Have you ever felt the pain of an ankle sprain? It can be debilitating and take what might feel like forever to fully heal. The good news is that you have a treatment option available to you that may reduce the painful and prolonged healing period we have come to expect. All you have to do is talk with your local podiatrist in Bellevue and you will have the answers that you are looking for in the form of platelet rich plasma injections (PRP).
Ankle Sprains
Dealing with an ankle sprain is certainly no laughing matter. A sprain is caused by a tear, stretch, or the complete rupturing of the ligaments that work to stabilize the ankle. Ankle sprains are often caused by inversion force – where the ankle is twisted so the sole of the foot is visible and the outer area of the foot touches the ground.
After a sprain, the human body works to heal tissue through a detailed process. The initial portion of this process is what is known as the inflammatory stage, when the ankle area is swollen, reddish, and hot to the touch. During this time, the body forms a blood clot in between the torn ligaments. To heal the injury, the clot will have to be still and stabilized so that it can turn into fibrous tissue, known as fibrin.
How you treat your ankle after a sprain will have a great deal of impact on the length of time it takes for you to recover, and your ability to recover fully. Your ankle will require stability in the form of taping or bracing so that the clot has the ability to heal the ligaments. If interrupted, the body will have to begin this entire healing process over again. A podiatrist may suggest the use of compression sleeves to mitigate swelling and help support the muscles as the injury heals, as well as physical therapy.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Many studies have shown that PRP is effective for shortening the healing time of a sprained ankle by boosting the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Platelet rich plasma is injected in or around the tissue being targeted. The plasma contains growth factors which initiate healing in the affected area, helping to prompt your body’s natural response and begin the process of healing at the inflammatory stage.
When used with normal treatments of compression, bracing, therapy, and taping, PRP is an extremely beneficial option. Contact the team at Mill Creek Foot & Ankle Clinic when you need a podiatrist in Bellevue offering platelet rich plasma injections. Call (425)482-6663 for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hall.
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