PRP Injections For Your Knee

What are PRP Knee Injections?

Knee pain can be a big setback in our ability to do daily activities. Instant relief is something we all want, but it is hard to find. It is, however, possible with the help of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in your knee.

PRP, also known as autologous conditioned plasma, is a type of regenerative medicine. It involves taking a small amount of your blood through a normal blood draw. The blood is then processed to concentrate the platelets, or the clotting and healing cells in your blood. These blood cells are rich in growth factors that help in tissue repair, so these can be directly injected into the knee joint or the surrounding tissues.

The use of this minimally invasive technique has grown significantly over the years due to its high efficacy and minimal side effects.

PRP can increase the healing response in

• Bone
• Ligaments
• Cartilage
• Meniscal tissue 

How Does It Work?

PRP is an effective technique that uses your body’s own healing power to treat knee injuries and reduce pain. It involves one of the core cells in the blood called platelets that mainly help in blood clotting.

After your blood is collected, the tube is placed in a centrifuge, or a machine that spins the blood. Spinning the blood helps separate the large red blood cells (which concentrate on the bottom) from the plasma (liquid component of the blood with growth factors and smaller cells like platelets, which float above the red blood cells) using gravity. This plasma is then injected into the knee.  

These blood cells also contain growth factors and cytokines (proteins that help in the inflammatory process) that support healing, promote cell regeneration, and improve blood flow to the treated area. As a result, you feel less pain and discomfort, which delays the need for knee replacement or other surgery.

While PRP injection is a promising treatment for knee pain, it is still new. More research is needed to fully understand how effective it is for different conditions.

Many insurance companies do not yet cover PRP treatments as the FDA has not yet approved them. However, many patients have reported positive results, finding relief from pain and improved mobility even when compared to corticosteroid injections, which are a mainstay of non-surgical knee pain treatment currently.

Why PRP?

PRP has various applications for different knee problems. It can be considered as an initial treatment option for certain conditions like:

• Tendinitis
• Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
• Muscle strains.

This is because procedures like PRP or Stem Cell injections offer a less invasive treatment compared to knee surgery.

In addition, PRP can be beneficial in the following situations:

When Other Treatments Haven’t Worked:

If treatments like physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections haven’t provided relief, a PRP knee injection could be worth considering. It offers a different approach to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

In Combination with Other Treatments:

PRP can complement other treatments to enhance results. For instance, it may be used alongside physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, surgical procedures, or injections like hyaluronic acid to accelerate recovery and improve outcomes.

For Those Seeking Natural Healing:

PRP is an attractive option for individuals who prefer natural treatments.

Since it uses your own blood to repair tissues, it minimizes the risk of complications associated with synthetic substances.

The Cost

PRP treatment is an out-of-pocket expense in the US. This means that health insurance won’t usually cover it for you. However, you may be able to use a Health Spending Account or Flexible Spending Account. 

The exact cost of PRP injections for the knee depends on several factors, including:

• The provider: Different clinics and doctors may have different price ranges.
• Location: Costs may be higher in major cities compared to rural areas.
• Treatment details: The number of sessions needed and the specific lab processes involved can influence the price.

It’s always best to get a clear rate from the provider before you proceed. You can reach out to the Resilience team to get more information.

Knee Conditions Treated by Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common age- and use-related degenerative joint condition that causes knee cartilage to wear down. This can lead to excessive pain, swelling, and movement restrictions in activities of daily life.

For long-standing OA, typical treatments include nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medicines, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and eventually knee replacement.   

Studies have shown that besides traditional treatments, PRP can work well in treating knee osteoarthritis. It contains growth factors that promote the repair of damaged cartilage,  relieve pain, and improve joint function.

Sports Injuries

PRP therapy has become increasingly popular for treating sports injuries. Athletes often experience sprains, strains, and tears that can be difficult to heal due to the high physical stress on their bodies.

PRP injections contain anabolic growth factors that reduce chronic pain and speed up muscle recovery. This helps athletes perform better and return to their sport sooner.

Many high-profile athletes like Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal have also turned to PRP therapy to recover from injuries like golfer and tennis elbow.

Knee Ligament Injuries

Your knee relies on four ligaments – the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) – to maintain stability. These ligaments are susceptible to injuries, especially during sports activities that range from mild sprains to complete tears.Such injuries are often classified by grades based on their severity.

Grading of Ligament Injuries:

• Grade I: Mild sprains with slight stretching and microscopic tears of the ligament fibers. Symptoms include mild pain and swelling.
• Grade II: Moderate sprains with partial tearing of the ligament fibers. Symptoms include moderate pain, swelling, and some instability of the joint.
• Grade III: Severe sprains with complete tears of the ligament. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and significant instability of the joint.

When PRP is Appropriate:

Grade I and II Injuries: PRP is often recommended for mild to moderate ligament injuries. It can enhance the body’s natural healing process without the need for surgical procedures.

Grade III Injuries: PRP is typically used together with surgery for complete tears. This helps to improve surgical outcomes and speed up recovery.

ACL Tear & Reconstruction

ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears are a common knee injury, especially in athletes. These injuries often need surgery to fix knee stability and function. PRP therapy is an emerging treatment used alongside ACL reconstruction surgery to enhance healing and improve outcomes.

In some cases, PRP is applied directly in the surgical site during ACL reconstruction. The surgeon can inject or apply the concentrated platelets to the repaired ligament and surrounding tissues during the surgery. 

PRP can also be administered through injections into the knee joint in the weeks following surgery. This helps to enhance the healing process further. 

Meniscus Tear

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage in your knee that protects and stabilizes the knee joint. However, forceful twists and rotations of the knee can tear or wear it down, leading to stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility.

Fortunately, PRP therapy is a viable option to consider for meniscus injuries. It reduces pain and helps you get back to normal activities faster.

Below are some conditions when PRP is the most suitable for a meniscus tear:

• Early Stages of Injury
• Chronic pain
• Post-surgery recovery
• Non-surgical alternative

Patellar Tendonitis

Patellar tendonitis is inflammation of the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shinbone. This condition is common among athletes who engage in activities involving repetitive jumping, running, or other high-impact movements. It results in pain and tenderness around the kneecap during and after physical activity.

PRP therapy can be a helpful option to help the symptoms of both patellar tendonitis and patellar tendon tear. It reduces inflammation, repairs damaged tendon fibers, and improves overall knee function.

Times when PRP could be appropriate for this kind of knee injury are as follows:

• Chronic pain
• Failed conservative treatments (physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, corticosteroid injections)

Knee Bursitis

Knee Bursitis is a chronic condition that occurs when one or more bursae in the knee become inflamed. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that act as cushions between bones and tendons. This reduces friction and supports smooth movement of the knee.

When a bursa becomes irritated, it can fill with excess fluid, causing swelling, pain, and limited movement. Injecting PRP into the inflamed bursa helps heal damaged tissues and reduces pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. It leads to faster recovery and increased mobility. 

PRP is the most appropriate for knee bursitis in the following situations: 

• Repeat episodes of bursitis
• Persistent pain
• Patients who cannot get or do not want surgery

The Procedure

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injection for knee issues is a straightforward process that is safe and comfortable.

The steps:

1. Blood Collection: First of all, a small amount of your blood is drawn from your body, similar to a routine blood test.
2. Separation: The blood is then spun at various speeds in a centrifuge (spinning machine), separating the platelets from the other blood components.
3. Injection: The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then injected directly into your knee, targeting the area that needs healing.

The entire process can take about 45 minutes to an hour. A patient can usually go home shortly after the procedure.

Some patients feel a little discomfort during blood draws and injections. However, local anesthetic can be used to help numb the injection area, making the procedure more comfortable.

Safety Measures

Doctors follow strict protocols to keep the process safe and risk-free. These include:

• Reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical examination to ensure PRP is appropriate for your condition
• Doing the procedure in a sterile environment to lower the risk of infection.
• Using ultrasound to ensure accurate placement of the PRP. This helps in delivering PRP exactly where it is needed.
• After the injection, doctors monitor your response and provide detailed aftercare instructions to promote safe and effective healing.
• Of note, since PRP is made from your blood, there’s no risk of allergic reactions or transmission of diseases..

Benefits

PRP therapy offers several potential benefits for knee issues, enhancing both function and comfort. Some of them are listed below.

• PRP injections are a less invasive alternative to surgery, with fewer risks and shorter recovery times.
• PRP promotes the body’s natural healing processes to repair damaged tissues in the knee.
• The growth factors in PRP help reduce the pain and discomfort that comes with knee injuries.
• PRP injections last up to 6 months with some patients experiencing relief for up to a year.

Risks and Side Effects

Since PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy uses your own blood, it is generally considered safe. However, like any other treatment, it comes with minimal risks. Some of the knee PRP injection side effects are as follows:

• rgic reactions to topical numbing medications or cleaning agents
• Nerve damage
• Infection
• Pain
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Stiffness

Recovery Time

Knee PRP injection recovery time is generally quicker than surgical procedures. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Immediate Activity Restrictions: Right after the injection, you should avoid high-impact activity (ex. running, jumping, heavy lifting) for a day or two, but light movement is allowed to promote healing.
• Return to Activity: Most people can return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury and personalized treatment plan, which you should discuss with your doctor.
• Full Recovery: It can take up to 3-6 months to experience the full benefits of PRP as your body heals and tissues regenerate.

Consult a knee specialist for a more specific recovery timeline based on your knee condition.

FAQs