About one in four American adults has some form of arthritis — that’s nearly 55 million people. Arthritis is a group of more than 100 diseases that cause joint pain and stiffness, which can affect mobility and quality of life.
While you can manage symptoms with prescription painkillers or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, a growing number of people are exploring natural alternatives, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which can reduce reliance on medication and support your body’s natural healing processes.
At Woodlands Center for Special Surgery, in The Woodlands and Willis, Texas, our team often uses PRP to manage osteoarthritis. Here, we explain what PRP is, discuss how it helps with arthritis, and provide guidance to help you determine if it’s right for you.
This quick, outpatient procedure uses a concentrated platelet solution derived from your blood to reduce inflammation and promote healing. The entire process usually takes less than an hour, and most patients can resume normal activities shortly after treatment.
Blood contains red and white blood cells as well as platelets, which are isolated in a small amount of blood plasma — your provider can inject PRP into one or multiple arthritic joints. Because PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is extremely low.
The growth factors in those platelets increase circulation to the injection site, reduce inflammation, and encourage the formation of healthy new tissue. Although research is ongoing, several studies have found that PRP is a safe and effective way to manage arthritis-related pain.
Arthritis causes cartilage — the soft, cushion-like tissue that pads the joints — to wear down over time. This makes your bones rub against one another, resulting in joint stiffness and pain.
PRP helps address these symptoms in several ways by:
Prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can help relieve joint pain, but they only mask discomfort for several hours at a time. PRP is unique in that it targets the underlying cause, preventing the damage from worsening. It can be especially beneficial for knee osteoarthritis because studies suggest it may support cartilage regeneration.
The best way to determine if PRP can be a game-changer in alleviating your arthritis symptoms is to make an appointment with our team. We typically recommend PRP for people with mild or moderate arthritis pain.
PRP can’t cure arthritis. Our knowledgeable, caring team can help you understand whether other treatments, like surgery or corticosteroid injections, may make more sense, especially if your mobility is severely hampered.
If you’re interested in exploring PRP injections for arthritis-related joint pain, get in touch with our team today. Contact Woodlands Center for Special Surgery by calling the office near you.
