Knee osteoarthritis (OA) can make everyday tasks—like walking, climbing stairs, or enjoying family outings—a daily challenge. If you’re over 50 and experiencing knee pain, or if you have a loved one suffering from arthritis, you may have heard about two popular treatments: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and corticosteroid injections (CSI). But which option offers better relief? Let’s explore the key differences and why PRP might be the longer-lasting, safer choice for managing knee OA. Having recently attended a Knee Meeting in Berlin with other well-renowned international Orthopaedic Surgeons, I am excited to share my learning (I have written this blog from my hotel room).
What Are Corticosteroids and PRP Injections?
- Corticosteroids (CS) are anti-inflammatory medications injected into the knee joint to quickly reduce pain and swelling.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment derived from your own blood. It uses concentrated platelets filled with growth factors to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Both treatments have their uses and indications, However, more Specialists are now recommending PRP for longer-term pain relief with fewer risks.
Why PRP Is Safer and More Effective: The ESSKA Consensus
The European Society of Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery & Arthroscopy (ESSKA), a leading body in orthopaedics assessed all the scientific literature, which was high quality (Grade A) and provided this Statement:
“While corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory agents and can provide short-term relief in knee OA, they have been shown to have detrimental effects on chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and can lead to accelerated cartilage degeneration, especially with multiple/repeated injections. PRP injections have been shown to have a longer effect in comparison to the shorter-term effect of CS injections. They also seem to provide a safer use profile with less potential related complications. The consensus group considers PRP injections to be a safer, non-chondro-toxic and more effective treatment option, with longer-term clinical improvements compared to CS injections.”
Key Takeaways for Patients:
- Corticosteroids provide only short-term relief but may damage cartilage with repeated use.
- PRP injections offer longer-lasting pain relief and stimulate healing, making them a safer, non-toxic choice.
Benefits of PRP for Knee Arthritis
PRP is quickly gaining popularity among patients looking for sustainable solutions for knee pain. Some benefits include:
- Longer-lasting relief: PRP’s effects often last months or longer compared to corticosteroids.
- Natural healing: PRP promotes the body’s own repair processes, which may slow cartilage degeneration.
- Fewer side effects: PRP is derived from your blood, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
PRP Treatment: What to Expect
If you’re considering PRP injections, here’s what the process looks like:
- Blood collection: A small sample of your blood is drawn.
- Processing: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma.
- Injection: The PRP is injected into the affected knee joint to promote healing.
The procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and requires little to no downtime. Most patients notice significant improvements in pain and mobility within weeks.
Why Choose PRP Over Corticosteroids?
Patients often ask me: “Why should I try PRP instead of corticosteroids?” The answer lies in the long-term benefits:
- Corticosteroids: Effective for short-term relief but can damage cartilage and accelerate joint degeneration with repeated injections.
- PRP: Offers longer-lasting results, promotes joint healing, and avoids the risks associated with corticosteroids.
If you’re looking for a treatment that doesn’t just mask symptoms but addresses the underlying issues, PRP is the way forward. You can read about the positive impact of knee injections by clicking on link below
https://www.doctify.com/uk/specialist/mr-parag-jaiswal#reviews
Ready to Find Relief? Let Me Help You
As a leading Orthopaedic Hip and Knee Surgeon in London, I specialize in personalized care for patients with knee arthritis. Together, we can create a treatment plan that suits your needs—whether that’s PRP injections or exploring other options to help you regain mobility and live pain-free. I have had both PRP and steroid injections into my knee, so can give you personal and empathetic advice
Book a consultation with me by phoning 02074594482 or email admin@londonhipknee.co.uk to learn more about PRP for knee osteoarthritis. Relief is just a click away.
FAQ
1. What are the risks of corticosteroids for knee arthritis?
Corticosteroids can damage cartilage with repeated use, accelerating joint degeneration and causing long-term harm.
2. How long does PRP relief last for knee arthritis?
Many patients experience significant pain relief for 6–12 months or longer after PRP injections.
3. Is PRP safe for knee osteoarthritis?
Yes! PRP is derived from your own blood, making it a natural and low-risk treatment option for knee OA.
Why Wait? Take the First Step to Pain-Free Living
Don’t let knee pain stop you from enjoying life. With PRP injections, you can find lasting relief and improve your joint health naturally. Contact me today or visit www.londonhipknee.co.uk to start your journey to recovery.
