How Does PRP Treat Knee Pain Effectively?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Knee Pain

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a treatment that uses the patient’s own blood to promote the healing of damaged tissues and may help reduce discomfort caused by osteoarthritis. In recent years, it has emerged as an effective treatment for knee pain.

 
Many people with severe knee pain have reported getting better relief from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Continue reading to learn more about this therapy, including its risk factors and benefits.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

PRP consists of two elements plasma or the liquid part of blood and platelets which is a type of blood cells, plays a crucial role in healing throughout the body. It is well-known for their clotting properties, can trigger cell reproduction as it also contains contain growth factors and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains more platelets than normal.

Healthcare experts takes a blood sample from the patient to create platelet-rich plasma, and place it into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.

How Does PRP Work for Knee Pain?

The following is an overview of how PRP therapy works for knee pain: 

• To help repair existing tissue damage, platelet-rich blood is injected into the area surrounding the patient’s knee as part of PRP therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee. 
• This consists of four parts of the individual’s blood. 
• One’s blood is mostly liquid or plasma. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets compose the remaining three parts. 
• Platelets greatly support blood clotting. 
• According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), platelets also include growth factors that may help in tissue repair by promoting the formation of new cells.

Thus, PRP therapy can help repair the damaged cartilage of knee joints, reducing the pain and lack of mobility caused by osteoarthritis.  

What are the Benefits of PRP Therapy for Knee Pain?

The benefits of Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)therapy for knee pain are as follows:

1. Pain Relief: PRP injections can help reduce pain associated with knee conditions like osteoarthritis. 
2. Improved Function: By reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair, PRP therapy can improve knee joint function and mobility. 
3. Potential for Slowing Disease Progression: PRP may slow down the progression of osteoarthritis and other knee conditions, potentially delaying the need for surgery. 
4. Reduced Inflammation: PRP helps to reduce inflammation in the knee joint, which can alleviate pain and improve function. 
5. Quick Recovery: Platelet-rich plasma promotes cartilage and soft tissue repair, which leads to faster recovery and return to activities.

What are the Risk Factors of PRP in Knee Pain?

An injection of PRP is a low-risk technique that often has no serious side effects. In order to avoid feeling dizzy during the blood collection procedure, you should make sure you are well-hydrated and have eaten before the procedure. 

Compared to other injectable drugs like corticosteroids, PRP injections have a far lower chance of an allergic reaction because they are composed of your own cells and plasma. The following are less frequent PRP injection risks:

• Bleeding
• Tissue damage
• Infection
• Nerve injuries

If you are considering PRP injections, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about all the benefits and risks.

What Happens During the PRP Therapy Procedure?

PRP therapy involves a three-step process, which is as follows:
 

• Step 1: First, a doctor draws a small amount of blood from your arm. 
• Step 2: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge to separate its components, resulting in a concentrated suspension of platelets in plasma. 
• Step 3: The doctor numbs your knee and injects the PRP into the joint space, often using ultrasound guidance for accuracy. 
• Step 4: After the procedure, you will need to rest briefly before going home.

It is advisable to arrange for someone to drive you, as you may experience some pain and stiffness following the injection.

PRP aims to decrease pain, reduce inflammation, and enhance joint function by utilizing the body's natural healing processes through concentrated platelets. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if the treatment is the best choice for your specific situation.

What Happens During Recovery after PRP Treatment?

Afterwards the PRP procedure, a healthcare professional may recommend you to:

• Ice your knee up to 20 minutes every 2-3 hours for the initial 2-3 days.
• Over the counter pain relievers to help manage discomfort.
• Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), since they may block the impact of PRP.
• take lots of rest and avoid activities that strains your knees or put weights on it.

You may require assistive device for initial days to keep the weight off your knee.

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