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Can PRP Or Stem Cell Therapy Help Your Knee Pain?
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If you're one of the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic, persistent knee pain, you may be wondering whether a total knee replacement is your only option for long-term relief. Recently, several new therapies have hit the market, advertising themselves to patients who aren't quite ready for knee replacement but need some level of treatment other than narcotic pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication. Read on to learn more about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell therapy as potential treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy involves taking some whole blood from the patient, spinning it in a centrifuge, then removing the red blood cells, leaving only platelet-rich plasma behind. This platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the knee joint, where it can begin to restore the tissues and provide pain relief. Currently, PRP therapy is considered experimental, which means it usually isn't covered by health insurance.
Because PRP uses your own blood, it has fewer risks of infection or complications than other treatments that rely on donor stem cells, blood, or tissue. However, some individuals still experience certain side effects, including pain at the injection site and potential nerve damage.
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is similar to PRP therapy but instead involves extracting stem cells from the patient's blood then injecting this concentrated solution into the joint. Proponents of stem cell therapy claim that this infusion of stem cells directly into the problem area can spur the regrowth of tissue and cartilage that protects the joint from direct impact. But like PRP therapy, stem cell therapy is considered experimental and won't usually be covered by health insurance.
Also like PRP therapy, stem cell therapy carries a relatively low risk of complications like infection. Individuals undergoing these treatments may experience temporary pain at the injection site, which can be alleviated with an over-the-counter painkiller or the use of ice packs.
The average cost for a PRP injection is around $900, while the average cost for a stem cell injection is closer to $2,800. These treatments aren't permanent, so you may require follow-up treatments after a few months to a year to continue your progress. If you're not sure whether these therapies are a good option for you, discuss them with your doctor to see whether you're a good candidate. Your physician may also be able to work with you on payment arrangements if you can't afford to pay the entire cost of these treatments upfront.
For more information about PRP stem cell therapy, contact a local physician.
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