You may feel like you’re at a dead end when it comes to joint pain. All the over-the-counter medications offer little relief, and you may even be considering surgery as an option. At Mattalino Orthopaedic in Phoenix, AZ, we specialize in PRP injections for joint pain relief. The injections are minimally invasive and have a high success rate. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and helps get you back to living life without pain.
How Long Does It Take PRP Injections to Work on Joints?
Every patient is different, so it is difficult to give a definitive answer when it comes to how long PRP injections take to work on joints. However, most patients report feeling significant improvement within 2-3 weeks after their initial injection. For some patients, one injection is all that is needed to achieve long-term relief. Others may require a series of injections spaced out over several weeks.
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentration of platelets and other growth factors that can be injected into areas of the body to promote healing and regeneration. PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, which is drawn and then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins the blood at a high speed, which separates the red blood cells from the plasma (the liquid component of the blood).
The platelets and other growth factors are then harvested and injected into the treatment area. Platelet-rich plasma has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of injuries and conditions, including tendonitis, arthritis, and muscle strains. It can also be used for cosmetic purposes, such as reducing wrinkles and increasing collagen production.
What Can PRP Injections Treat?
Injuries in the Elbow
There are a number of different injuries that can occur in the elbow. The most common type of injury is tendinitis, which is characterized by inflammation of the tendons. This can be caused by repetitive motion or overuse, and the symptoms include pain, tenderness, and stiffness. Another common injury is bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint. Bursitis can also be caused by repetitive motion or overuse.
If left untreated, elbow injuries can lead to joint damage and permanent disability. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the damage. However, there are now nonsurgical treatments available that can effectively treat these conditions, such as platelet-rich plasma. PRP treatments have been shown to be effective in treating tendinitis and bursitis. PRP can also help to improve range of motion and reduce pain levels.
Injuries in the Hip
Injuries in the hip can occur in a number of ways. The most common cause is overuse, such as from running or playing sports. This can lead to conditions such as tendinitis or bursitis. Other causes of hip injuries include falls, car accidents, and direct blows to the joint. Symptoms of a hip injury include pain stiffness and tenderness in the area.
In severe cases, an injury to the hip may cause the joint to pop out of place. If you think you have injured your hip, it is crucial to seek medical attention right away. Treatment for a hip injury will vary depending on the severity of the condition. However, we usually offer PRP treatments at our medical center in Phoenix, AZ, to help promote the healing of tendons, ligaments, and muscles around the hip joint.
Injuries in the Spine
One of the most common injuries to the spine is a herniated disc. This occurs when the inner gel-like material leaks out through a tear in the outer layer of the disc. This can put pressure on the nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the affected area. A herniated disc most often occurs in the lower back, but it can also occur in the neck.
Another common spine injury is spinal stenosis. This happens when the spaces between the bones of the spine narrow, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can cause pain, tingling, and weakness in the affected areas. PRP therapy has proven to be effective in reducing pain and promoting healing in many different types of spine injuries.
A Torn Rotator Cuff in the Shoulder
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons and muscles that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. The rotator cuff allows the shoulder to move in all directions, and also helps stabilize the shoulder joint. A tear in any of the tendons or muscles of the rotator cuff is called a rotator cuff tear. A rotator cuff tear may be partial or complete.
The risk of developing a rotator cuff tear increases with age. However, rotator cuff tears can also occur in young people who participate in overhead sports, such as baseball, tennis, and swimming.
Meniscus Tears in the Knee
The knee is a weight-bearing joint and is susceptible to injury. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the femur (thighbone) and tibia (shinbone). A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. There are two types of meniscus tears: acute and degenerative. Acute tears occur suddenly, often as a result of a twisting injury. Degenerative tears occur slowly over time and are more common in older adults.
Symptoms of a meniscus tear include pain, swelling, and stiffness. The pain is usually worse with activity, and you may hear a popping noise when the injury occurs. Treatment for a meniscus tear depends on the type of tear and your symptoms. Nonsurgical treatment may include compression, rest, ice, and elevation. If you have a meniscus tear, visit our office in Phoenix, AZ. We will create a customized PRP treatment plan to help you get back to your normal activities as soon as possible.
Plantar Fasciitis in the Feet
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that can cause heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, becomes inflamed. Plantar fasciitis is often caused by overuse, such as from running or dancing. In some cases, it can also be caused by arthritis or diabetes.
Achilles Tendinosis
Achilles tendinosis occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, becomes damaged and inflamed. The Achilles tendon is used during activities such as walking, running, and jumping, and overuse can lead to the development of tendinosis.
Symptoms of Achilles tendinosis includes pain and stiffness in the back of the leg, difficulty moving the ankle, and a creaking or popping noise when the ankle is moved. If left untreated, Achilles tendinosis can lead to tears in the tendon and chronic pain. Treatment for Achilles tendinosis typically includes a combination of rest, physical therapy, and PRP.
ACL Tear
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a key ligament in the knee joint, connecting the thighbone to the shinbone. A tear of the ACL can occur due to a sudden change in direction or impact to the knee and is particularly common in athletes who participate in sports such as soccer, basketball, and kickboxing. Symptoms of an ACL tear include pain and swelling. The knee might also give out when you put weight on it.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary from mild to severe but typically include joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, PRP is one of the few treatment options available that can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is a common injury that occurs when the foot is turned inward too much, causing the ligaments on the outside of the ankle to overstretch or tear. This can result in pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking. In severe cases, it may also cause joint instability. While ankle sprains typically heal on their own with time and rest, some people may require physical therapy in combination with PRP injections to expedite the healing process and regain full function.
Joint Pain Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
PRP injections are a relatively new treatment for joint pain, but they have been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving function. It usually takes a few weeks for the full effects of the injection to be felt, but many patients report significant improvements within just a few days. If you are suffering from joint pain, call us today at At Mattalino Orthopaedic in Phoenix, AZ, to schedule a consultation.