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Knee osteoarthritis or joint pain, is a prevalent condition that is experienced by millions of individuals in India. The disease leads to persistent pain, stiffness, and mobility problems. The pain is harder for the elderly as they grow older, and the symptoms are crippling. Medical management with pain relievers, physiotherapy, and surgery for severe cases has long been the standard management strategy. However, recently, minimally invasive but more effective therapies, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP injections for knee pain, are becoming more popular joint pain treatments in Bangalore.
This blog an experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Sarjapur Road Bengaluru, explains:
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What are PRP injections for knee pain?
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Why is the procedure gaining popularity in joint pain treatment?
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When could PRP therapy be the best option?
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How quickly does the treatment act?
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What happens post-treatment?
Synopsis
Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis
The knee joint has cartilage, which acts as a cushion between the bones. It helps the bones move smoothly and also acts like a lubricant. Knee osteoarthritis is caused by gradual degeneration of the cartilage around the knee joint due to physiologic wear and tear. Due to the worn-out cartilages, the joint bones begin to rub against each other during movement and cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. This kind of joint pain often develops over the years and is particularly prevalent in older adults, individuals with previous injuries, or those who are obese.
Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis are:
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Pain during or after motion
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Stiffness, particularly in the morning
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Joint swelling
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Grind or click
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Decreased bending or straightening of the knee
What is PRP, and Why is It Getting Noticed in Joint Care?
PRP refers to Platelet-Rich Plasma. The procedure involves the use of a concentrated platelet form that comes from your own blood in order to enhance healing. Blood is composed of various cells known as red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
Platelets are primarily responsible for blood clotting. But they also contain special proteins that promote tissue repair. This property of tissue repair is used for joint pain treatment. A concentrate of platelets is isolated from a small sample of your blood by spinning it in a centrifuge machine. This concentrated plasma is injected into the knee joint to decrease inflammation and aid healing in the osteoarthritis-affected tissues.
Why patients are opting for PRP treatment in Bangalore:
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Leverages the body's own healing process
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Not surgery or stitches, minimally invasive
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Eases pain and increases joint mobility
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Less chance of side effects as it's formulated from your own blood
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May be repeated as necessary, on the doctor's recommendation
How PRP Helps with Knee Osteoarthritis
In osteoarthritis, cartilage in the knee degenerates over time, resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness. PRP injections for knee pain do not replace the missing cartilage but rather treat it by de-escalating inflammation and aiding the natural healing process within the joint. The platelets are concentrated to release growth factor proteins that repair injured tissues and enhance the joint environment's health.
Most patients find that PRP reduces knee stiffness and improves mobility. While outcomes vary from patient to patient, it provides an opportunity to postpone surgery. It can restore quality of life, particularly in the early to moderate phases of osteoarthritis.
Benefits observed from PRP treatment include:
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Gradual improvements in knee discomfort
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Improved joint flexibility and movement range
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Improved walking, stair climbing, and activities of daily living (ADL).
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Lesser dependence on pain-reducing drugs and anti-inflammatories
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Enhances natural recovery processes without surgery.
Osteoarthritis Stages and PRP Response:
Early osteoarthritis stages I and II show marked improvements in functionality and pain after 6 months of PRP treatment. PRP may offer some relief in the later stages, though improvements tend to be lesser and require additional treatments such as physiotherapy.
How is the PRP procedure done?
PRP injections for knee pain are a quick outpatient procedure that typically takes under an hour. It's performed under the care of a qualified specialist and doesn't involve a hospital stay. The steps involved in the process are described in detail here
This is how the process goes, step by step:
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Blood collection: They take a small amount of blood from your arm, similar to a regular blood test.
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Centrifugation: The blood sample is loaded into a centrifuge. It is a device that centrifuges blood at high speed to separate its components. This action thickens the platelets in the plasma.
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Extraction of PRP: The platelet-rich part of the plasma is taken with care for injection.
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Knee injection: Under the guidance of ultrasound for precision, the PRP is injected into the damaged area of the knee joint.
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After procedure care: You can go home on the same day. There can be some mild swelling or soreness, which usually resolves in a day or two. Physicians generally recommend avoiding strenuous activity for a short time.
How Soon Will You Feel Better
The results of PRP injection for knee pain take time, as the procedure works by providing progressive support to the body's intrinsic healing process. Most individuals start noticing relief in knee pain and mobility between two and six weeks following the injection. In some individuals, the effects will continue to be enhanced over the period of three to six months.
Depending on how severe the osteoarthritis is, your physician will suggest more than one treatment and several weeks in between them. PRP works particularly well in the early to moderate stages, when there is still some remaining healthy cartilage to respond to the signals for healing.
What You Should Know Before Starting PRP
Although PRP injection for knee osteoarthritis is relatively safe, it is expected that patients will have questions before proceeding. Since the treatment is with your blood, there is almost no possibility of an allergic reaction. But, as with any injectable treatment, there are a couple of things to consider.
Side effects may include:
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Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site
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Transient stiffness in the joint
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There exists a remote possibility of infection if not carried out under sterile conditions
The success of PRP injections for knee pain may vary. It can be effective for some patients, but it does not provide the same kind of relief for others with extensive joint deterioration. There are ongoing clinical trials on PRP, and the results are encouraging; though, they're not for everyone. One should consult an experienced orthopaedic specialist before making a decision about PRP.
Conclusion
PRP injection is a promising joint pain treatment and non-pharmacologic solution for knee osteoarthritis management. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who wish to avoid surgery or minimise dependency on long-term medication. Through utilising your own healing powers, PRP can potentially decrease joint pain, increase mobility, and advance comfort in daily life over time.
If you are looking for knee pain treatment in Bangalore or developing early osteoarthritis, don't wait to act. Schedule an appointment at the orthopaedic department at Manipal Hospitals, Sarjapur Road, and find out if PRP therapy is what you need. Our experts are here to assist you with personalised care and the latest treatment options.
FAQ's
PRP injections will be slightly uncomfortable, just like any other joint injection. A few individuals have soreness or swelling in the knee for one or two days thereafter. The majority of patients describe the pain as minor and temporary, particularly in relation to the long-term benefit that PRP can offer.
This will vary depending on the condition of your knee and its associated osteoarthritis (OA). Some patients will notice results after a single session, while others might require two or even three sessions over a span of weeks. Your specialist will monitor your knee’s response and your overall needs and create an appropriate treatment plan.
Osteoarthritis (OA) can be managed and its progression delayed by PRP treatment, and there is certainly no cure with this treatment. PRP treatment can be of help in reducing inflammation and aiding healing, thereby delaying joint replacement and other aggressive procedures in most cases.
PRP is usually done in conjunction with other treatments such as physio or anti-inflammatories. It's not a replacement treatment, but it gives an added bonus in that it helps the joint heal from the inside out. Your clinician may recommend a combination of methods for optimal results.
PRP therapy is offered at Manipal Hospitals, Sarjapur Road, by experienced orthopaedic specialists. If you’re considering PRP for knee pain, schedule a consultation to find out if it’s right for your condition and lifestyle.
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