Knee Pain Doctor
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatments are injections used to help stimulate healing through a person’s own blood elements. A doctor draws the patient’s blood, runs it through a centrifuge where the platelets are separated from the rest of the sample.
As a knee pain doctor can explain, these platelets are known for having the capability of releasing healing proteins into the body. The platelets are injected into the injured site by a doctor, with assistance from an ultrasound machine for precision. The proteins released can assist in regeneration of the area, helping alleviate pain and discomfort. Patients may also notice a faster healing rate from PRP treatments.
Before booking an appointment with a doctor to receive platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections, a patient may want answers to questions like the following:
How many platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections may I need?
The number of injections a patient may require depends on the condition, severity of injury, and other factors. Your doctor can take into consideration your past and current health to determine how many injections may be most beneficial. In general, about 1-3 injects are needed to see and feel results.
What conditions can be treated with platelet rich plasma (PRP)?
PRP injections can aid numerous conditions of the lower legs, feet, shoulders, arms, knees and hip. As research continues, there may be other areas of the body that can improve with PRP treatments. Those with any of these conditions may have success when receiving platelet rich plasma injections:
- Lumbar spine disc pain
- Shoulder pain
- Tennis elbow
- Rotator cuff damage
- Hip and hamstring injury
- Ankle sprain
- Patellofemoral syndrome
- Patellar tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Can platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections be an alternative to surgery?
Yes, in some cases PRP injections can be a great option for treatment besides surgery. Patients who prefer a less invasive procedure may appeal to the idea of PRP injections instead. With platelet rich plasma treatments, the recovery period may be faster and overall be less painful than surgery. Anyone interested in trying this type of medical approach, may want to find a reputable doctor in their area who has many years of experience administering platelet solutions.
Is there any chance that PRP might be painful?
In general, patients can tolerate this injection without pain. What a patient may feel post injection is soreness in the area, when the platelet rich plasma triggers the body’s inflammatory response. Patients can anticipate some tenderness and swelling, but only for the first couple days after the injection is administered. Those who are sensitive to pain may be given a prescription medication to alleviate discomfort.
Are there patients who may not benefit from PRP treatments?
A doctor may suggest that patients who have been diagnosed with severe anemia, abnormal platelet function, a low platelet count, systemic infection or active cancer do not receive PRP injections. However, it may just be best to consult with a doctor who offers platelet plasma treatments for advice before making any assumptions.
