If you have osteoarthritis, maintaining optimal joint health is naturally a top priority. Innovations in joint care include platelet-rich plasma treatments, which involve injections into affected joints for regenerative therapy purposes. If this procedure has recently come to your attention, you probably have some questions. Here's a closer look at this groundbreaking treatment.

What Arthritis Patients Want to Know About Platelet-Rich Plasma

What is platelet-rich plasma? 

Plasma is the liquid content in blood that mainly consists of water and proteins. Platelet-rich plasma is blood with a higher concentration of platelets, or blood cells that assist with the body’s healing mechanisms, including blood clots. 

To create platelet-rich plasma, blood is taken from one of your veins and placed in a test tube. The tube is put into a centrifuge that spins to separate the plasma, white blood cells, and red blood cells. By separating the platelet-containing plasma from the blood cells, healing proteins called growth factors are released. The plasma is then injected into the affected areas, such as the knees or hips.

How does it benefit joint health?

By activating the platelet’s growth factors and injecting them into joints affected by osteoarthritis, these healing proteins can repair inflamed tissue. The growth factors are also believed to encourage joint tissue regeneration, which slows osteoarthritis progression and reduces related symptoms, including joint pain and range-of-motion issues. It can even delay joint replacement surgery and has shown exceptional promise for individuals with knee osteoarthritis. 

Are the injections safe?

Since the plasma comes from your own body, there's no risk of adverse reactions, which foreign substance injections can't guarantee. There’s also no chance of transmitting assorted diseases. 

Injection site soreness and swelling are normal and typically dissipate within 48 hours of treatment. However, this therapy is not recommended for individuals with blood-related conditions or current infections. Undergoing treatment can cause clotting issues or allow the infection to spread. 

Is there a long recovery time? 

Recovery times are typically short, though they vary in light of the specific treatment. If you're undergoing treatment for knee osteoarthritis, for example, you can resume normal activities 24 hours after receiving the injections. Focus on resting during this period to avoid aggravating the injection site, and follow all recommended recovery guidelines from your doctor. 

If platelet-rich plasma therapy sounds ideal for your joint health, schedule a consultation at Regenerative Joint Clinics in Riverdale, GA. Specializing in noninvasive knee treatments and surgeries, the doctors at this clinic remain committed to helping area residents enjoy pain-free lifestyles. Call (470) 895-0610 today to make an appointment, or learn more about joint health services online.