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PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection?
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: 12 hours ago | Replies (108)Comment receiving replies
@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.
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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