If you have knee pain, you know how hard it can be to do simple things like walking or climbing stairs. Many people suffer from knee pain due to injuries or conditions like arthritis. This article will tell you about PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, a treatment that could help reduce pain and improve quality of life.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy uses your own blood to help heal your knee. Blood is made up of different parts, including platelets. Platelets are important because they help your body heal wounds.
In PRP therapy, a doctor takes some of your blood, spins it in a machine to concentrate the platelets, and injects this platelet-rich plasma back into your knee.
How PRP Helps Your Knee
The concentrated platelets in PRP release growth factors, natural substances that help your body heal.
These growth factors can:
- Reduce Inflammation: Inflammation causes pain and swelling. The growth factors can help decrease this inflammation.
- Promote Tissue Repair: The growth factors help repair damaged tissues in your knee, like cartilage and tendons.
- Stimulate Healing: By boosting the body’s natural healing process, PRP can help your knee get better faster.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
PRP therapy can help reduce knee pain and improve knee function. Many people find that their pain decreases, and they can do more activities after PRP treatment.
Conditions That PRP Can Help
PRP therapy can be helpful for people with different kinds of knee problems. It works best if your knee pain is mild to moderate.
Here are some conditions that may benefit from PRP therapy:
1. Arthritis
Arthritis happens when the cartilage in your knee wears down, causing pain and stiffness. To manage the condition better, consider promptly getting arthritis treatment near you.
2. Tendon Injuries
Tendons connect muscles to bones, and injuries like tendonitis can cause knee pain.
3. Ligament Sprains
Ligaments connect bones to other bones. A sprain happens when these ligaments stretch or tear.
4. Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in your knee that acts as a cushion. Tears can happen from injuries or aging.
When Your Doctor May Recommend PRP
Your doctor will consider several factors before recommending PRP therapy for your knee pain. Here are some situations when they might suggest PRP treatment:
Other Treatments Have Not Worked
Have you tried other treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or cortisone shots, and they have not helped? If so, your doctor might suggest PRP.
You Have Mild to Moderate Knee Pain
PRP is most effective for knee pain that is not too severe–if you have mild to moderate knee pain.
You Want to Avoid Surgery
If you want to avoid surgery, PRP could be a less invasive option that helps reduce pain and improve knee function.
You Are Active
Are you an athlete or someone who enjoys being active? PRP might help you get back to your activities faster.
How Your Doctor Decides
Your doctor will perform a detailed evaluation to determine if PRP suits you. This may include:
- Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your knee pain and any previous treatments you have tried.
- Physical Exam: They will check your knee for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays or MRI scans might be used to get a better look at the inside of your knee.
Considering all these factors, your doctor can decide if PRP therapy is a good choice for your knee pain. They will then work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your specific needs.
What to Expect During Treatment
The PRP injection process is quick and usually takes about an hour. Here is what happens:
- The doctor takes a small amount of blood from your arm.
- They will place the blood in a machine that breaks up the platelets from the other parts of the blood.
- The concentrated platelets are injected into your knee.
You might feel discomfort during the injection, but most people can return to normal activities soon after.
Side Effects and Risks
PRP therapy is generally safe because it uses your own blood. However, like all treatments, there are some risks. These can include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Infection
- Swelling or bruising
Your doctor will discuss these risks with you and help recommend if PRP therapy in Plantation is right for you.
Top-Notch Knee Doctor Near Me in Plantation, FL
If you are looking for a top-notch knee doctor near you, look no further than the board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Baylis and Brown Orthopedics. We treat common orthopedic conditions and injuries, including sports injuries and knee pain-related injuries. Our compassionate and highly specialized healthcare providers offer comprehensive orthopedic care for our patients – from accurate diagnosis and expert treatment to proper recovery.
For more information about our orthopedic services to schedule a consultation, call us today at (954) 476-8800 or use our appointment request form.
Let us help you find the knee pain relief you deserve. We look forward to serving you!
