TREATMENT FOR KNEE PAIN

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection for Knee Pain

Red Blood Cells Flowing Through Circulatory System

Overview

PRP injections involve taking a small sample of blood, spinning it down in a centrifuge, and then injecting a part of the sample into the knee. While it typically won’t cure osteoarthritis, it has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and disability. Platelets contain growth factors which help to reduce inflammatory chemicals and stimulate cartilage growth.

Because the blood comes from you, there is no risk of allergic reactions. Sometimes there is pain at the injection site and, very rarely, there can be infection or nerve damage.

Source:

Platelet Rich Plasma Injection - Stanford Health Care stanfordhealthcare.org › petctscan-pdf-prpbeaulieuletter
Cook CS, Smith PA. Clinical Update: Why PRP Should Be Your First Choice for Injection Therapy in Treating Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2018;11(4):583-592.

RESCU Treatment Ratings

R = Risk E = Effectiveness S = Self-Care

C = Cost U = Usefulness (overall rating)

1 = Least Favorable 5 = Most Favorable

R E S C U

RISK: 4/5

Since the PRP comes from the patient’s own blood, there is no risk of disease transmission, and side effects appear rare, although pain and inflammation at the site of injection have been reported.

EFFECTIVENESS: 4/5

4_Hearts_Treatment_Rating

While the literature is still somewhat sparse, recent reviews suggest PRP is an effective treatment when compared to placebo and other types of injections.

Source:

Laudy ABM, Bakker EWP, Rekers M, et al.Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injections in osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2015;49:657-672.

USEFULNESS (overall rating): 4/5

4_Hearts_Treatment_Rating

PRP injections involve drawing some of your own blood (usually 1-2 tubes) which is then spun down to yield increased concentrations of platelets. Platelets are a crucial component of blood important in healing, and they contain growth enhancing factors thought to increase healing. The plasma is then injected into the area of damage at the lateral epicondyle.

PRP is being used on a wide variety of joint, tendon, and muscle conditions. There are various types of products, and more recent research suggests the type with leukocyte rich PRP appears to be more effective.

PRP appears in some studies to be more effective than cortisone. If more conservative measures have not helped, PRP injection is a reasonable alternative.

Find a Chiropractor Near You

Click here for more info.

Find a Doctor

Healthy Products for the Whole Family

Click here for more info.

LATEST TOP BLOGS

LATEST

What Causes Balance Problems in the Elderly?

We achieve balance with a mixture of sensory information from the central nervous system, mobility, and strength. When any of these are compromised, balance can be lost. Balance problems can occur in the elderly when there is dysfunction with the inner ear, nerves, heart, eyes, joints, muscles and bones, which must all act in unison. …

Hypertension

In order to understand hypertension or high blood pressure, it is important to know what blood pressure actually is. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls from within arteries. This pressure changes throughout the day as blood is transported from your heart to other body organs. It is measured with two…

Home Remedies for Headaches

What are home remedies for headaches? Home remedies for headaches involve herbs, and nutritional supplements along with practical actions that you can use such as sensible modification of diets, exercise and elimination of substances as in caffeine, alcoholic beverages and smoking. Home remedies have become increasingly popular since the public wants a more holistic approach…

TOP BLOGS

The Role of Massage in Healthcare and Medical Centers

The Role of Massage in Healthcare and Medical Centers By Brian Acton Massage can be much more than a way to de-stress or relax. While it certainly fulfills that function, massage therapy is increasingly viewed as a very beneficial complement to traditional healthcare. In fact, massage therapists now play a role in high-profile medical centers…

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease, What is it? What can cause it, what are the treatment options and what should I expect. Spinal Anatomy a quick review. The inter-vertebral disc is composed of cartilage tissue between two spinal vertebra. It serves as a cushion separating two bone. The outer strong fibers are called the annulus with a nucleus…

Pinched Nerve in Your Back

What is a Pinched nerve in your Back? A pinched nerve is one that has disruption of function by pressure applied to it from adjacent tissues like bones, muscles, cartilage and tendons. Although pinched nerves can occur anywhere along the back, the most common cause is due to a herniated disk in the lower spine…

FIND YOUR CONDITION

LEARN ABOUT