Osteoarthritis is a growing problem, with researchers predicting that 78 million Americans will be living with it by 2040.
Chronic joint pain caused by osteoarthritis typically develops slowly and quietly, creeping up on you as the years go by. You may begin noticing stiffness when you get out of bed, discomfort after climbing stairs, or soreness after exercise. Over time, aging joints can limit your mobility and keep you from activities you enjoy.
At North of Atlanta Pain Clinic in Duluth, Georgia, we look for treatments that reduce pain while helping patients maintain their independence. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, offers a nonsurgical option that utilizes components from your own blood.
For select patients, it may improve pain and function while supporting your body’s natural repair response.
Healthy cartilage covers the ends of your bones and helps your joints move smoothly. As that cartilage wears down, your bones lose some protection. The resulting osteoarthritis causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced movement.
In addition to age, osteoarthritis can worsen due to:
Knees are a common source of discomfort, although arthritis can affect any joint, including the facet joints in your spine.
Traditional care may include exercise, physical therapy, weight management, pain relievers, and corticosteroid injections.
These options play an important role in a comprehensive treatment program, but PRP offers another possibility. It’s especially helpful for people who want to delay surgery or haven’t gained enough relief from initial treatments.
To begin the PRP treatment process, we take a small sample of your blood. We place the sample in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed, separating the blood into its components. We then collect plasma with a high platelet concentration and inject it into the painful joint.
Most people know that platelets help blood clot, but they also release proteins and chemical signals that heal and control inflammation. Researchers continue to study exactly how PRP affects arthritic joints, but it seems likely that it supports tissue repair and reduces irritation.
Because PRP comes from your own blood, it doesn’t introduce donor tissue or a manufactured drug. However, PRP isn’t a cure for arthritis, and it can’t restore a badly damaged joint to its original condition.
PRP has attracted attention because it focuses on your joint’s biological environment rather than simply numbing pain.
Current evidence shows PRP is most effective for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. For example, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that PRP may reduce pain and improve function, with larger, more consistent studies now producing increasingly positive results.
At North of Atlanta Pain Clinic, we choose patients carefully, explain the evidence honestly, and avoid promises that no treatment can guarantee.
When you visit us with persistent joint pain, we first review your symptoms, medical history, medications, imaging, and previous treatments. We also examine your joint to ensure PRP meets your needs. An active infection or certain blood problems may make another treatment more appropriate.
During the procedure, we:
PRP doesn’t work like a numbing injection, so improvement often develops gradually. You may feel soreness or increased discomfort for several days after your injection.
Some patients need more than one injection. We explain the schedule, activity limits, and follow-up plan based on your condition.
PRP may suit adults with mild to moderate arthritis who want to remain mobile and postpone more invasive treatment. It may also help patients who haven’t responded well to physical therapy, activity changes, and medication.
We don’t view PRP as a replacement for every other form of care. We often combine it with strengthening, flexibility work, healthy weight goals, and changes that reduce stress on your joint. These steps help protect your progress and improve long-term function.
Aging doesn’t mean you have to accept constant joint pain. PRP offers a minimally invasive option with the best results achieved through careful preparation and realistic expectations.
At North of Atlanta Pain Clinic, we assess your joint pain and discuss the benefits and limitations of PRP for you.
Contact us to find out whether PRP could help you move with greater comfort and confidence. Call our office at 770-559-8385 or click here to book your appointment.
