Knee Pain Treatment with PRP

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, using individuals’ own blood cells, is an innovative approach aimed at alleviating knee pain. Especially in degenerative knee conditions such as osteoarthritis, this method promotes the healing of damaged tissues. It also contributes to the repair process of the knee joint and surrounding structures. However, more scientific research is needed on the efficacy and safety of PRP. Therefore, patient experiences and outcomes following PRP therapy are critically important for shaping future treatment protocols.

However, generally it is recommended to perform the same injection in 3 sessions at 2–3 week intervals.

Yazı İçeriği

What Is Knee Pain Treatment with PRP?

PRP knee pain treatment is a method used in managing degenerative conditions such as knee osteoarthritis. The treatment process involves taking the patient’s own blood, filtering the platelet-rich plasma, and injecting it into the damaged knee tissues. This therapy has the potential to reduce pain and accelerate tissue repair. However, definitive scientific evidence on PRP’s effectiveness is still insufficient, and thus further research is required.

FDA Approval: Although some PRP preparations are FDA-approved, these approvals do not cover PRP use for knee osteoarthritis treatment.
Clinical Practices: Some healthcare facilities offer PRP therapy “off-label” without FDA approval.
Medical Recommendations: The American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation advise caution with PRP due to its lack of standardization and full development.

The future of the treatment will become clearer with ongoing research. In this process, it is crucial for patients and healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about PRP’s potential benefits and risks.

How Does Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Work?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy supports the healing process of conditions such as knee osteoarthritis. This treatment is based on injecting plasma, obtained from the patient’s own blood and rich in platelets, into the damaged knee tissue. Platelets contain various growth factors that support the body’s natural healing mechanisms. These factors promote the repair of damaged tissue and the formation of new cells.

Functions of Platelets:

They facilitate blood clotting.
By releasing growth factors, they contribute to cell regeneration.

For PRP to be effective, the carefully prepared platelet-rich plasma must be applied to the correct area. After injection, the growth factors in the plasma become active and accelerate the tissue repair process.

What Are the Advantages of Knee Pain Treatment with PRP?

The advantages of PRP knee pain treatment include various aspects supported by clinical research. First, PRP therapy is a natural method because it uses the patient’s own blood. This reduces the risk of allergic reactions and infections. Additionally, PRP provides growth factors that accelerate the repair of damaged tissues. These factors reduce pain and stiffness, increasing patients’ mobility and improving quality of life. However, treatment effectiveness can vary from person to person. Below is a list of potential advantages of PRP therapy:

Significant reduction in pain and stiffness
Improvement in mobility and function
Increase in quality of life

Are There Risks to PRP?

PRP therapy for knee osteoarthritis is noted by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons as not posing additional risks. However, this treatment can have some side effects. Injections into the knee joint may involve various risks.

Pain at the injection site
Infection at the injection site
Possibility of nerve damage

Additionally, a 2017 review reported that some individuals experienced the following side effects:

Increased pain and joint stiffness
Accelerated heart rate
Sudden faintness and dizziness
Nausea and indigestion
Sweating and headache

However, these side effects are quite rare.

How Is Knee Pain Treatment with PRP Performed?

Management of knee pain with PRP therapy consists of a three-step process using the patient’s own blood cells. First, blood drawn from the patient’s arm is placed in a centrifuge for separation. During this process:

Blood components are separated.
Platelets are concentrated.
The obtained plasma is prepared for treatment.

Then, the platelet-rich plasma is injected into the knee joint. During this process, the physician uses ultrasound technology to ensure accurate injection placement. After treatment, the patient rests for a while and then can return home. Because pain and stiffness may occur at the injection site, the patient should be accompanied by someone for safe transport home. PRP therapy is considered an effective method for reducing knee pain and improving joint health.

What Is the Post-Treatment Process after Knee Pain Treatment with PRP?

Strict adherence to the recommendations following PRP therapy enhances the success of the healing process. For the first three days, cold compresses should be applied regularly to the treated area; these cold packs play an important role in reducing swelling and controlling pain. Pain relievers are also important during this period. However, patients are advised to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that could negatively affect PRP’s effectiveness.

During the first 3 days:

Apply cold packs for 20 minutes every 2–3 hours.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers for discomfort.
Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Rest is a priority in the post-treatment period. Avoid activities that put pressure on the knee to support healing. If necessary, using crutches or similar assistive devices to offload weight from the knee can be beneficial.

PRP Prices for Knee Pain

Factors affecting the cost of PRP therapy for knee pain include the clinic’s location. The experience and career of the practitioner also play a decisive role in pricing. The quality of materials and technology used can increase the price. Treatment duration and number of sessions are other important cost factors. The patient’s specific health condition and treatment need directly impact the cost. Finally, additional treatment methods used during therapy can alter the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PRP cure knee pain?

PRP therapy has the potential to relieve knee pain. However, its effect does not start immediately; it begins to show after treatment. Initially, patients feel slight improvement, which increases over time. On average, improvement becomes noticeable within a week. Full effect usually requires about one month. During this period, the patient must care for the knee and adhere to the treatment. The presence of osteoarthritis and the patient’s age can directly affect treatment success.

What should be considered after PRP injection in the knee?

After PRP application in the knee, patients need to take certain precautions to support the healing process. First, avoid strenuous physical activities and heavy sports. Light exercises can be performed within the first 3–6 weeks; however, returning to high-intensity sports during this time is not advised. Also, avoiding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that could reduce PRP’s effect is beneficial. Patients should follow their doctor’s advice regarding medications and exercises during this period.

When does the effect of knee PRP become apparent?

After PRP therapy, the healing process in the knee begins immediately. Platelets become active and start repairing damage within 15 minutes. Patients usually start to feel the effects slowly within a week. However, full effect is generally observed over a 21-day period following treatment. During this time, the repair process continues and results become increasingly evident.

How often is knee PRP done?

Knee PRP treatment is generally administered over a specific time frame for optimal results. Typically, the treatment consists of three sessions, each performed at intervals of 5 to 21 days. After this period, additional sessions may be needed based on the doctor’s recommendation and the patient’s needs. For patients with severe knee conditions, the doctor may suggest repeating treatment several times a year. However, because each patient’s situation is different, the need for repeat treatment should be evaluated individually. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor’s advice and schedule.

Is PRP covered by the government?

PRP therapy is not covered by the Social Security Institution. Although there is a reference price set by the SSI, this cost must be paid by the patient. Therefore, when patients need PRP therapy, they must cover the treatment fee themselves. This shows that the government does not cover PRP treatment. Physicians recommend the most appropriate treatment based on the patient’s condition and leave the decision-making process to the patient.

Prof. Dr. Özgür KILIÇKESMEZ

Prof. Dr. Özgür Kılıçkesmez graduated from Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty in 1997. He completed his specialization at Istanbul Education and Research Hospital. He received training in interventional radiology and oncology in London. He founded the interventional radiology department at Istanbul Çam and Sakura City Hospital and became a professor in 2020. He holds many international awards and certificates, has over 150 scientific publications, and has been cited more than 1500 times. He is currently working at Medicana Ataköy Hospital.