What Is PRP Therapy and How Does It Help Knee Pain?

 

What Is PRP Therapy and How Does It Help Knee Pain?



Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints that affects people of all ages. Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or an older adult, knee pain can impact your ability to move freely and comfortably. Knowing the causes and treatment options is the first step toward lasting relief.

Knee pain can make even the simplest tasks feel like a burden — from walking up stairs to getting out of a chair. While painkillers and surgery are common treatment paths, a growing number of patients and doctors are turning to PRP therapy as a less invasive and more natural way to manage chronic knee pain

Common Causes of Knee Pain:

  1. Injuries

    • Ligament tears (e.g., ACL, MCL)

    • Meniscus tears

    • Fractures or dislocations

    • Tendonitis or bursitis

  2. Degenerative Conditions

    • Osteoarthritis (wear and tear of cartilage)

    • Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammation)

  3. Mechanical Problems

    • Patellar tracking disorder

    • Iliotibial band syndrome

    • Misalignment of bones or joints

  4. Overuse

    • Repetitive strain (e.g., running, jumping)

    • Occupational stress on knees

    • Poor exercise form

Symptoms of Knee Pain:

  • Swelling or stiffness

  • Redness and warmth

  • Clicking or popping sound

  • Weakness or instability

  • Inability to fully straighten the knee

  • Pain during specific movements (climbing stairs, squatting, etc.)

What Is PRP Therapy?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment that uses a patient’s own blood to promote healing. Blood is made up of various components — red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets. Platelets contain powerful growth factors that help tissues repair and regenerate.

In PRP therapy, a small amount of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. This platelet-rich plasma is then injected directly into the affected area — like the knee joint — to accelerate natural healing.

 How PRP Helps With Knee Pain:

PRP is particularly helpful in treating chronic knee pain caused by conditions like:

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Tendonitis

  • Ligament injuries

  • Cartilage degeneration

 Here's how it works:

  • Reduces Inflammation: PRP decreases the inflammation in the knee joint, reducing stiffness and discomfort.

  • Promotes Healing: The growth factors stimulate the body’s natural healing process.

  • Delays or Avoids Surgery: For some, PRP can delay or even eliminate the need for joint replacement surgery.

  • Improves Mobility: Many patients report better range of motion and functionality after treatment.

What to Expect During PRP Treatment:

  • Step 1: Your blood is drawn (similar to a lab test).

  • Step 2: It’s placed in a centrifuge to separate platelets.

  • Step 3: The PRP is injected into the knee under ultrasound guidance.

The procedure is quick (usually under an hour) and minimally invasive, with little to no downtime.

 Benefits of PRP Therapy for Knee Pain:

  • Non-surgical

  • Uses your body’s own healing properties

  • Minimal risk of allergic reactions

  • Can be repeated if necessary

  • May help avoid or delay knee replacement

Is PRP Right for You?

PRP therapy is especially useful for:

  • Early-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis

  • People looking to avoid surgery

  • Athletes or active individuals with chronic joint pain

However, it may not be suitable for those with advanced arthritis or severe structural joint damage. Always consult with an orthopedic specialist before starting PRP.

Contact us with any Orthopedic problems


Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon 

Pls Call: 70366 01444

Address: Juvvalapalem Rd, Next to Axis Bank Chinnamirum, Tammi Raju Nagar,
 Bhimavaram


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Common Sports Injuries and How to Treat Them

Image
  Common Sports Injuries and How to Treat Them Staying active is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it also increases the risk of injury, particularly in athletes. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, sports injuries can happen to anyone. Let’s explore some of the most common sports injuries and the effective treatment methods that sports medicine professionals recommend. 1. Sprains and Strains Sprains occur when ligaments (the tissues connecting bones) are stretched or torn. Strains involve the stretching or tearing of muscles or tendons. These are extremely common in sports involving sudden twists or awkward movements like basketball, football, or gymnastics. Treatment: R.I.C.E. Method : Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation are the first line of treatment to reduce pain and swelling. Physical Therapy : Once the swelling reduces, physical therapy helps restore strength and flexibility. Bracing or Support : For more severe sprains o...
Read more

SPORTS INJURIES

Image
  SPORTS INJURIES Sports injuries are common across various physical activities and can range from minor to severe. They occur due to factors such as overuse, improper technique, insufficient warm-up, or direct trauma. Here's an overview of common sports injuries, their causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies: Types of Sports Injuries Sprains : Injury to ligaments (connect bone to bone). Common in ankles, knees, and wrists. Strains : Damage to muscles or tendons (connect muscle to bone). Often occurs in the back, hamstring, and shoulders. Fractures : Breaks or cracks in bones, usually from a direct blow or severe twisting force. Common in contact sports like football. Dislocations : When bones in a joint are forced out of alignment, often occurring in shoulders, knees, or fingers. Concussions : Brain injuries caused by a blow to the head, common in contact sports like football, soccer, or hockey. Tendinitis : Inflammation of tendons due to overuse, affecting areas like the elbo...
Read more

Hand and Wrist Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

Image
  Hand and Wrist Surgery Everything You Need to Know Your hands and wrists are essential to everyday life—from typing and writing to lifting, gripping, and holding. When pain, injury, or disease affects them, even simple tasks become difficult. That’s where hand and wrist surgery can help. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know: common conditions, treatments, surgery options, recovery, and more. Whether you're considering hand surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, fractures, or tendon injuries, understanding the procedure and its benefits is the first step toward a pain-free future. What Is Hand and Wrist Surgery? Hand and wrist surgery is a specialized field of orthopedic and plastic surgery focusing on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of conditions affecting the hand, wrist, and forearm. Surgeons in this field often have extensive training in microsurgery, nerve repair, and complex bone reconstructions. Common reason...
Read more