Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are used to relieve the symptoms of chronic (persistent and ongoing) tendon pain. Tendons are the soft tissues that connect muscle to bone.
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Benefits of PRP
The normal treatment for tendon pain is rest and physiotherapy. However, if these don’t work, PRP injections have been shown to promote healing and relief from pain in many cases.
How it works
Doctors don’t yet fully understand how PRP injections work. Platelets and plasma are believed to have natural healing properties that encourage the damaged tendons to repair and heal themselves. They may do this by stimulating the production of collagen, which is an important component of tendon and ligament tissue. Some experts also think that they contain proteins that alter a patient’s pain receptors and reduce pain sensation.
Platelet-rich plasma is obtained from the patient’s own blood. A sample is taken and placed in a centrifuge where it is spun at high speed. This spinning causes the blood to separate into its constituent layers. Red blood cells, which make up around 45%, are forced to the bottom of the vial. White blood cells and plasma – less than 10% of the sample – comprise the middle layer and platelet-poor plasma collects at the top (around 45%). A technician then extracts the necessary components to create a form of plasma with a higher concentration of platelets than is found in normal blood. This is then injected into the damaged tendon.
Risk factors
The treatment carries few risks because the PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood. Reported side effects are few particularly in comparison with other treatments such as cortisone injections, anti-inflammatories and minor surgery.
The advice from many healthcare professionals is to use PRP in conjunction with other non-surgical treatments and lifestyle changes, such as physical therapy, weight loss and anti-inflammatories.
What does PRP treat?
PRP injections are used to treat chronic tendon pain. Tendon pain can be caused by degeneration as a result of overuse, injury, ageing and stress. It can also be caused by tendon damage due to:
Tendinitis – an inflammatory condition
Tendinosis, or Tendinopathy – tendon degeneration.
Who it helps
PRP doesn’t work for everyone but in some cases it can provide relief where other treatments fail. It is often recommended for sporting injuries. In one study, 230 patients with tennis elbow were treated with PRP. After 24 weeks, nearly 84% reported a reduction in pain of 25% or more.
FAQ’s
What types of injuries are most commonly treated with PRP?
PRP injections are commonly used to treat chronic muscle or tendon injuries, such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendinosis, plantar fascilitis and rotator cuff injuries, as well as knee osteoarthritis.
Does it hurt?
There is normally a sensation of mild discomfort during the treatment, which lasts 30-40 minutes. Afterwards there may be a temporary increase in pain, swelling and bruising.
Am I likely to experience complications?
It is common for people to experience a temporary worsening of symptoms but these normally improve as the injury heals. There is a small risk of infection at the site of the injection.
Personal outcomes – what to expect
Each year, PRP therapy enables thousands of patients to enjoy an active life, free of chronic pain.
Our patient-care process
- Once all of your diagnostic procedures are completed, we will be able to explain whether surgery is recommended.
- We will go through the procedures with you, covering the operation itself, the recovery process and the future prospects.
- Your orthopaedic surgeon will also explain the risks: these are small, but it is important for you to understand them.
- You can feel reassured that you will receive expert care from the start of the process, including your after-care.
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If you are experiencing pain in your pelvis, hip, knee or ankle, or are suffering from a sports injury, seek specialist help to get you back to living your life. Contact can be made direct, or through your GP.
Email:
enquiries@carrothersorthopaedics.co.uk
Phone:
+ 44 (0) 1223 667 376.
