Heel pain can be one of the most persistent and frustrating problems people face with their feet, especially when it lingers despite stretching, shoe changes, or injections. For many, plantar fasciitis is to blame—the inflammation and degeneration of the thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot. When rest and traditional treatments don’t bring relief, some patients begin to look for longer-term options.
At The Foot Institute, our podiatrists often see patients interested in learning more about PRP therapy. PRP plantar fasciitis is a common search among those hoping to avoid surgery or reduce reliance on steroid injections for chronic plantar fasciitis and other persistent conditions. Understanding how this therapy works, what to expect, and who it may help can make deciding whether to pursue it much easier.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a treatment that uses a patient’s own blood to support tissue repair. The process begins with a small blood draw, which is placed into a centrifuge to separate the plasma rich in platelets from other blood components. This concentrated solution is then injected into the affected area—such as the heel in cases of plantar fasciitis.
Because platelets contain natural growth factors, PRP is designed to encourage healing where tissue damage has occurred. The podiatrists at The Foot Institute sometimes recommend PRP for patients whose heel pain has not improved with conservative methods. Unlike steroid injections, which temporarily reduce inflammation, PRP aims to stimulate the body’s own healing response. Recent meta-analyses of RCTs suggest that PRP for chronic plantar fasciitis may produce greater improvement in pain and some functional scores compared with other treatments (including steroids) at mid- to long-term follow-ups.
Why Consider PRP for Heel Pain?
Plantar fasciitis can be stubborn, especially when small tears and degeneration develop in the fascia over time. While treatments like rest, stretching, orthotics, and physical therapy help many people, chronic cases may need a different approach.
Steroid injections can provide short-term relief, but repeated use may weaken tissue and, in rare cases, increase the risk of rupture. Surgery is typically reserved for severe, unrelenting pain. PRP therapy offers a middle ground—an option that sits between conservative care and surgical intervention, with similar benefits.
Many patients turn to PRP plantar fasciitis treatment for several reasons:
- It uses the patient’s own blood, so there is minimal risk of allergic reaction
- The procedure is minimally invasive and performed in-office
- It can be repeated if necessary, based on how the patient responds
- It focuses on promoting repair instead of simply reducing symptoms
While results vary from person to person, PRP therapy allows the podiatrists to approach heel pain from a regenerative standpoint rather than relying solely on anti-inflammatory measures.
What to Expect During PRP Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
If a patient and podiatrist decide that PRP therapy is appropriate, the process usually begins with a consultation and review of prior treatments. PRP is generally considered after several months of persistent heel pain that hasn’t improved with rest, stretching, supportive footwear, and orthotics.
The appointment itself typically includes:
- A simple blood draw, usually from the arm
- A short wait while the sample is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets
- An injection of the prepared PRP directly into the area of heel pain
To ensure accuracy, many podiatrists use ultrasound guidance when performing the injection. This helps deliver the plasma precisely into the most affected portion of the plantar fascia. The entire visit often takes less than an hour, and patients can usually walk out the same day.
Mild soreness or swelling in the heel for a few days is common after treatment. The podiatrists may recommend limiting high-impact activity temporarily and wearing supportive shoes. Ice and gentle stretching are usually encouraged as the tissue begins to respond to the treatment.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Because PRP relies on natural biological processes, results develop gradually. Many patients start noticing improvement a few weeks after the injection, with continued progress over several months. During this time, the podiatrists may adjust footwear, update orthotics, or guide patients through specific stretching and strengthening exercises to support healing.
Follow-up visits allow the podiatrists to track progress and determine whether additional injections are appropriate. Some patients may benefit from a second session, while others experience enough relief from a single treatment.
It’s important to understand that PRP therapy does not replace other aspects of care. A comprehensive approach—including addressing gait mechanics, calf flexibility, and footwear—remains essential to preventing recurrence.
Comparing PRP to Other Heel Pain Treatments
When weighing PRP against more traditional options, patients often have questions about how it differs from the other common approaches.
- Steroid injections. These are frequently used to reduce inflammation in the plantar fascia and can relieve pain quickly. However, the effects may be temporary, and repeated injections carry certain risks. PRP doesn’t act as fast, but its purpose is to enhance long-term tissue repair.
- Shockwave therapy. This is another non-invasive option that uses sound waves to stimulate healing. PRP is sometimes used alongside or after shockwave therapy for patients who still have significant discomfort.
- Surgery. Plantar fascia release is considered when all other methods fail. PRP offers a less invasive alternative that may help avoid or delay surgery in some cases.
Each patient’s response will depend on the severity of their condition, activity level, and overall foot mechanics. The podiatrists at The Foot Institute take these factors into account when recommending any heel pain treatment plan.
When to Talk to a Podiatrist About PRP
PRP therapy isn’t always the first step in treating plantar fasciitis, but it can be worth discussing if:
- Heel pain has persisted for several months despite conservative care
- Steroid injections provided only short-term relief
- Surgery feels too aggressive or premature
- You want to explore a regenerative, tissue-focused option for healing
An experienced podiatrist can evaluate whether PRP therapy fits your situation and guide you through the benefits and limitations. At The Foot Institute, the podiatrists emphasize realistic expectations, careful assessment, and ongoing care to support long-term foot health.
Finding Relief from Chronic Heel Pain
Persistent heel pain doesn’t have to become a permanent part of daily life. For many people, PRP plantar fasciitis treatment provides another path forward when other options haven’t worked. By using the body’s own natural resources, PRP offers a chance to support true recovery instead of simply managing symptoms.
The podiatrists at The Foot Institute in El Paso provide comprehensive evaluations to determine the best plan for each patient. Whether PRP, orthotics, physical therapy, or other treatments are appropriate, their goal is to help patients find lasting comfort and restore healthy movement.