PRP Treatment for Joint Pain: What to Expect

Joint pain can cause serious problems for anyone, and treating the issue can be tricky. Fortunately, a noninvasive, safe treatment called PRP (or platelet-rich plasma) therapy exists.

At Southwest Foot & Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, we take joint pain seriously. That’s why Petrina C. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark T. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, offer some of the most innovative procedures available, including PRP therapy. But before you begin, you’ll want to know what PRP is and what to expect. Let us give you the lowdown. 

What PRP treatment is and how it works

PRP therapy is so called because it uses platelet-rich plasma from your own blood to promote healing in your body, which, in turn, helps to manage pain. When you arrive for a PRP session, a small amount of blood is drawn. 

That blood is then spun inside a centrifuge, separating the PRP from everything else. Next, we inject the PRP into your treatment area. This procedure works by adding growth factors to the area of your body being addressed. 

Growth factors are found naturally in platelets, and they help promote healing. For those dealing with an injury, PRP can stimulate healing modalities that might be slower or less effective than usual. The treatment can also help with short- and long-term pain. 

In addition, painful joints tend to experience inflammation. PRP can help minimize this inflammation, also because of the growth factors found in the PRP. Many patients experience an increased range of motion and minimized pain as a result. 

What to expect from PRP treatment for joint pain

First off, you should expect little to no pain during the noninvasive procedure. This is just one of the reasons our patients prefer this option for joint pain. It isn’t uncomfortable and only requires a small blood draw and injection. 

What’s more, there’s hardly any recovery time. You can expect the procedure to only last about 30 minutes. It’s that quick!

Another reason people choose PRP is the low risk of side effects. You’re receiving PRP from your own body, which means the chance of infection is extremely low. Patients appreciate this benefit and find the treatment very tolerable as a result. It’s also great to use in addition to other procedures because of its mild nature.

It’s important to understand that the effects of PRP aren’t usually instantaneous. You may need a few weeks up to six months to notice the full effects. At that point, you may also need additional injections. 

PRP isn’t permanent, but it does provide considerable relief, and its benefits compound over time as you receive multiple injections.

Who’s a good candidate for PRP treatment?

If you’re still not sure what to expect from PRP therapy, you may want to ask your provider if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Most good candidates are in good health and are seeking relief from pain and inflammation. The procedure is mild, so you won’t need to be as concerned as you would before a surgical procedure.

If you’re looking for treatment for joint pain that doesn’t involve surgery, PRP can be a great option. Many people are considered good candidates for this mild procedure, but it’s still best to discuss the option with your provider to find out which treatments will best suit you.

Learn more about PRP treatment for joint pain

We’re happy to discuss what you can expect from the therapy and whether you’re a good candidate for PRP treatment. You deserve relief from your pain, and this noninvasive, mild procedure might just hold the key.

Make an appointment at Southwest Foot & Ankle. Call our office at 480-900-7399 or schedule a visit online. Reach out today and begin your journey to freedom from joint pain!