If you’re struggling with knee pain, you know how much it can affect your daily life. Whether it’s caused by osteoarthritis, a sports injury, or chronic wear and tear, knee pain can limit your mobility and keep you from doing the activities you love. PRP knee injections offer a breakthrough solution for many people seeking long-lasting relief without the need for surgery or long-term medication use.
How PRP Works for Knee Pain
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a regenerative therapy that uses your body’s natural healing powers to repair damaged tissues in the knee. After drawing a small sample of your blood, it’s processed to concentrate the platelets. These platelets are then injected directly into the knee joint or surrounding tissue, where they release growth factors that promote healing, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue repair.
PRP vs. Cortisone Injections: What's the Difference?
While cortisone injections are commonly used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, they don’t actually promote healing. In fact, repeated cortisone shots can weaken tissues over time. PRP, on the other hand, encourages the body to heal itself, offering long-term benefits without the potential downsides of cortisone. PRP is a great option for patients who want to address the root cause of their pain rather than just manage the symptoms.
PRP for Osteoarthritis: What the Research Says
Studies have shown that PRP injections can be particularly effective for treating osteoarthritis in the knee. Patients often report a reduction in pain, improved joint function, and increased mobility after treatment. PRP can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis by promoting the repair of damaged cartilage and reducing inflammation within the joint.
The Procedure: What to Expect During and After PRP Knee Injections
PRP knee injections are minimally invasive and typically take less than an hour to perform. After the blood draw and processing, the PRP is injected into the knee under the guidance of ultrasound for accuracy. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, and recovery time is short. You may experience some soreness in the knee for a few days, but most people can return to normal activities within a week.
Results and Recovery Timelines
While everyone’s response to PRP can vary, many patients begin to notice improvements in knee pain and function within a few weeks. Full benefits may take a few months to become apparent, as the body continues to heal and regenerate tissues over time. Depending on the severity of your condition, multiple PRP injections may be recommended to achieve optimal results.
How do I get started?
Call our medical office at 509-783-5465 ext. 217 to schedule an appointment to discuss how you can live better with one of our ARNPs.
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