Knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a degenerative disease and is often referred to as "wear and tear" of a joint as you get older.
Osteoarthritis is painful as joints become stiff and inflamed when the smooth cartilage lining the joints gets damaged. Without the protection of cartilage, the rough surfaces of your bones rub together as you move causing the pain that is all too common for sufferers. Simple, everyday things, like going for a walk or even getting dressed become difficult.
There’s no cure for osteoarthritis and it does get worse with time. However, joints can be replaced successfully, improving mobility and reducing pain.
The damaged joint can be replaced with an artificial one, called a prosthesis – it can be made from a combination of metal or plastic. This is a common procedure to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis and is a long-term solution for a worn-out joint.
Knee Osteoarthritis and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet Rich Plasma therapy can be used to treat mild to moderate arthritis of the knee.
Blood from the vein is taken and spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma rich in platelets. This is then injected into the knee. The platelets act as a catalyst to help repair the body’s own cells and reduce inflammation. Your consultant will generally recommend a course of 3 injections, one week apart. This can be completed as an outpatient appointment, which therefore means it is a quick and efficient procedure and could result in a decreased risk of surgery.
Data has shown the effects of PRP therapy can last for up to two years in some cases. It should be noted that it is best combined with a rehabilitation programme and lifestyle changes to get the best benefit.