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Discover the Benefits of PRP Injections for Knee Arthritis

Using Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for knee arthritis is a relatively new treatment option that utilizes your own blood to help relieve knee pain and promote long-lasting healing. Discover the many benefits of PRP treatments and how an orthopedic knee specialist can help you alleviate knee pain with this nonsurgical procedure.

What Is Arthritis?

Simply put, arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints in the body. While any joint can be affected by this condition, knees are one of the most commonly afflicted areas. Arthritis in the knees can make it difficult to perform normal activities like:

  • Climbing stairs
  • Standing
  • Walking
  • Kneeling or bending

Symptoms of arthritis typically develop over time; however, they may also appear suddenly. Patients often experience pain, inflammation, and decreased range of motion—redness of the skin around the joint may be another indication. Many arthritis sufferers also notice their symptoms are worse in the morning and improve throughout the day.

What Are the Treatment Options for Knee Arthritis?

Initial treatments for arthritis in the knees are typically nonsurgical. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications to help ease symptoms. If these treatments fail to relieve your pain, knee surgery may be the next step. Common surgical procedures for knee arthritis include arthroscopy and synovectomy—this involves surgically removing the membrane that lines the joint.

However, surgery isn’t the sole next step in your healing process. An alternative treatment option that has become increasingly popular among orthopedic knee specialists and patients is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections.

What Is a PRP Treatment?

Platelet-Rich Plasma is a type of Prolotherapy that promotes the self-healing properties of the body to help it repair damaged ligaments. Prolotherapy, or proliferation therapy, is an injection-based procedure used in chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as knee arthritis. During this treatment, a small quantity of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge. The plasma, which contains concentrated growth factors, is then extracted and injected into the afflicted joint.

After the procedure, your doctor will recommend that you ice the area every two to three hours for 20 minutes each. You’ll also want to limit your physical activity and avoid motions that put significant weight on the joint. For optimal results, your orthopedic knee specialist may recommend a series of PRP injections spaced a few weeks or months apart.

What Are the Benefits of PRP?

Since PRP utilizes your own natural elements, it is considered to be a very safe process—the treatment method has long been used in hospitals and sports medicine since the 70s. The injections are particularly useful in managing pain associated with knee arthritis, which reduces the need for anti-inflammatories or stronger medications like opioids. Additionally, PRP injections can treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions like:

The results of PRP injections are typically long term, with many patients reporting satisfactory results lasting for more than one year after just one or two treatment sessions.

It’s time to discover how PRP injections for knee arthritis can benefit you. Our “Centers of Excellence” offer top-level treatment to help you regain your mobility and provide relief for your joints. Make an appointment today with one of our NY Orthopedics locations in New York City to start your healing journey.

 

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