If you’re looking for relief from knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, you may be interested in the latest research on PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections.
According to a recent article by Farah Tejpar, MD of Cleveland Clinic, PRP injections have shown promising results in managing pain and postponing surgical intervention in cases of mild to moderate OA knee pain.
What Are PRP Injections?
To create the platelet-rich plasma needed for PRP injection treatments, we draw some of the patients blood and use a centrifuge to separate the platelets. These platelets are then injected into the injury site to promote quicker healing and recovery time. The use of ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections allows for a minimally invasive treatment.
Why should I consider it?
Numerous studies have shown that PRP injections have greater efficacy than hyaluronic acid injections.
The main benefit of PRP injections is that it postpones the need for surgical intervention to correct the damage caused by OA. It is a cost-effective and procedure with minimal complications. Patients can generally bear weight on the affected knee immediately following the procedure, and return to a normal activity level, making it ideal for athletes who don’t want to take time away from the game.
How do I know if PRP injections are right for me?
You may be an especially good candidate for this treatment if you are young and active and only suffer from mild to moderate OA-related knee pain. PRP can be an excellent early intervention for OA that will keep you active for longer. As with any treatment, you should consult with your doctor and discuss all of the options before deciding which one is the best for your case.
For more information about PRP therapy, you can contact the offices of Dr. Russonella and the North Jersey Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute at 855-777-8362, or by emailinginfo@orthopedicnewjersey.com.
Dr. Michael Russonella is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and specializes in Sports Medicine. He completed his Sports Medicine Fellowship at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. Russonella utilizes the latest in both non-surgical and surgical treatments to treat athletes of all ages and is an expert in the utilization of arthroscopic surgical techniques.
