I’m thinking of trying PRP in my ankle. HOw bad does it hurt? I’ve had cortisone shots and dry needling. Dry needling hurt like HELL when I had it in my glute! I heard PRP hurts and I always thought I had high tolerance to pain, but that dry needling sucked it!!!
My ortho thinks I have synovitis of the ankle. I had a brostrum and peroneal repair in 2012 and now I get pinching in the ankle. MRI was clear and he told me to throw ice on it bla, bla. I’ve been having the issue on and off for over a year. I’ve tried almost everything ( graston, ART, massage, cortisone, etc). I just want to be able to walk normal and maybe try running down the road again if I decide.
Also curious how long before you could ride your bike or swim.
I had PRP in both feet. It didn’t help my issue, but that was because I later found out I was diagnosed incorrectly. Anyway, the PRP did not hurt. My doctor did a nerve block and then more numbing shots. I felt the needle for the nerve block but that was really about it. I think I was back in the pool running within a week and swimming a little after a week. I couldn’t swim as soon since initially it hurt to push off the wall. I was back on the bike (indoor trainer) within the first week and by week 2 I was back outside riding as usual and doing long rides.
I had two PRP injections in my IT Band. The second was roughly a month after the first and my doctor was willing to give me a third if needed. Each time the doctor had someone hold my leg down while he performed the injection. Needless to say, they were both painful. They can’t use any numbing agents because they deactivate the plasma. However, they did spray the skin with a very cold mist prior to the injection – the doctor told me that it didn’t do much but it was better than nothing. All that being said, it was definitely worth it. I tried everything to resolve the pain before the injections with no luck and I have not had any issues since. My knee was sore for a few days after each injection and I waited about a month after the second injection to start running/cycling again.
I hope I don’t cry. lol
my ankle has 3 sore spots so I would assume they put the injection in 3 areas. I know I can handle one, but a ton freaks me out. How many injections did you guys have
I just had one injection in each foot. I’m not sure why the other poster was told numbing agents can’t be used, since that is not true. I understand areas like IT, Hamstring, shoulder, are more painful since the doctor can’t do a nerve block like with the foot/ankle.
so u had a nerve block for your feet? how much did it end up costing you?
Not really my area of expertise. It’s just what the doctor administering the injection told me. However, you might find a Google search for “local anesthetics and platelet-rich plasma” interesting.
Thanks, I’ll try putting that in with my search. Doesn’t seem to be too much out there on PRP. I might make an apt for next week to discuss with doctor. Obviously that will be the best way to address my concerns 
It was around $1500 total, so probably around $750 if it was only one foot.
Yes, a lot of the information and research I found indicates local anesthesia does not affect the PRP. I’m sure like with anything else you can find research stating complete opposite information and there really isn’t an accepted standard for PRP, which is one reason why it isn’t covered by many insurance companies. Here is an article from the AAOS that includes administering a local anesthetic as part of the procedure.
Procedure
The procedure is simple. With sterile technique, obtain appropriate amount of venous blood and transfer it to the centrifuge. After processing is completed, extract the PRP from the centrifuge according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cleanse the patient’s skin around the injection site; if desired, use towels or drapes to create an aseptic field. Administer a local anesthetic if necessary. With real-time image guidance (computed tomography, fluoroscopy, or ultrasound) and sterile technique, inject the PRP into the appropriate area; apply dressing or bandage to protect needle entry site.
http://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/sep10/clinical3.asp
I wander why it’s only $250 at my hospital? Maybe they have a groupon special! bahaha
Have you tried wrapping your ankle & lower legs in wide rubber bands, then working the hell out of it?
Did wonders for mine. I am also see a doc that is working on my Achilles - using the blade etc. Same sort of thing but more focused, and working well.
Are you talking about something like the rogue fitness band? I haven’t tried that because a long time ago I did it to my knee and it hurt worse the next day.
I’ve tried ice, ibuprofen, celbrex, graston, stretching, ART, chiro help, and cortisone. It’s in 3 spots and it’s a sharp pinch and ankle/foot goes weak. I assume it’s pinching tissue from the surgery. MRI didn’t show anything. It came out of no where too this year. REally sucks because I had strengthened it forever. The cortisone did help the one area where he put it
You wrap your mid foot to half-way up the shin, I use 2 Pilates bands I got at Walmart but there a company that makes these for that purpose. You wrap it like you are wrapping a bike handle bar, or trying to squeeze resin from a carbon fiber part :).
After getting a good compression, here’s the main trick: You work your ankle like a joy stick, just in the air, around and around, up and down, all planes of motion, until the muscles etc are just screaming. The worse the “proper” hurt, the better. Pretty amazing that happens really. Takes a few minutes and the foot goes bluish.
Then pull the straps, whoosh all the blood goes back in - like a fuel system purge. This opens up the damaged pathways to feed tissues with new life in theory.
Worked for me. I also use my ankle koozie and do one wrap around with a Rocktape if out on the road. Although it’s been so good this week I’ve been at the track in flats, running 2000- 3000’s etc. I like my Merrell flats but that is what caused injury before :P.
My ankle was just ripped to shreds back 1999 water-skiing. It’s the reason I created jagersport.com actually. Never had surgery - which is a good thing!
I Have thought about trying this. When I cycle the foot/ankle feels good like it gets more blood to the injured area, so maybe that is what I need. I have an old bike tube that I cut down the middle and it works just like the band.
I had PRP in both feet. It didn’t help my issue, but that was because I later found out I was diagnosed incorrectly. Anyway, the PRP did not hurt. My doctor did a nerve block and then more numbing shots. I felt the needle for the nerve block but that was really about it. I think I was back in the pool running within a week and swimming a little after a week. I couldn’t swim as soon since initially it hurt to push off the wall. I was back on the bike (indoor trainer) within the first week and by week 2 I was back outside riding as usual and doing long rides.
Did you have to go into a walking boot afterwards or wheelchair? Could you drive?
I didn’t have walking boots. I work from home and had the injections on Friday so I was able to pretty much completely stay off my feet. We had hardwood floors at the time so I could scoot around the house without walking. It looked funny, but it worked. 
My husband helped me out a lot those 2-3 days too. I just stayed off my feet for the weekend and by Monday I could walk/waddle around, and drive, in running shoes.
In order for PRP to be of benefit, you’d want to have as specific a diagnosis as possible. Three areas of pain would be worrisome for success if I were on the blunt end of the needle. Most of these in our area go for $400-$2000 depending.
You would do well to pm rroof.
John