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.*
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