PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection?

Thanks. I do feel so much better.

I have increased the leg extension weight to 30 pounds, but will keep it reasonable. I’ve noticed that some people lift much more, but that’s not for me.

Your posting is form several years ago. I recently had a physician tell me that PRP generally does not work well on knees.

Looking for a physiatrist with lots of PRP experience. Do you mind telling me what state you live in? Thank you.

An ortho doctor told my mom PRI not for hip issues. Hmmm….is that right?

@celia16 According to the ortho I see for my elbow - how's that for specialization - one does elbows and wrists, one does shoulders, another does hips and knees:
PRP SEEMS to be more effective in smaller joints. In their practice, they use it often for elbows, ankles and sometimes shoulders. Less frequently for knees, and even less so for hips. (They don't do spines so don't know about that.)
I think the variability in results is part of the reason that it is not FDA approved this as a treatment. Also, if you choose to try it, make sure it is done by someone who does this daily or weekly as PART of their larger practice, not what he called "an injection mill" where they do only that.
I haven't asked my hip/knee guy for PRP in my knees yet, but we are approaching that stage as I am about done with cortisone. I'll see what he says in the Spring when we meet again.

Hey Sue - I guess I didn't realize your hip/knee was giving you a lot of trouble.

This is just a suggestion. I've had four joints replaced - both knees, right hip, and two months ago, left shoulder. I'm 71 now and had all the work done starting in 2022. My only regret is that if I knew how much relief I would get, I'd have done the surgeries 6 months to a year earlier.

My opinion is that if you need cortisone or PRP or gel, it's probably time to simply replace the joint. By taking action before the pain becomes daily, you can control when you get the surgery. The best surgeons have very long lead times - up to 3 months for an appointment, up to 6 months for surgery.

The advice is for you and any other readers in this situation. I've had great surgeons and worked very hard at rehab, so it's not an easy road but definitely worth the effort.

Anyway, something to consider - or not!

(FWIW, cortisone is usually good to do once or twice, as that's when it's likely to be most effective. And if pain isn't constant, an injection of cortisone, PRP, gel may help you go a few months before surgery.)

All the best!

Joe

Thanks Barbara - I've heard the same thing. A few people I know who have done this have had intense pain in the first day or two after injection. Relief is elusive. Refer to my reply to Sue re: joint replacement surgery.

Joe

@heyjoe415 The knees are not yet so bad that the doc is recommending replacement. We are in the "watch" stage, and I trust him. The other issue is time frames - I am only near my primary health care team from May through mid-October, with some trips during summer factored in, so scheduling is a matter of finding a recuperation time slot. And at 74 with RA, heart and lung issues, I need 6 months to a year between surgeries. I wanted 2025 to be a no surgery year for a change, and so far have gotten by with one small ortho procedure on my elbow.

I try to work out daily….usually at least 5 days per week. Invariably, I’ll get some slight discomfort somewhere on my right side….knee or hip….not bad but noticeable. I’ve been too busy with family issues, work, etc, to address it except occasionally using Valtaren or Biofreeze. It usually leaves after an hour. Doesn’t keep me awake or prevent me from any activity so far. I wear good shoes….update after several months. Appointment with PCP next month for Wellness check. May mention it. It’s not bad enough to warrant PT….idk. I’m learning about my options. So far PRP seems the best. Do I wait for it to progress or nip it in the bud?
Q
Oh, I don’t think I have arthritis. No mention of it back when I had knee MRI in 2023. Nothing significant in my hands from an x-ray last year. And, had right ankle pain several months ago,,,intermittent but has subsided.No arthritis. Ortho and PCP looked at it and were surprised. No spurs…..great for my age. Just turned 65. Maybe I need hip xray?

My mom has osteoarthritis and is bone on bone in hip for sure….knee bad too. She’s making it on cortisone injections for now. She’s 84 and not interested in replacement, but she’s barely mobile now….sad situation.

Hi - a few years ago I had PRP injections for both knees. It worked well for me. Ultimately, though, I underwent a Genicular Artery Embolization for the left knee a few months ago. It’s been a success, and I’ll probably do the other knee. But PRP did work for awhile, for me. Because insurance doesn’t cover it ( at least mine doesn’t) even with a discounted rate, I just can’t afford to keep doing it.