What are the suitable categories for plasma injection treatment?
Plasma injections are a suitable option for patients who have not responded to traditional methods of joint pain treatment, which include anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy. In such cases, the doctor may resort to plasma injections to relieve symptoms.
What are the goals of plasma injection treatment?
Only an orthopedic doctor is authorized to administer plasma injections into the joint. The doctor injects the plasma directly into the affected joint, with the following goals expected by the end of the treatment:
- Reducing pain.
- Improving joint function.
- Stopping or repairing cartilage damage.
- Stimulating the formation of new cartilage.
- Increasing the production of natural joint fluid.
How does platelet-rich plasma (PRP) work to treat injured tissues?
When tissues are injured, the body sends platelets filled with growth factors to help initiate healing, repair, and rebuild the damaged tissue, as well as stimulate stem cells that play a vital role in tissue regeneration.
This advanced therapeutic technique, with its natural capabilities, enhances the body’s repair efforts by delivering the highest concentration of platelets directly to the injured area.
To prepare platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a small blood sample is taken (similar to a routine blood test like a complete blood count), then placed in a special device (centrifuge) that spins it at high speed, separating the platelets from other components. This process results in much higher concentrations of platelets, which are then injected into and around the injured site, sparking the healing process and boosting tissue repair.
Since the blood used is the patient’s own (with no external medical interventions), the risk of any adverse reactions or infection is greatly minimized. PRP treatment can be repeated as needed.
Typically, this non-surgical procedure is safely performed in an outpatient clinic. The PRP technique helps alleviate pain and stimulates tissue repair without the risks of surgery, general anesthesia, hospital stays, or long recovery periods. In fact, the vast majority of people can return to their normal activities immediately after the localized injection.
What preparations are needed before a platelet-rich plasma injection?
Ask your doctor about any things to avoid before or after the treatment. In general, follow these instructions:
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) seven days before the platelet-rich plasma injection.
- Avoid taking blood thinners five days before the injection.
- Avoid taking corticosteroids two to three weeks before the injection.
- Get an MRI of the knee so the doctor can determine the extent of damage to the joint.
- Drink plenty of fluids the day before the plasma injection.
- Take anti-anxiety medications before the injection to help reduce stress.
- Use supportive crutches for up to two days after the injection.
- Ensure someone drives you home after the plasma injection.
What happens after the platelet-rich plasma injection?
After the injection, the doctor may ask you to follow certain instructions for the best results, including:
- Apply an ice pack to the area every two to three hours for 20 minutes at a time for three days after the injection.
- Use pain relievers when necessary, but avoid NSAIDs.
- Reduce your physical activity and avoid activities that put strain on the treated area.
- Your doctor may recommend using supportive crutches for a few days, especially if the injection was in the ankle, knee, or hip joint.
- Follow up with your doctor six weeks after the injection to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
How effective is platelet-rich plasma injection for joint pain?
Although there has been a significant rise in the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in recent years, the evidence regarding its effectiveness is mixed.
So far, there are insufficient studies to prove the effectiveness of PRP injections. It seems that some people experience significant benefits from the treatment, while others do not.
The effectiveness of PRP injections varies from person to person, and this discrepancy can be attributed to several factors:
- Differences in blood characteristics from person to person, especially platelet count.
- The method of blood treatment and separation, as varying centrifuge machines may affect the plasma components.
- Additives to the PRP injection, where doctors may add substances that enhance joint absorption of the plasma.
Does this advanced technique also play a role in treating sports injuries?
Sports injuries are among the most common injuries globally, often affecting ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and joints. While medical drugs, physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, surgical interventions, and arthroscopy were once the only available options for patients and their doctors, the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections is now becoming increasingly popular for treating sports injuries.
PRP injections have become one of the preferred and advanced options in addition to traditional treatment methods. This technique is especially beneficial for athletes as it helps them recover quickly from sports-related injuries, such as ligament and tendon injuries, allowing them to return to their athletic activities more rapidly.
Using PRP injections by specialists has led to a global revolution in treating many bone, joint, and ligament issues successfully, with minimal complications or side effects.
