PRP Knee Treatments
Dr. Jones, Just a follow up on the PRP treatments you did on my knees. Both knees are doing great with no pain after three years, despite being 45 pounds overweight and 71 years old. I can still hike through knee deep snow without a problem. I would definitely do the treatments again and have recommended my wife do the same. What a great alternative to surgery!
Bob F.
Knee Anatomy
The knee joint is one of the most complex and frequently used joints in the human body. It consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and synovial fluid. The main bones involved are the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). These bones meet at the knee joint, where cartilage cushions the surfaces to allow smooth motion.
Cartilage in the knee includes the articular cartilage covering the bone ends and the menisci, two C-shaped discs that act as shock absorbers. The ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), provide essential stability. They prevent excessive movement that could harm the joint.
In addition, synovial fluid within the joint capsule lubricates the surfaces and reduces friction during movement.
Platelets, which are derived from blood, play a vital role in the knee’s healing process. They contain growth factors and proteins that assist in tissue repair and regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses these natural components to treat various knee conditions. The goal is to enhance the body’s healing response, reduce inflammation, and encourage cartilage repair.
Although biologic treatments remain relatively new, early research indicates potential benefits for many orthopedic conditions.
Injuries
PRP therapy addresses a wide range of knee injuries and conditions, primarily those affecting cartilage and soft tissues.
Osteoarthritis – In appropriate candidates, PRP may help reduce pain and inflammation linked to knee osteoarthritis. This can offer improved comfort and joint mobility for mild to moderate cases.
Meniscal Tears – PRP promotes tissue healing and may reduce pain associated with meniscal injuries, which affect the cartilage that cushions the knee.
Ligament Injuries – Sprains or tears of the ACL, PCL, MCL, or LCL can be treated with PRP to support healing and improve stability.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) – PRP injections can help reduce inflammation and encourage repair of small tendon tears.
Chondromalacia Patella – PRP may help manage discomfort and promote cartilage repair beneath the kneecap.
Other Soft Tissue Injuries – Due to its regenerative properties, PRP therapy can also assist with minor inflammation and soft tissue damage around the knee.
PRP Treatment
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy begins by drawing a small sample of the patient’s blood. The sample is then processed in a centrifuge to separate plasma and platelets from the other blood components. The resulting PRP, which is rich in growth factors, is carefully injected into the affected knee joint.
These growth factors help reduce inflammation, stimulate repair, and improve comfort in conditions such as arthritis. In many cases, PRP therapy is recommended for patients with mild to moderate arthritis or for those whose symptoms do not improve with standard treatments.
Typically, patients receive a series of three injections spaced about one to one and a half weeks apart. According to current clinical studies, this approach provides the best outcomes for managing knee pain and inflammation.
The potential benefits of PRP include reduced pain, improved range of motion, and enhanced joint function. Although it may not eliminate symptoms entirely, many patients experience meaningful improvement in their ability to perform daily activities comfortably.
Recovery
Recovery after PRP therapy is generally straightforward and faster than surgical procedures. Patients can usually resume light activities soon after treatment. Noticeable improvements are often observed within several weeks as inflammation subsides and comfort increases.
To maximize results, patients are advised to follow a rehabilitation program tailored to their needs. This may include physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve knee stability. Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular exercise also support joint health and enhance PRP effectiveness.
Long-term results can vary between patients. However, many individuals report lasting relief and better knee function for several years following treatment. As with all medical therapies, outcomes depend on factors such as the condition treated and adherence to post-procedure recommendations. Ongoing research continues to refine PRP techniques, expanding its role as a nonsurgical option for knee pain.
Dr. Jones has been performing biologic treatments for the knee for more than a decade. Through years of experience, he has observed that PRP can be particularly effective for properly selected patients. He strives to keep the cost accessible so that more people can benefit from this evolving area of orthopedic care.
Join Dr. Jones as he walks you through the steps of knee Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy:
