PRP injections involve drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the knee. This treatment aims to promote healing and reduce inflammation in conditions such as tendinopathy, mild osteoarthritis, and ligament injuries.
Mild discomfort may be felt during the injection. Some patients experience temporary pain or swelling at the injection site.
PRP injections are effective for reducing pain and promoting healing, particularly when used alongside other treatments like physiotherapy. The effects vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment.
Yes, like any medical procedure, PRP injections for knee pain can come with potential side effects, though they are generally mild and short-lived. Because PRP is made from your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission is extremely low. The most common side effects are related to the injection process itself. These may include mild pain, swelling, warmth, or stiffness at the injection site, particularly within the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. This is usually part of the body’s natural inflammatory response and often settles without treatment. Some patients may experience temporary discomfort that feels similar to a flare-up of their usual knee pain. This typically resolves within a few days. Using paracetamol and applying ice packs can help manage any post-injection discomfort, but anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided unless advised by your doctor, as they may interfere with the regenerative effects of PRP. In rare cases, more significant complications like infection, nerve injury, or prolonged joint irritation could occur, but these are uncommon, especially when the procedure is performed in a sterile clinical environment. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the risks with you and ensure the treatment is appropriate for your condition and overall health.
Yes, there are a few important restrictions and precautions to follow after receiving a PRP injection for knee pain. Immediately after the injection, patients are generally advised to avoid high-impact or strenuous activities for a few days. This means no running, jumping, or heavy lifting during the initial recovery period. Gentle walking and light daily movements are usually fine, but it’s important to listen to your body and avoid anything that increases discomfort in the knee. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen should be avoided for at least a week after the injection, as they may interfere with the healing process that PRP is meant to promote. Paracetamol is typically safe to use for mild pain relief if needed. Ice may be used for comfort in the first 24 hours, but prolonged use is not usually necessary. Your doctor may recommend avoiding prolonged standing or weight-bearing activities for a couple of days, and physiotherapy or guided exercises may be introduced gradually. The overall goal is to allow the injected growth factors to work effectively within the joint, without disruption. Always follow your specialist’s post-procedure instructions, as they may tailor the advice based on your specific knee condition and recovery goals.
PRP injections have shown promise in helping some people manage knee pain and potentially delay or avoid the need for surgery—especially in cases of early to moderate osteoarthritis or tendon-related knee issues. By using a concentrated portion of your own blood, PRP aims to stimulate the body's natural healing response, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function over time. For many patients, this can result in reduced pain and improved mobility, which may make surgery unnecessary in the short to medium term. However, it’s important to understand that PRP is not a cure, and its effects vary from person to person. While some individuals experience significant relief that allows them to postpone or even avoid joint replacement or arthroscopy, others may find only temporary or limited benefit. The success of PRP often depends on factors like age, overall joint health, severity of arthritis, and activity level. PRP is typically considered a part of a broader non-surgical treatment plan, often used alongside physiotherapy, weight management, and activity modification. For some, it can be an effective step before considering more invasive procedures. Ultimately, whether PRP helps you avoid surgery will depend on your specific condition and how your knee responds to treatment.
The duration of relief from PRP injections for knee pain can vary quite a bit between individuals. In many cases, patients experience symptom relief lasting from six months to a year, especially when the treatment is done for mild to moderate osteoarthritis or chronic knee inflammation. Some people report benefits lasting even longer, while others may find the improvement more modest or short-lived. Several factors influence how long the effects of PRP last, including the severity of the knee condition, overall joint health, activity level, and whether the treatment is supported by lifestyle changes such as physiotherapy, weight management, and joint-friendly exercise. For people with earlier-stage knee degeneration, PRP often provides longer-lasting benefit compared to those with more advanced arthritis, where joint damage is more severe. In situations where the response to PRP is positive but temporary, repeat injections may be considered after several months, but only if there’s a clear benefit. PRP is not intended to be repeated on a strict schedule unless it continues to provide meaningful symptom relief. Your orthopaedic specialist will monitor your progress and guide the decision on whether future treatments are appropriate or if other options should be explored.
The number of PRP injections you can have for knee pain varies depending on the individual’s condition, response to treatment, and the guidance of the treating specialist. In many cases, patients receive one to three injections spaced a few weeks apart. This is particularly common in people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis or chronic knee pain not responding to other conservative measures. Some patients experience significant relief after just one injection, while others may need a series to notice improvement. It’s important to note that PRP is considered a biological treatment aiming to stimulate healing rather than just mask symptoms. Because of this, the effects might take several weeks to become noticeable, and further injections are often based on how well the knee responds over time. There is currently no strict upper limit to how many PRP injections a person can receive, but repeated treatments are typically spaced out over time and only recommended if they continue to offer benefit. It’s always essential to consult with your orthopaedic surgeon to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Repeating injections without proper assessment may not be useful and could delay consideration of other effective treatment options if PRP is not helping.
The number of PRP injections you’ll need for knee pain depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition, your overall health, and how well you respond to the initial treatment. For many patients with early to moderate knee osteoarthritis or persistent knee pain, a typical course involves one to three injections spaced a few weeks apart. Some people feel noticeable improvement after just a single injection, while others may require a series to achieve meaningful relief. The goal of PRP therapy is to promote healing by using your body’s own platelets, which release growth factors that support tissue repair. This process can take time, and the effects may not be immediate. If the first injection leads to a good response, your specialist might suggest holding off on further treatment unless symptoms return. In cases where the improvement is limited or temporary, follow-up injections may be recommended to build on the initial benefit. There’s no fixed rule for how many injections are allowed, but the decision should always be guided by your orthopaedic surgeon based on clinical results, not routine scheduling. Overusing PRP without clear benefit isn’t advised, as it could delay consideration of other evidence-based treatment options if needed.
Results from PRP injections for knee pain typically don’t appear immediately. Most patients start to notice some improvement within two to six weeks after the injection, although this can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the knee condition being treated. Some people report a gradual reduction in pain and stiffness, along with improved joint function, within the first month. For others, the response may be slower and more subtle, particularly in cases of more advanced osteoarthritis. It’s important to understand that PRP works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes rather than providing instant relief. Because of this, the effects are generally cumulative and may continue to develop over several weeks. If the knee responds well, patients might find that their symptoms continue to improve for two to three months after the injection. In some cases, more than one injection may be needed to achieve optimal results. Your doctor will assess your progress and may recommend follow-up treatment based on how you respond. It’s also common to combine PRP therapy with physiotherapy or activity modification to support the healing process and enhance long-term outcomes. Always speak with your orthopaedic specialist if you’re unsure about what to expect in your recovery timeline.
Most people can resume light daily activities within a day or two after a PRP injection for knee pain, but it's important to ease back into your routine gradually. While walking around the house or doing basic tasks is usually fine shortly after the procedure, anything that puts additional strain on the knee—like jogging, squatting, or lifting heavy objects—should be avoided for at least several days. Typically, doctors recommend resting the knee for 48 to 72 hours post-injection, allowing the PRP to begin its healing process within the joint. During this time, you may experience mild swelling or discomfort, which usually settles without needing strong pain relief. Paracetamol can be taken if necessary, but anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided as they may interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness. Most patients can start low-impact exercises like stationary cycling or swimming after about a week, with more intense physical activity being phased in over the next two to four weeks—depending on individual recovery and how the knee responds. Your orthopaedic specialist may also recommend a physiotherapy program to support recovery. Overall, the return to full normal activity is often guided by symptoms, not just a strict timeline. Always check with your doctor before resuming sport or intense exercise.