Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) – A Treatment Option for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. While it can occur even in young people, the chance of developing osteoarthritis tends to rise after age 45. According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 27 million people in the U.S. have osteoarthritis, with the knee being one of the most commonly affected areas.
Osteoarthritis, commonly known as wear-and-tear arthritis, is a condition in which the natural cushioning between joints — cartilage — wears away. When this happens, the bones of the joints rub more closely against one another with less of the shock-absorbing benefits of cartilage. The rubbing results in pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased ability to move and, sometimes, the formation of bone spurs.
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy, sometimes called PRP therapy attempts to take advantage of the blood’s natural healing properties to repair damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, or even bone.
How Does PRP Work?
Platelet-rich plasma is derived from a sample of the patient’s own blood. The therapeutic injections contain plasma with a higher concentration of platelets than is found in normal blood. The results that occur are:
- Inhibit inflammation and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis
- Stimulate the formation of new cartilage
- Increase the production of natural lubricating fluid in the joint, thereby easing painful joint friction
- Contain proteins that alter a patient’s pain receptors and reduce pain sensation
In order to treat osteoarthritis, a doctor will inject the PRP directly into the affected joint. The goal of this treatment is to:
- Reduce pain
- Improve joint function
- Possibly slow, halt, or even repair damage to cartilage
If you want to know more about PRP and how it can help you, call our office at 509-299-6900 to schedule your consultation appointment and find out if PRP is the right treatment for you.