From the article “Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis and Prevention Guidelines by Medical Experts,” many individuals experiencing knee osteoarthritis and seeking treatment to alleviate pain and return to normal daily activities will find interest in a non-surgical treatment method known as Platelet Rich-Plasma therapy or PRP osteoarthritis. PRP is a modern technology that extracts concentrated plasma from the patient’s own blood and injects it back into the painful knee joint. This method aims to relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis, knee inflammation, sports injuries, and torn knee ligaments.
“Knee Osteoarthritis” – A Knee Condition that the Elderly Should Beware Of
Knee osteoarthritis is a condition commonly found in middle-aged and elderly individuals. Once affected, it requires careful management and treatment. If left untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to severe pain, joint deformities, and impaired mobility. This can significantly affect daily activities, causing both physical and mental suffering.
How to Know if You Have Knee Osteoarthritis
If you experience the following symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan:
- Knee pain during movement, such as walking up or down stairs, or when sitting with knees bent. The pain usually improves with rest.
- Feeling a grinding sensation or hearing a noise in the knee joint when moving after a period of inactivity.
- Weakness in the muscles around the knee, leading to easy fatigue.
- Sharp pain inside the knee joint.
- Severe knee pain that prevents you from fully straightening or bending the knee.
Doctors will diagnose knee osteoarthritis through a physical examination, taking a medical history, and using X-rays to assess the knee joint structure.
What is PRP Injection?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection involves drawing a patient’s blood and separating the plasma, which appears as a clear yellow fluid.
This plasma is highly concentrated with platelets, which are rich in substances that aid in blood clotting, vitamins, hormones, minerals, and crucial growth factors. These growth factors stimulate cell growth, enhance cell division, and improve self-repair mechanisms.
PRP osteoarthritis injections are used in various parts of the body to accelerate the healing process of injured tissues. One significant advantage is the low risk of allergic reactions since the platelets are derived from the patient’s own blood. The procedure is straightforward, does not require surgery, and leaves no scars.
PRP treatment for knee osteoarthritis releases growth factors and other molecules continuously, stimulating the repair and regeneration processes. The growth factors released include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which promotes the production of skin cells, collagen, and blood vessels; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which stimulates the formation of blood vessels to nourish the skin; and transforming growth factor (TGF), which triggers collagen production and new cell formation. Additionally, there are fibrin molecules that aid in moving stem cells to damaged tissues for healing and regeneration purposes.
How does PRP treat knee osteoarthritis?
PRP osteoarthritis treatment involves injecting PRP into the affected knee joint. The growth factors then stimulate the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues, reducing pain and inflammation. Additionally, PRP enhances knee mobility.
What Are the Benefits of PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis?
- PRP osteoarthritis uses the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or infections.
- It contains growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration and repair, speeding up the recovery process.
- PRP treatment for knee osteoarthritis helps reduce the need for anti-inflammatory or pain medications
Injecting PRP for knee osteoarthritis is suitable for
- Individuals in the early stages of knee osteoarthritis.
- Those who have suffered muscle and tendon injuries.
- People undergoing bone fracture treatment, as PRP injections can help accelerate bone healing.
Steps for Using PRP to Treat Knee Osteoarthritis
- Personnel will measure blood pressure, height, and weight.
- The physician will then take a detailed medical history. If PRP injection is deemed suitable, they will collect blood from the elbow crease area, approximately 8-10 cc.
- Once the blood is collected, it will be processed through a centrifuge machine to extract concentrated platelets, rich in growth factors.
- The physician will inject the PRP into the problematic area of the knee joint.
Preparing for PRP Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis
Before undergoing a PRP injection for knee osteoarthritis, you should:
- Ensure you get sufficient sleep.
- Drink plenty of clean water, around 2 liters.
- Eat normally; there is no need to fast.
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications and blood thinners for 2-3 days before the procedure.
- Refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages and high-fat foods for 2-3 days prior to the procedure.
Precautions and Limitations of PRP Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
- The use of PRP for osteoarthritis may cause pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, which will subside within a few days.
- The outcomes of PRP treatment may vary from person to person, depending on the individual’s physical condition and the severity of the injury. A doctor will assess the condition before treatment.
- If you have any chronic illnesses or are taking certain supplements, you should inform your doctor before undergoing treatment.
- PRP treatment may not be suitable for individuals with HIV or hepatitis B. It is essential to consult with a doctor before receiving treatment.
Possible Side Effects of PRP Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis
PRP injections may cause pain at the injection site or minor bruising, which typically resolves on its own within 2-3 days.
How Many PRP Injections Are Needed to See Results for Knee Osteoarthritis?
The number of PRP injections osteoarthritis required depends on the severity of the osteoarthritis and the individual’s response to treatment. Typically, around three injections are administered, with each injection spaced one week apart. Results usually become noticeable within 4-6 weeks, and the effects can last from 6 months to 1 year. If desired, the treatment can be repeated to maintain the results.
Research Indicates the Effectiveness of PRP in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis
- Study by Lorenzo Moretti et al. (2022): Involving 153 patients with knee osteoarthritis treated over a period of 2 years. Follow-up after 6 months showed that PRP helped reduce pain and made daily activities easier and more convenient.
- Study by Mattia Alessio-Mazzola et al. (2021): Conducted with 118 patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, diagnosed through X-rays and MRI. The study found that PRP improved the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
Possible Side Effects of PRP Injection for Knee Osteoarthritis
PRP osteoarthritis injections may cause pain at the injection site or minor bruising, which typically resolves on its own within 2-3 days.
How Many PRP Injections Are Needed to See Results for Knee Osteoarthritis?
The number of PRP injections required depends on the severity of the osteoarthritis and the individual’s response to treatment. Typically, around three injections are administered, with each injection spaced one week apart. Results usually become noticeable within 4-6 weeks, and the effects can last from 6 months to 1 year. If desired, the treatment can be repeated to maintain the results.
Research Indicates the Effectiveness of PRP in Treating Knee Osteoarthritis
- Study by Lorenzo Moretti et al. (2022): Involving 153 patients with knee osteoarthritis treated over a period of 2 years. Follow-up after 6 months showed that PRP helped reduce pain and made daily activities easier and more convenient.
- Study by Mattia Alessio-Mazzola et al. (2021): Conducted with 118 patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, diagnosed through X-rays and MRI. The study found that PRP improved the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.
FAQs About PRP Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
How should patients prepare for PRP treatment?
Answer: Avoid using NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin for at least 7-10 days before the treatment, as these medications can affect platelet function. However, always consult your doctor before stopping any medication.
Can PRP be used to treat other conditions besides knee osteoarthritis?
Answer: Yes, PRP can be used to treat other issues such as hair loss, sexual dysfunction, and other joint problems.
Does PRP treatment affect chronic conditions or other medications the patient is taking?
Answer: PRP treatment does not affect chronic conditions or other medications the patient may be taking.
How long does it take to see the results of PRP treatment?
Answer: Noticeable changes can typically be observed within 3-6 months.
How should patients care for themselves after receiving PRP treatment for knee osteoarthritis to ensure effective recovery?
Answer: After receiving PRP treatment for knee osteoarthritis, patients should follow their doctor’s instructions carefully to ensure an effective recovery. Here are some general self-care guidelines
Treating Knee Osteoarthritis with PRP Injections at Trin Wellness
If you are experiencing knee pain due to osteoarthritis, you can visit Trin Wellness for an assessment and PRP injections osteoarthritis to alleviate the pain. Our doctors are ready to provide close care and offer guidance on proper self-care after treatment to ensure the most effective and noticeable recovery for knee osteoarthritis