PRP vs. Amnio vs. Shockwave: Which Treatment Works Best for Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis?
Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are two of the most common causes of heel pain. Some people start with rest, stretching, ice, supportive shoes, or physical therapy. While those solutions give relief to a lot of patients, they don’t always fully resolve the pain, especially when symptoms have been lingering for months.
Depending on your specific case, your podiatrist might recommend more advanced treatments, such as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), Amniotic injections, and Shockwave Therapy. These treatments are designed to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and help chronic tendon and fascia injuries.
Let’s break down how each option works for both Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.
PRP vs. Amniotic Fluid Injection vs. Shockwave
PRP (Plate-Rich Plasma) Therapy
- How it works
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) uses a small sample of your own blood that is processed to concentrate healing platelets. These platelets are then injected directly into the injured portion of the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia to help stimulate tissue repair.
- Why is it recommended for Achilles tendonitis or Plantar Fasciitis
PRP is often recommended for chronic Achilles tendonitis or chronic plantar fasciitis, especially when the injured area is not healed despite rest, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments. It focuses on repairing damaged tendon tissue rather than just reducing pain.
Amniotic Fluid Injection
- How it works
Amniotic Fluid Injections contain amniotic fluid collected from consenting donors during scheduled cesarean sections. These fluids help calm inflammation and support the body’s natural healing response in injured tissues.
- Why is it recommended for Achilles tendonitis or Plantar Fasciitis
Amniotic tissue allograft may be recommended when anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, or bracing have not provided sufficient relief.
Shockwave Therapy
- How it works
EPAT Shockwave Therapy delivers sound waves through the skin to the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia. These waves increase blood flow, stimulate tissue repair, and help break up chronic scar tissue.
- Why is it recommended for Achilles tendonitis or Plantar Fasciitis
Shockwave is often used for patients with mild to moderate Achilles tendonitis or plantar fasciitis who want a non-invasive option.
Achilles Tendonitis & Plantar Fasciitis: Treatments Comparison Table
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Suggested For | Downtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) | Minimally invasive (injection) | Chronic pain, degenerative tendon or fascia damage, symptoms lasting several months | Minimal |
| Amniotic Fluid Injection | Minimally invasive (injection) | Persistent inflammation, patients seeking regenerative support | Minimal |
| Shockwave Therapy | Non-invasive | Mild to moderate cases, patients wanting to avoid injections | None |
It’s important to know that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The “best” treatment depends on several factors like severity of pain or injury, your activity level, and more.
Conclusion
All working in different ways, PRP, Amniotic fluid injections, and Shockwave Therapy offer effective, non-surgical options for treating Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. The important takeaway is that treatment should be personalized. What works best for one patient may not be the right choice for another, even with the same diagnosis.
If you’re dealing with persistent heel or Achilles pain and conservative treatments haven’t helped, consult with a podiatrist. At Central Massachusetts Podiatry, our foot and ankle specialists help determine which option aligns best with your condition, lifestyle, and recovery goals — schedule an appointment today.
