Osteoarthritis, Knee Pain, and PRP Injections

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and the knee is one of the most commonly affected joints. It’s so common, in fact, that roughly 46 percent of people are likely to develop the condition at some point in their lives. Most people show signs of osteoarthritis of the knee after the age of 40. There are other factors that can cause it to happen sooner.

Osteoarthritis is a painful and bothersome condition, and unfortunately, it can’t be cured. In some severe cases, knee replacement surgery is an option. Another way to get relief from osteoarthritis knee pain that is gaining popularity is a form of a regenerative medicine called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections.

Signs of Osteoarthritis in the Knee

Osteoarthritis in the knee is a condition that occurs when the cartilage in the knee’s joint is damaged or wears out. Your knee’s cartilage is a rubbery, tough tissue on the ends of your bones that allows the joint to move and bend. It also absorbs the shocks from any pressure your knees exert.

That cartilage can get damaged or wear out over time. This can happen if you suffer from injuries, put frequent stress on your knees, are overweight, or have a genetic predisposition to arthritis.

The most common osteoarthritis of the knee symptom is pain. You may feel pain and discomfort when moving your knees or when you are completely still. Other symptoms include:

• Your knees feel stiff, particularly after prolonged sitting.
• You hear grinding or cracking noises when moving your knees.
• Your knees feel like they might lock up or give out.
• Your knees appear puffy or swollen.

What is PRP Therapy?
Cortisone injections and medication can have a limited effect on osteoarthritis, and surgery should almost always be considered a last resort. But a form of regenerative medicine called PRP injections is another promising and well-studied option for osteoarthritis in the knees.

The procedure is minimally invasive. Your doctor will draw a small amount of your blood and treat it in a centrifuge to create the PRP. The doctor will then inject the PRP into your knee’s joint space where it can work as an anti-inflammatory and to support overall joint health.

How PRP Injections Can Help Knee Pain

The platelets in your blood contain growth factors that can help tissue in an injured area, like your knee, repair itself by helping to form new cells, reducing inflammation, increasing blood supply, and other beneficial effects. By improving the overall joint health, PRP can minimize knee pain and improve knee function.

PRP has been studied extensively with over 30 randomized controlled trials showing it is effective for knee arthritis treatment. A 2017 review examined 14 randomized controlled trials with over 1,400 participants. At 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups, patients with PRP injections noted significantly reduced pain scores and improved physical function.

Where to get PRP injections for knee pain

Texas Orthobiologics is one of the premier centers for regenerative medicine in the country. The founder, Dr. Don Buford, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine authority. If you are suffering from chronic knee pain, your next step should be to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Buford. You can learn more about PRP injections and find out if you are a candidate for this cutting-edge therapy.