PRP Injections for Knee Arthritis or Tendon Pathology
What Are PRP Injections?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a regenerative treatment used to help reduce pain and support healing in injured or degenerative tissues. PRP is created using a small sample of the patient’s own blood. The blood is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets, which contain growth factors that may help stimulate tissue repair.
In orthopedic care, PRP injections are commonly used to treat conditions such as knee osteoarthritis and tendon injuries. When injected into the affected joint or tendon, the concentrated platelets release biologically active proteins that may promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve function. PRP therapy is considered a minimally invasive option that may help patients delay or avoid surgery in certain cases.
When Are PRP Injections Recommended?
PRP injections may be recommended when conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief. PRP therapy may be an option for conditions such as:
- Knee osteoarthritis causing persistent joint pain or stiffness
- Chronic tendon injuries, including patellar tendonitis or quadriceps tendonitis
- Tendon degeneration related to overuse or sports injuries
- Partial tendon tears
- Persistent inflammation that has not improved with physical therapy or medication
PRP is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include physical therapy and activity modification.
What Does Preparation for PRP Injections Involve?
Preparation for PRP treatment is typically simple. Your medical history and medications prior to the procedure would be reviewed. In some cases, patients may be advised to avoid anti-inflammatory medications for several days before treatment, as these drugs can interfere with the body’s natural healing response.
On the day of the procedure, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient’s arm. This blood sample is then placed into a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich plasma that will be used for the injection.
How Are PRP Injections Performed?
Once the PRP solution is prepared, the treatment area is cleaned and sterilized. The platelet-rich plasma is carefully injected into the affected knee joint or tendon.
The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and is performed in an outpatient setting.
What to Expect During Recovery After PRP Injections
Most patients can return home shortly after the procedure. Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site may occur for a few days. Limiting strenuous activity for a short period is recommended while the healing process begins.
Improvement in pain and function may develop gradually over several weeks as the body responds to the growth factors within the PRP.
What Are the Risks and Complications of PRP Injections?
PRP therapy is generally considered safe because it uses the patient’s own blood. However, as with any medical procedure, certain risks may occur, including:
- Temporary pain or swelling at the injection site
- Mild inflammation following the procedure
- Infection (rare)
- Bleeding or bruising
- Incomplete symptom relief
Dr. Steele will discuss these potential risks before treatment.
What Are the Benefits of PRP Injections?
PRP injections offer several potential advantages for patients with knee arthritis or tendon injuries, including:
- Minimally invasive treatment option
- Uses the patient’s own natural healing factors
- May reduce pain and inflammation
- Can improve joint function and mobility
- May help delay or avoid surgery in some patients
PRP therapy may provide a promising regenerative option for individuals seeking non-surgical treatment for chronic knee pain or tendon pathology.
