An Emerging New Treatment
Platelet Rich Plasma injections is a new treatment orthopedic physicians are beginning to use in the care of inflamed or injured tendons. Dedicated Orthopedic Center physicians are excited to offer this new treatment to patients and are among the first to do so.
PRP is plasma with many more platelets than what is typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets — and, thereby, the concentration of growth factors — can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer) than usual.
PRP can be injected into an injured area. For example, in Achilles tendonitis, a condition commonly seen in runners and tennis players, the heel cord can become swollen, inflamed, and painful. PRP can be injected directly into this inflamed tissue to stimulate a healing response.
PRP also may be used to improve healing after surgery for some injuries. For example, an athlete with a completely torn heel cord may require surgery to repair the tendon. Healing of the torn tendon can possibly be improved by treating the injured area with PRP during surgery.
