Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is one of the key components found in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which has increasingly been studied for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, including sprains. PDGF plays a significant role in tissue repair by stimulating cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and the synthesis of extracellular matrix components, all of which are critical to healing ligamentous injuries such as sprains.

Clinical studies investigating PRP—which contains PDGF among other growth factors—have shown some potential in accelerating healing and improving functional outcomes for certain ligament and tendon injuries. For example, randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have reported mixed but generally positive results for PRP injections in the treatment of ankle sprains, indicating faster recovery times and improved pain reduction compared to standard care. However, these results are not universally consistent, with some studies reporting no significant difference over placebo.

Although the use of isolated PDGF (as opposed to whole PRP) is less common in clinical practice, the scientific rationale is based on PDGF’s well-established role in the cellular processes involved in tissue regeneration. Overall, while there is moderate scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic use of PDGF-containing preparations for sprains, more high-quality, large-scale studies are needed to further clarify its efficacy and optimal application protocols.