PRP Injection For Knee Pain
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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are considered a less invasive option for managing knee pain, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis. PRP contains growth factors and proteins that may support tissue repair by enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
However, the effectiveness of PRP can vary depending on the patient’s condition, the severity of tissue damage, and the specific PRP formulation used.
The Regenexx approach offers a less invasive alternative for knee pain. Procedures using Regenexx lab processing help harness the body’s natural healing ability. Regenexx processing provides a higher concentration of growth factors compared to typical PRP procedures.
Understanding Knee Pain
The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body. It plays a critical role in stability, flexibility, and everyday movements such as walking, standing, and performing sports. However, it is prone to injuries and wear and tear.
A systematic analysis published in The Lancet in 2020 reported that 595 million people globally, around 8% of the world’s population, suffer from knee osteoarthritis, a leading cause of knee pain.
Knee pain can severely hinder mobility and degrade quality of life. Research shows how suffering from chronic knee pain can impact a person’s mental, physical, and professional life:
- A 2013 study found that knee pain can significantly reduce productivity at work.
- 2021 research suggests a connection between knee osteoarthritis and depression.
- A 2019 study reports that individuals with knee osteoarthritis are at greater risk of obesity and associated conditions. These include cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Without treatment, knee pain can worsen over time, potentially leading to complications and disability, making it important to understand both its causes and available treatments.
What Causes Knee Pain?
Knee pain can result from various causes, including:
- Injuries: Acute injuries such as ligament tears, meniscus damage, or fractures can result from trauma or impact, as seen in car accidents, sports, or falls. These injuries can compromise the knee’s structure and, if not properly treated, can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
- Degenerative conditions: Degenerative joint disease, or osteoarthritis, occurs when age-related wear and repetitive stress cause the gradual breakdown of cartilage in the knee joint, leading to pain, inflammation, and limited mobility.
- Lifestyle factors: Excess weight, poor posture, or overuse from activities that can strain the knee joint. Over time, this can damage ligaments and tendons and accelerate cartilage breakdown.
- Inflammation: Conditions like tendinitis or bursitis, which cause inflammation in the tissues around the knee, can lead to pain and discomfort.
Diagnosing Knee Pain
Seeking medical attention for knee pain is crucial for diagnosis, treatment decisions, and preventing worsening conditions.
Common diagnostic methods for chronic knee pain include:
- Medical history review: Understanding medical history and pre-existing conditions helps physicians identify factors, such as rheumatoid arthritis, that may contribute to knee pain.
- Physical examination: Physicians assess knee pain by checking for swelling, tenderness, and joint stability. Tests like the Lachman test and the McMurray test evaluate ligament damage and meniscal injuries.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests provide detailed visuals of knee structures. X-rays are used to detect bone damage or joint space narrowing, which can indicate arthritis. MRIs are used for soft tissue injuries, such as ligament, meniscus or cartilage damage.
Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network use a comprehensive approach, including SANS evaluation, which assesses stability, articulation, neuromuscular function, and symmetry of the joint. Advanced ultrasound imaging may also be used to visualize the knee in motion, helping diagnose the cause of pain and guide treatment decisions.
Conventional treatment options for knee pain may include:
- At-home care: RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) may reduce swelling and pain in knee injuries. However, one study suggests it can slow healing by limiting movement and blood flow needed for recovery.
- Medications: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can temporarily reduce inflammation, but long-term use carries side effects like heart attack, stroke, stomach ulcers, and kidney damage.
- Physical therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the knee can improve mobility and stability, helping alleviate pain and prevent further injury by correcting biomechanical imbalances.
- Surgery: Surgical options like arthroscopy, partial knee replacement, and total knee replacement are used for severe pain or structural damage. While surgery can improve mobility and reduce pain, there are risks, including blood clots, joint stiffness, nerve damage, and eventual wear of the artificial joint, potentially requiring further surgeries.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Explained
Platelets are immune cells that play a key role in healing. After an injury, they help form clots to stop bleeding and release growth factors that repair damaged tissues. With aging or after injury, the body’s natural healing may slow down. PRP involves concentrating and injecting these platelets into the injured area to replenish them and support the body’s healing ability.
Traditionally, PRP is created by drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood and using a bedside centrifuge to separate the platelets from other components. The result is plasma rich in platelets, which is then injected into the injury site to promote tissue repair and reduce pain.
Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network use Regenexx-SCP injectate, a supercharged version of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that provides a higher concentration of growth factors compared to typical PRP injectates.
How Does PRP Work In The Knee?
When PRP is injected into the knee, it releases growth factors that support healing in damaged tissues. These growth factors also attract the body’s healing cells to the injury site, promoting the repair of cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
This approach addresses the underlying cause of knee pain, improving function and potentially reducing the need for surgery.
What Happens In The Procedure?
PRP has gained popularity as a non-invasive treatment option for knee pain because it does not involve surgery or long recovery times. Here’s what to expect during the treatment:
Before
Before the procedure, a consultation with a physician in the licensed Regenexx network determines if the Regenexx approach is suitable for your knee pain. A review of your medical history, physical examination, and existing imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, help determine your suitability.
During
During the procedure, a small blood sample is taken and processed in a specialized laboratory. Here, physicians in the licensed Regenexx network concentrate and purify the platelets.
The concentrated PRP injectate is then administered into the knee, guided by advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound and C-arm fluoroscopy. This helps with placing the needle more precisely in the affected area.
After
After the injection, patients can typically resume normal activities, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few days. Mild swelling or soreness at the injection site is normal and usually subsides within a week.
Physicians in the licensed Regenexx network provide detailed post-procedure care instructions, and follow-up appointments are recommended to monitor progress and determine if additional treatments may be beneficial.
Research On Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections On The Knee
In recent years, PRP injections have emerged as an alternative to medications and surgery for joint conditions like osteoarthritis.
Stimulates Repair Of Tissues
The concentrated platelets in PRP are rich in growth factors that stimulate tissue repair in the knee. These growth factors encourage new cell growth and improve blood supply, promoting the healing of damaged cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
Among others, studies from 2018 and 2022, suggests that PRP can support cartilage regeneration, improve joint function, and offer clinical benefits as a non-surgical option for osteoarthritis. A 2023 study also concludes that PRP treatments may slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis and prevent further damage to knee structures.
Releases Anti-Inflammatory Proteins
PRP contains proteins that, in the long term, may have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing swelling and pain. This is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic knee conditions, such as osteoarthritis, where inflammation is a persistent problem. By decreasing inflammation, PRP may help alleviate pain and improve joint mobility.
A 2015 study found that PRP had anti-inflammatory effects on cartilage and synovium affected by osteoarthritis. Additionally, 2018 research suggests that PRP growth factors release anti-inflammatory agents when injected into joints with degenerative changes, helping to manage inflammation.
Supports Overall Knee Function
By promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation, PRP injections help improve knee function, stability, and range of motion. This allows for better support during activities, leading to increased muscle strength and improved mobility over time.
A 2021 study shows that a single PRP injection may effectively reduce pain and improve function for up to six months in patients with early-stage osteoarthritis.
Knee Conditions That May Benefit From PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a promising treatment for various knee conditions.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where knee cartilage wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is a leading cause of knee pain and disability, particularly in older adults.
As previously noted, PRP injections may help slow the progression of osteoarthritis and support cartilage repair. This can potentially reduce further structural damage and delay the need for surgical intervention, such as knee repair or replacement.
ACL Tears
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is critical for stabilizing knee movements and preventing dislocations. ACL tears are common among athletes and can lead to instability and pain.
PRP has shown promising results in supporting ligament healing and facilitating an earlier return to activity with conservative care. A 2024 study involving 10 active patients found that one to five PRP injections restored ligament integrity in all cases, enabling patients to return to pre-injury activity levels.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that cushions and stabilizes the knee joint, absorbing shock during movement. Meniscus tears are common, often occurring from wear and tear or twisting injuries.
PRP injections may support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. A 2024 literature review concluded that PRP could be useful in treating meniscus tears and promoting faster healing through conservative treatment.
Knee Bursitis
Knee bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the knee joint. This condition can cause pain and swelling, especially when kneeling or bending.
PRP injections may help reduce inflammation and pain, aiding the healing process of the surrounding tissues.
Getting An MRI Before And After The Procedure
Before undergoing PRP injections for knee pain, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) provides a detailed view of the knee joint. The MRI helps evaluate the extent of soft tissue damage, such as cartilage wear, ligament tears, or meniscus injuries, and guides the decision for PRP treatment.
Healthy soft tissue appears dark on an MRI, while injuries like tears show as white lines or areas of increased signal intensity. MRIs also reveal cartilage thickness and signs of inflammation in the joint.
After PRP treatment, a follow-up MRI can assess how well the tissue has responded. Comparing the two scans helps physicians evaluate improvements, such as tissue regeneration or increased cartilage volume.
A 2020 randomized clinical trial observed MRI changes after PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis. Researchers found that PRP:
- Increased cartilage volume behind the kneecap
- Reduced inflammation in the joint lining (synovium)
The Regenexx Approach For Knee Pain
The Regenexx approach is based on extensive research and clinical expertise, providing a scientifically supported alternative to surgery for knee pain relief.
As noted earlier, multiple studies suggest that PRP may promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. Here is a sampling of additional positive papers:
- 2023 research shows that PRP may help slow the progression of conditions like osteoarthritis.
- A 2018 study shows promise in treating certain ACL tears without surgery using a combination of PRP and other orthobiologic products, like bone marrow concentrate containing stem cells.
- 2018 research concludes that image-guided interventional orthobiologic treatments, like PRP and bone marrow concentrate containing stem cells, offered better results than physical therapy for patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis.
Procedures using Regenexx-SCP injectate represent a supercharged version of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with a higher concentration of growth factors compared to typical PRP injectates.
What Sets Procedures Using Regenexx-SCP Injectate Apart From Other Non-Surgical Options?
Knee pain is often treated with pain medications or corticosteroid injections, which fail to address the underlying tissue damage and can lead to side effects with prolonged use. For example, corticosteroids can accelerate cartilage loss and disrupt normal cortisol production.
Similarly, hyaluronic acid injections temporarily lubricate the joint but do not promote tissue repair or long-term healing.
PRP, on the other hand, stimulates the body’s natural healing process by delivering concentrated growth factors directly to damaged tissues, supporting tissue health and repair.
A 2021 study published in Nature showed that patients treated with PRP experienced better outcomes compared to treatments like hyaluronic acid or steroids. Improvements were observed at different follow-up points, even when a small amount of PRP was used.
Only physicians in the licensed Regenexx network use Regenexx-SCP injectate in their procedures.
Explore PRP for Knee Pain and Improved Mobility
PRP therapy offers a promising, less invasive option to address knee pain and support the body’s natural healing processes, potentially improving mobility over time. By using your body’s natural healing factors, PRP not only reduces pain but also supports tissue repair, promoting long-term joint health.
The advanced PRP processing techniques developed by Regenexx provide a customized approach to knee pain management. Contact a physician in the licensed Regenexx network to explore your options.
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