Knee pain is one of the most common problems seen in both men and women as they get older. If the knee pain becomes chronic and causes stiffness, then you need to consider visiting a doctor. There are several treatment options available to reduce your signs and restore your normal activities.
PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma) is a cutting-edge treatment for managing pain caused by knee problems. The recovery time is faster with PRP than with other surgical procedures.
What is PRP and How Does it Work?
Platelet-rich plasma contains higher concentrations of platelets. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood and it helps with the proper functioning of the cells. If the plasma is injected, it can help the healing of tissues by creating new cells.
During PRP treatment for the knee, the platelet-rich plasma is separated from blood and is injected into the affected knee joint. Once injection takes place, the growth factors, tiny proteins in the PRP lead to the natural healing process and the tissues restore themselves. The PRP for knee pain also leads to the development of new cartilage to replace the damaged cartilage. Hence, it is called regenerative medicine.
PRP can be used to relieve joint and muscle pain, and other conditions such as osteoarthritis. It can be effective and used for patients who wish to undergo less invasive procedures. The procedure does not cause any risks as the plasma is collected from your own blood.
How is PRP Procedure Performed?
PRP treatment is a cost-effective treatment for knee pain and it causes minimal risks. Before performing this treatment, the doctor collects blood from your arm. Now, the blood sample will be placed in a centrifuge device to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the blood.
The doctor will numb the affected knee joint and then the PRP is injected into the joint. For injecting PRP, the doctor may make use of an ultrasound. Once injected, you need to rest for some time, and then you can go back home. You might have mild pain and stiffness at the injected sight.
How Effective is PRP Treatment?
Many patients who had PRP for knee pain have experienced the following results:
- Pain levels: Patients experience a reduction in their pain levels within 3 months of the PRP procedure.
- Physical function: With regular follow-ups, patients also notice a significant improvement in their physical function.
If you wish to undergo knee pain to relieve your signs, check with your doctor if it is safe for you. Also, ensure to choose an experienced and well-qualified doctor to perform the PRP therapy.
Recovery After PRP Therapy
You can recover within 7 days after PRP therapy. For the initial 3 days, you need to use an ice pack for every 3 hours to prevent swelling. You need to take rest and you should not put more weight on the knee for a few days.
The swelling gradually reduces after a few weeks and you can get back to normal activities after a few months.
Want to Know If You Can Have PRP to Relieve Your Knee Pain? Schedule an Appointment with Dr Pradyumna Reddy Today
If you are suffering from chronic knee pain that is affecting your quality of life, then you should consider visiting a doctor. Dr Pradyumna Reddy has helped several patients suffering from knee pain and other joint-related problems. PRP is one of the effective treatments for knee pain and Dr Pradyumna Reddy is experienced in performing PRP therapy. He can also offer other treatment options based on your individual needs. To know if PRP is right for you, talk to Dr Pradyumna Reddy today.