Posted by Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are an innovative method that potentially aids in the recovery of distressing knee injuries. Renowned athletes like Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal are said to have tried this relatively recent treatment, which entails injecting plasma that is rich in platelets derived from their own blood. Supporters assert that it provides state-of-the-art treatment for previously incapacitating injuries, particularly knee pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Continue reading to gain further insights into PRP treatment and its potential to effectively alleviate your knee discomfort.
What is plasma and what are platelets?
Plasma is the liquid component of the entire blood, consisting mainly of water and proteins. It serves as a medium for the circulation of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets throughout the body. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are blood cells responsible for blood clotting and other essential healing functions. The activation of platelets plays a crucial role in the innate healing process of the body.
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy utilizes injections of a concentrated form of a patient’s own platelets to expedite the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Through this method, PRP injections leverage the patient’s unique healing system to enhance musculoskeletal issues. PRP treatment is a type of regenerative medicine that harnesses these abilities and amplifies the natural growth factors that the body employs to facilitate tissue healing.
How does platelet-rich plasma procedure work?
A small amount of your blood will be collected by a healthcare professional. They will then place your blood into a centrifuge, which will spin it at different speeds to separate it into different layers. One of these layers is called platelet-rich plasma, which may contain up to three times more platelets than regular blood.
The platelet-rich plasma will be injected into the affected area after the doctor numbs it with local anaesthesia. It is normal for the pain at the injection site to increase slightly during the first two weeks. Furthermore, it may take several weeks for any improvement to be felt.
Recovery
After the treatment, your doctor may recommend the following for your recovery:
- Apply ice to the area for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours during the first two days. You may experience slight pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site after the procedure.
- Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) as they may interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness.
- Refrain from activities that put stress on the treated area.
- Consult with your doctor before resuming vigorous physical activities like running and cycling.
For optimal results, it is typically recommended to undergo the PRP treatment two to three times with several weeks in between each session.
Benefits of PRP Treatment for Knee Pain
- Safe and effective
Safety is a key aspect of PRP treatment, as it involves utilizing the patient’s own cells. Hence, it does not carry the risk of major side effects, allergies, and rejection issues.  Furthermore, it has a minimal recovery time.
- Non-surgical method
Unlike surgical methods, PRP treatment does not require surgery or suturing. This makes it a valuable option for patients who are unable to undergo joint replacement surgery due to factors such as age, weak vital organs, or other existing diseases. PRP therapy has shown positive results in these cases.
- Reduction in drug dependency
Platelet-rich plasma injections are particularly effective in managing the pain associated with knee arthritis. Pain is a major obstacle for individuals with damaged knees to lead a normal life. However, PRP treatment helps reduce the reliance on painkillers and strong medications like analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for muscle or bone growth.
- Reduction in symptoms
In addition to alleviating swelling and pain, PRP treatment provides relief and improved mobility to the knee joints. They not only rebuild damaged tissue but also reduce inflammation and pain while stimulating joint lubrication. This lubrication helps alleviate joint stiffness and restores overall function, with long-lasting effects.
- Promote new cartilage development
PRP treatment can aid in the promotion of new cartilage development and accelerate the body’s natural healing process. By utilizing blood platelets and growth factors, PRP therapy speeds up tissue recovery and regeneration, assisting in the repair of injured areas.
- Highly recommended
For mild cases of osteoarthritis, PRP therapy is the recommended and preferred treatment option. Unlike treatments that solely address the symptoms of osteoarthritis, PRP treatment targets the underlying cause of joint pain, resulting in highly effective outcomes.
Is PRP injection an effective knee pain treatment for you?
Yes. In a study conducted in 2009, the effects of platelet-rich plasma injections were assessed on 100 individuals with degenerative cartilage lesions in their knee joints. After six months, participants reported significant alleviation of pain.
Another study in 2012 compared the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injections with hyaluronic acid injections among 120 patients with varying degrees of knee osteoarthritis. Those who received platelet-rich plasma injections experienced greater improvements in pain levels and overall functioning.
In 2013, a study followed 78 patients with osteoarthritis in both knees. The group that received platelet-rich plasma injections reported significant reductions in pain compared to those who received placebo injections.
A comprehensive review conducted in 2017 analyzed 14 randomized controlled trials involving 1,423 participants. The results obtained at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups indicated that platelet-rich plasma therapy may be beneficial in managing pain and enhancing physical function associated with knee osteoarthritis.
PRP Treatment for Knee Pain is here to Stay
This article explores the effect of PRP injections on knee pain treatment. However, the benefits extend beyond this condition. PRP therapy is highly effective for addressing other musculoskeletal issues like rotator cuff tears, chronic plantar fasciitis, and anterior cruciate ligament injuries. To begin the healing process for yourself or a loved one, schedule an appointment at Medica Stem Cells Clinic. Our regenerative medicine specialists offer top-level knee pain treatment with exceptional expertise.