Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic joint pain, affecting approximately 21.3% of the adult population in the United States. For years, the main treatments focused on managing symptoms with medications or surgeries. But what if your body could help heal itself?
That’s the idea behind platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a groundbreaking approach that utilizes your own blood to promote natural healing and alleviate pain. At North of Atlanta Pain Clinic in Duluth, Georgia, our team is excited to share how PRP is revolutionizing arthritis care.
Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints, leading to long-term pain, stiffness, and swelling. Over time, the inflammation can damage cartilage, the smooth, tough tissue that covers and protects the ends of your bones. Without healthy cartilage, your bones begin to rub against each other, causing further pain and restricting movement.
There are different types of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis, which develops as the protective cartilage in your joints gradually wears away. This often happens with age, repeated stress on your joints, or injuries.
Other forms, like rheumatoid arthritis, occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks your joint tissue. Regardless of the type, arthritis can significantly impact your daily life, making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even gripping objects uncomfortable and sometimes impossible.
PRP treatment uses your own blood. Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that help with clotting and healing. They also contain growth factors that galvanize tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
PRP injections into an arthritic joint support your body’s natural healing process, promote new tissue growth, and potentially slow the progression of arthritis. Here’s how it works:
We draw a small amount of your blood, similar to a regular lab test.
We place your blood in a special machine called a centrifuge. This process spins your blood, separating the platelets and plasma from other components.
We inject the concentrated PRP into your affected joint using ultrasound or fluoroscopic (moving X-ray) guidance for precision.
Studies show that PRP injections for arthritis are more effective than alternatives like hyaluronic acid in both the short- and long-term.
Traditional arthritis care often focuses on reducing pain and inflammation with medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids. While these treatments can help, they don’t address the underlying damage in your joint.
PRP offers a unique advantage: It’s regenerative, meaning it works to improve the condition of your joint, not just mask symptoms. Because PRP comes from your own blood, it also has a low risk of allergic reactions or serious side effects, making it a safe option for many patients.
Patients who choose PRP therapy typically notice several benefits:
PRP can lower your need to depend on painkillers or steroid injections.
Another significant advantage is that PRP can often delay the need for joint replacement surgery or even prevent it altogether. For people who want to stay active without undergoing an invasive procedure, PRP can be a great option.
PRP therapy is an outpatient treatment, which means you can go home the same day. Mild soreness at the injection site is common for a few days, but this soon passes, and most patients return to normal activities within a day or two.
Results vary, but you may begin to notice improvements in pain and function within weeks. Full benefits typically appear after several months as the healing process continues.
PRP is most effective for individuals with mild to moderate arthritis. It may not be ideal for severe joint damage where the bone has suffered significant deterioration. It’s also important to note that PRP isn’t an instant fix. It stimulates gradual healing over time.
We review your health history, assess the severity of your arthritis, and discuss your goals to determine if PRP is a suitable treatment option for you.
Living with arthritis pain doesn’t have to mean relying on medications or facing surgery right away. PRP offers a natural, minimally invasive way to help your body heal and regain mobility.
At North of Atlanta Pain Clinic, we specialize in advanced, personalized treatments like PRP to help you live an active, pain-free life. If you’re ready to explore PRP for your arthritis pain, call our office at 770-559-8385 or request an appointment online today.
