Knee osteoarthritis can cause extreme pain, swelling, and limited mobility. It is important to seek treatment for osteoarthritis early to slow and mitigate damage to the cartilage. Surgery should be the last resort to deal with knee osteoarthritis, since several nonsurgical treatments are often effective.

Medications

Several medications have been approved to treat osteoarthritis pain. These medications are primarily anti-inflammatory in nature, although some medications have been found to slow the degenerative process affecting the cartilage. Injections can also be administered at the site of the arthritis. These  include cortisone and lubricating treatments that increase mobility.

PRP Platelet Therapy

PRP stands for platelet rich plasma, and it is a fairly new treatment in the management of knee osteoarthritis. Blood is drawn, then placed into special centrifuge equipment. This machine separates the platelets from the blood and concentrates them, suspending them in either plasma or blood. Because the blood,  platelets, and plasma suspension are all from your own body, there are few risks associated with this procedure.

The concentrated platelets are then injected into the affected area of the knee. PRP helps to reduce inflammation in the area, while promoting healing. The platelets signal stem cells to the area, creating an environment that can decrease or slow the degeneration of the cartilage and joint. This improved, healthier environment offers some pain relief as well as increased mobility.

If you have been suffering from knee osteoarthritis and have not found treatments that will reduce your inflammation and pain, contact our office today to set up a consultation to which options may work best for you.