Administering cortisone injections for immediate pain relief was always the first option for doctors to help patients.
However, PRP injections have proven to be a far superior alternative to cortisone injections. PRP therapy can help relieve pain symptoms.
WHAT ARE PRP INJECTIONS?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), is a compound that doctors extract from the bloodstream through a simple process. They take a blood sample and spin it in a centrifuge. Heavy red blood cells sink to the bottom in response to the rotational motion. Other particles like white blood cells and plasma accumulate. Doctors use aspiration to extract platelet-rich plasma. PRP injections contain plasma that is enriched with growth factors, mesenchymal stem cells, cytokines, and other factors. When placed on the treatment area, it promotes the healing of muscles, tendons and joints.
WHAT ARE CORTISONE INJECTIONS?
Cortisone injections contain corticosteroids and are recommended for tendonitis, joint pain and similar issues. These drugs work to decrease pain and inflammation. By triggering these reactions, they effectively prevent the healing process.
You can continue using the affected muscle, tendon, or joint painlessly as before. As a result, they cannot heal and take more damage if they do not recover from their injuries. It can also inadvertently cause additional wear and tear to surrounding bones, ligaments, and tissues.
Inflammation is the body’s process of healing. Flood the area with stem cells and growth factors to repair damaged tissue. By preventing inflammation, cortisone injections prevent healing. After 3 to 6 months, pain and recognition may worsen.
BENEFITS OF PRP INJECTION
Along with bioactive proteins and other healing agents, PRP injections promote new cell growth and help tissue regeneration. In fact, the PRP injection can also repair old wounds in the muscles and tendons by stimulating the body’s healing responses. New blood vessels form in hardened scar tissue, speeding up repair again. PRP treatment is effective for up to 12 months after administration.
SIDE EFFECTS OF PRP INJECTION
PRP injection treatment is a relatively gentle, low-risk procedure. No synthetic active ingredients are used, so intolerance can be ruled out. Excessive correction is also not possible. Minor side effects such as redness, swelling, and bruising can be experienced after PRP treatment. However, these usually go away on their own soon after treatment. PRP plasma is a natural compound made from blood and is not likely to be rejected by the body.
- Since the treatment is performed in a carefully sterilized state, there is no risk of side effects or infections.
- PRP injection therapy is a long-term treatment. You will see good results in 4-6 months as your body recovers.
- Recovery is so effective that surgery can be avoided completely.
Cortisone injection side effects:
In addition to masking pain and difficulty moving, cortisone injections have other unwanted side effects that you should be aware of.
- High levels of cortisone in the body can lead to Cushing’s syndrome or hypercortisolism.
- A rise in blood sugar level.
- Corticosteroids can form crystals in joints and increase the patient’s pain.
- Infections at the treatment site
- Nerve damage
- Thinning of the skin and soft tissue at the treatment site
- In extreme cases, irreversible and severe damage to bone near the injury site
- When the effects are gone, you may need to look for other options.
Visit Specialty Care Clinics for suitable treatment of your condition. To request an appointment call (469) 545-9983.