Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Knee Treatment
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an advanced and refined form of regenerative medicine. PRP therapy has gained popularity in recent years since it has been promoted as a natural alternative to surgery, especially after many famous athletes complimented the treatment for its faster healing process. The platelet-rich plasma treatment may be beneficial to patients affected by chronic Knee Pain.
Although most studies on PRP have focused on anecdotal evidence, new research is gaining traction. For instance, a research study published in 2014’s American Journal of Sports says that PRP injections effectively relieved chronic patellar tendinopathy symptoms. Another study in 2017 revealed that PRP injections are more effective in treating knee pain due to osteoarthritis compared to other treatment options like corticosteroid injections. This new information encourages patients to substitute PRP therapy for traditional treatment options when they are overused or no longer work.
What are PRP injections?
It is predicted that PRP injections will be the future for many medical conditions. Doctors use the components derived from your own blood to stimulate the process of healing from deep within. First, a small portion of the blood is withdrawn; then, the blood is centrifuged with advanced technologies to extract the platelets. (Platelets contain growth factors that can speed up the healing process). The growth factors will stimulate the cells to repair and heal themselves. Then the solution is directly injected near the injured area with the help of ultrasound to guide. Usually, 1-3 injections might be necessary to gain effective results.
What conditions can be treated with PRP?
PRP treatment can be used as an alternative treatment option for many conditions from head to toe, especially joint problems related to the knee, hip, shoulders, etc. PRP is often used to treat the following conditions:
- Muscle strains and tears
- Chronic tendinopathies
- Knee joint pain
- Hip joint pain
- Knee arthritis
- Elbow problems
- Achilles tendon
- Patellar tendon
- Rotator cuff problems
- Ligament injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Spine issues problems like arthritis and disc problems
Does PRP hurt?
A majority of patients tolerate the procedure well, and they report that it is not too painful. Soreness is common after injections due to the inflammatory response. People may experience soreness and swelling around 48 hours after taking the injection. You may also be suggested to take pain medication to get relief from pain or any discomfort. For pain relief, you may also try using heat packs or hot compresses.
How many PRP injections are needed for the knee?
In most cases of PRP knee treatment, three PRP injections are given with a gap of two weeks for every injection to reap the best outcomes. PRP can successfully reduce knee pain and improves function in individuals with early stages of knee osteoarthritis by lowering inflammation and stimulating cartilage regeneration.
How long does the procedure take?
The whole procedure might take around 2 hours, which includes recovery time. After that, you can go home. It is one of the best alternatives to avoid surgery, as it takes a long recovery and hospital stay. Dr. Ajay Kumar Tiwari, one of the best knee surgeons in Hyderabad, uses state-of-the-art technology to perform the surgery.
How quickly will PRP work?
Between 2-6 weeks, you will start to observe improvement. With every passing week, you’ll notice the pain becomes reduced. Within 6-9 months of treatment, many patients experienced significant improvement.
Are the injections safe?
In short, yes. Most doctors believe that it is a safe procedure since no foreign substances are mixed in the PRP solution injected into the body. Bleeding, bruising, infection, and soreness are the only complications associated with the procedure due to needle insertion. Because it’s so new, PRP causes a great deal of concern among people. However, the safety and efficacy of these procedures have been demonstrated in numerous publications in national and international journals.
Will PRP work long-term?
The answer to that question varies from person to person, so we cannot answer it here. How well and how long the treatment works for an individual mostly depends on the underlying disease process and overall health. Sometimes patients find it effective during the first course of treatment. In contrast, others return for further treatment after a few months or years. Whether or not you’ll need further treatment over time is also hard to predict.
Can you walk after PRP in your knee?
In most cases, knee PRP injections do not require a specific rest period. There is no need for bracing or crutches. After the injection, you can walk and are also allowed to do your regular activities.
To know more details about PRP injections for knee problems, consult Dr. Ajay Tiwari, a knee specialist in Hyderabad. He has a handful of experience in administering PRP for various knee conditions. To know more details about this treatment, consult the doctor. Call +91 98499 82203 to book your appointment right away.
