Question
QUESTION: Dr. Tsatsos, My podiatrist has recommended platelet rich plasma therapy for my lateral ankle pain and popping. I have been having symptoms for about 8 months or more now without relief. I have had a sonogram and MRI. I have been treated with bracing, splinting and ibuprofen without relief. My physician is recommending PRPT but I am wondering if it is worth the time and will it work for me. I am in so much pain right now I would do the surgery tomorrow if I could. I am aware that the recovery time is longer with surgery but by the time that I discover that PRPT did not work, I could be into the recovery time after surgery. What are your thoughts on this procedure.

Thank you for your time

ANSWER: This Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrist says.......

Dear Pia,

Some recent studies showed no benefit from platelet rich plasma therapy in these kinds of conditions. Sounds like a vague diagnosis to your ankle problem.
See if you can get a precise diagnosis and the surgical procedure for your problem. For example-do you have subluxing peroneal tendons, do you have a torn ligament, etc
Take your sonogram & Mri & consider another opinion.
For torn ligaments-I like a simple repair under direct visualization and follow up with physical therapy-recovery time is decreased greatly.
We are located within 30 minutes of both Chicago airports
Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no furthe

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dr Tsatsos,
Thank you for the information on the initial question. I did find out that he believes it to be a subluxing peroneal tendon and he feels that the platelet plasma therapy would be beneficial. The MRI did not show a tear but my podiatrist is thinking the tear is not showing on the MRI. The pain is great and walking on it is very difficult at times. Flexing the foot and of course walking on it creates popping and pain.

Answer
This Chicago & Elmhurst Podiatrist says.......

Dear Pia,
Without disagreeing with your doctor-I do not believe that the procedure will help that specific foot condition.
Seek another Podiatry opinion and don't fear the recovery time.
What's a possible week more of recovery on something done well and has less chance of a repeat.
Post-op physical therapy helps a lot!!!
We are within 30 minutes of both major Chicago airports and are experts in these kinds of foot & ankle surgeries.
Hope This Helps
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further