PRP Injection for Knee Pain: Benefits, Procedure, and Recovery

International Clinics
426
28 December 2024

Table of content

What is platelet-rich plasma for knee injuries?
PRP Injections for Knee Pain How They Work
PRP injection procedure for knees
PRP injection recovery time for knee treatment
Comparing between different Injection therapy for joints
Benefits of PRP injections for knees
Patient testimonials PRP injection for knee
PRP injection side effects on knee
PRP injection for knee treatment Summary

Sometimes, knee pain can be unbearable despite following numerous medical guidelines, but with advancements in medical technologies of orthopedic treatments, recent scientific research has indicated a promising positive effect of platelet-rich plasma injections for the knee.

In this article, we explain platelet-rich plasma therapy, its mechanism of action, and whether there are any side effects of PRP injections for knees. Stay tuned for more.

What is platelet-rich plasma for knee injuries?

PRP therapy is considered one of the natural healing therapies. It is made from a patient's blood, in which the plasma is concentrated to hold more than a normal number of platelets. These platelets have growth factors and healing properties that accelerate tissue repair. PRP is widely used for medical and cosmetic purposes, such as hair restoration, skin rejuvenation (like PRP filler under eye therapy), and pain relief, such as knee osteoarthritis PRP.

PRP Injections for Knee Pain: How They Work

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), PRP injections into the knee with pain involve injecting concentrated plasma at the point of injury or painful site. The platelets release growth factors, which stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation. In the case of osteoarthritis or damaged cartilage, injections of PRP stimulate a healing effect, reduce pain, and increase mobility with time.

PRP injection procedure for knees

Knee injections with platelet-rich plasma are performed in three stages:

The treating doctor draws a small blood sample from the patient.
The sample is placed in a centrifuge, separating the blood components to obtain platelet-rich plasma.
The affected person undergoes knee anesthesia, and the doctor injects plasma into the knee joint space. The doctor may use ultrasound waves to guide the injections.

PRP injection recovery time for knee treatment

After the PRP therapy for knee pain, the physician may advise you to:

Apply ice to the knee for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first 3 days.
Take all over-the-counter pain medications for comfort.
Rest as much as possible and avoid weight-bearing activities.
You may have to use crutches or some other device to help you get around for several days until you can bear weight on your knee.
Follow your physician's instructions regarding follow-up after surgery.

Note that you should avoid the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) since these may interfere with the effect of PRP.

Related article: Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics

Comparing between different Injection therapy for joints

There is a comparison between PRP vs. hyaluronic acid for knee and steroid injections for knee pain:

PRP-Platelet-Rich Plasma: It is a treatment involving the stimulation of the repair of tissues with the patient's blood. Because it tackles the cause of pain, it encourages long-term healing; as a result, this modality is beneficial in degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis.
Hyaluronic acid injections lubricate the knee joint, offering temporary pain relief and improvement in mobility. However, they do nothing to stimulate tissue repair.
Steroid injections will reduce inflammation and give quick pain relief. However, the relief is temporary, and when done repeatedly, the steroids weaken the tissues after some time.

PRP tends to provide longer-term healing, while the rest afford shorter-term relief, which is why the medical benefits of PRP are multiple.

Benefits of PRP injections for knees

Some studies confirm that PRP is quite effective in treating knee osteoarthritis. Examples include:

A study in 2022 conducted among 153 participants showed that PRP was effective in reducing symptoms of knee pain and stiffness and improving mobility and function at a follow-up of 6 months.
A study in 2021 conducted involving 118 participants demonstrated that PRP improved symptoms at an average follow-up of 51.7 months.
One 2020 review indicated that PRP during follow-up at 3-, 6-, and 12 months was more effective than steroids, hyaluronic acid, and placebos.
Another 2017 review found that PRP during the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups reduced pain and improved physical function compared to placebos.

However, other studies have revealed conflicting results related to PRP use for knee osteoarthritis treatment. One 2019 review, for example, says that though some research supports the use of PRP for knee osteoarthritis symptoms, others indicate that the treatment does not help at all.

Despite this contradiction, there is a noticeable impact in a large number of studies regarding the positive effect of PRP therapy for knee pain, and among them:

Reduced pain and improved physical function.
It speeds up the healing process and wound recovery.
Extended validity, unlike other temporary methods.

Patient testimonials PRP injection for knee

Most patients with knee pain are significantly better after PRP therapy. Some testify to less inflammation and quicker recovery rates compared to other methods, including steroid or hyaluronic acid treatment.

Most are happy to find PRP as a non-surgical alternative and also take pleasure in its all-natural healing features with minimal possible side effects. In general, most of the testimonies are those of positive results and comfort in daily living after the PRP injections were performed on the knee.

PRP injection side effects on knee

The AAOS reports that The few negative side effects compared to PRP injections vs. knee surgery for arthritis, That said, injecting anything into the knee joint may carry some risks, including:

local infection
pain at the site of injection
nerve damage, most likely at the site of injection

And other rare side effects such as:

stiffness
tachycardia
syncope
dizziness
nausea and stomach upset
sweating
Headache

Keep in mind that PRP is a costly treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Mostly, one needs to undergo several injections over certain periods.

However, there is no need to worry. With our Internationalclinics, we offer you the lowest price for PRP knee osteoarthritis injections with the most skilled specialists in the world. Don't hesitate to contact us and learn about the PRP knee injection cost that is available to us.

PRP injection for knee treatment Summary

PRP injection for knee treatment is promising because it uses the body's healing process. Patients have reported increased mobility, reduced pain, and recovery time compared to previous methods, which included steroids or hyaluronic acid injections. While results may differ, PRP therapy is a regenerative and minimally invasive alternative, thus making it attractive for people seeking relief from discomfort within their knees. Always consult a medical doctor to determine the best treatment for your condition.