PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis


Pain Management
PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition of the knees, wherein the cushion that protects the joints and cartilage wears down. Once this develops, the bones that hold the knees together rub against each other, thus resulting in pain, swelling, and stiffness of the knees. 

Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis is the most common type of joint disorder. In the U.S. 10% of men and 13% of women above 60 years old have this condition, according to a study on Clinics in Geriatric Medicine. 

Cause and Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

The cause of knee osteoarthritis is largely attributed to age as the cartilage weakens when a person grows older. But, this condition may also be hereditary and it may be the result of another illness, such as rheumatoid arthritis, or a metabolic disorder like diabetes. 

Knee osteoarthritis may also develop because of the person’s activities. Heavy lifting, constant kneeling, squatting or  rigorous athletic training can lead to repetitive stress injuries in the knee joint.

The symptoms of this condition may include the following:

  • Pain in the knees that escalates when the person is active, but subsides with rest
  • Swelling of the knees
  • Stiffness of the knees in the morning or after sitting for a long time
  • Popping and cracking sound when moving
  • Decreased mobility

There are various treatment plans for knee osteoarthritis and they must be aimed at pain relief and the return of the knee’s range of motion. One of the latest treatment options for knee osteoarthritis is stem cell therapy South Florida, where adult stem cells extracted from the bone marrow are injected into the knee to facilitate healing. Another emerging treatment option is called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which is available at Genlife PRP therapy in Miami.

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What entails a Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been used in surgeries in the late ’80s to spur regeneration, but it was not until the last decade had experts have proven that it may be an effective osteoarthritis treatment. 

This procedure makes use of two elements:

  • Plasma – the blood’s liquid composition, which is composed of protein and water, that allows cells and platelets to circulate in the body. 
  • Platelets, or thrombocytes – the red blood cells that form blood clots required for natural healing.

These elements are then injected into the knees to trigger the healing of the weakened and injured ligaments, tendons, muscles and joints. PRP releases growth stimulators that help the patient’s body double up its reparative cells. 

Usually, PRP injections require three treatments spaced at least one week apart. Doctors may recommend icing the knees after the injections, as well as limiting exercises and physical activities until the treatment is completed. 

Advantages of PRP Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis

According to the journal Pilot and Feasibility Studies, PRP therapy for knee osteoarthritis has been shown to deliver symptomatic relief in patients even 12 months after the therapy. Within four months of the treatment, 33.3% of the patients in this small-scale study were satisfied with the results, while 45.5% said that PRP injections helped achieve the goals of pain relief. 

Another study in The American Journal of Sports Medicine showed a reduction of pain and stiffness, as well as improved knee function, among 78 patients with knee osteoarthritis. After the six-month mark, some patients felt the decline of the effects of treatment, however, it was still more bearable than if they didn’t have PRP injections.

Following the treatment, patients have reported a significant decrease in pain as well as improved function on their knees. They also take fewer anti-inflammatory medications and pain relievers because they hardly notice their knee problems anymore. 

There are also little known side effects to PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis apart from some sensitivity to the knee area due to the injection. Since it is the patient’s own plasma and platelets being used, it’s highly unlikely that the body would react negatively to the treatment.

More information about PRP therapy in Miami

We invite you to find out more about PRP in Miami! To receive detailed information about PRP injections, contact our clinic directly at our toll free numbers: (844) 859-7788 or (305) 332-7234.

GenLife Regenerative Medicine is a leading provider of regenerative medicine, including PRP, Prolotherapy in Miami, stem cell therapy in South Florida and Hormone Replacement Therapy in Miami. Our state-of-the-art facility will host you with warmth, comfort, a welcoming atmosphere and very friendly personnel!

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The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.