A PRP injection uses a concentrated part of your own blood, called platelet-rich plasma, placed into a painful joint or around an irritated tendon. It is used for knee arthritis and for some tendon problems that have lasted months, and the research on it is mixed. This page covers orthopaedic use only.
What is platelet-rich plasma?
Platelets are small blood cells that release growth-related proteins when tissue is injured. For PRP, a small sample of blood is taken from a vein in your arm and spun in a centrifuge so that the platelets collect in a small volume of plasma. That concentrate is the PRP.
Because it is made from your own blood, an allergic reaction to the material is unlikely, though the preparation uses an anticoagulant and sterile equipment. The preparation is not standardised: different systems give different platelet concentrations, so study results are hard to compare.
Where PRP is used
- Knee osteoarthritis. The commonest use, mainly in mild to moderate wear of the joint.
- Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. Considered when pain has lasted for months despite rest and physiotherapy. The condition is described in tennis elbow and golfer's elbow.
- Other tendons. Some centres use it for rotator cuff tendinopathy, patellar tendon pain and Achilles tendon pain. Research for these is thinner.
What the evidence says
For knee osteoarthritis, a number of trials and reviews report less pain and better function for several months after PRP, compared with saline or with other injections, mostly in mild to moderate arthritis. Other trials find little or no difference. The products, the number of injections and the patients studied vary widely, and the certainty of this evidence is low.
For tennis elbow, results are also mixed. Some trials favour PRP over a steroid injection after the first few months, while others find no clear difference from placebo or from physiotherapy alone.
For the rotator cuff and Achilles tendon, the evidence is limited. Studies have not shown that PRP rebuilds worn cartilage or restores a torn tendon to normal. Where a benefit is reported, it is a change in pain and function, not in what the scan shows. The evidence is mixed and guidelines differ. PRP is therefore an option to discuss, not a standard treatment.
Who may be considered for PRP injection treatment
- Adults with mild to moderate knee arthritis who have given exercise, weight management and pain medicines a fair trial and still have troublesome pain.
- People with tendon pain lasting several months despite a supervised physiotherapy programme.
- People who want to try an injection before discussing surgery, once the uncertain evidence has been explained.
Caution is needed with a low platelet count or another blood disorder, blood-thinning medicines, infection near the injection site, and fever or recent illness. Recent anti-inflammatory tablets or steroid injections may affect the result, so the doctor advises on timing. Very advanced arthritis is less likely to respond, and a conversation about knee replacement may be more useful.
What the visit involves
- History and examination, with a review of your X-ray, MRI or ultrasound.
- A discussion of the evidence, what to expect and the risks, followed by your consent.
- A blood sample from your arm.
- Preparation of the PRP during the same visit.
- A single injection into the joint or around the tendon, with ultrasound guidance where the doctor thinks it helps.
- A short rest and instructions about activity.
Dr. Khanna offers PRP at the Athwa Gate OPD, Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Road, where it suits the patient. Bring your scans to the visit.
After the injection and what can go wrong
Soreness or swelling for a few days is usual, and some people notice more pain at first. There can be bruising where the blood was taken. Infection and bleeding are uncommon but possible with any injection. Allergy to your own blood is unlikely, but any injection carries some risk. You will be told how much to rest and which pain medicines to use or avoid.
If a benefit comes, it tends to build over weeks, not days. PRP is given as a single injection, and it is repeated only if needed, after review at follow-up.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if joint or tendon pain has lasted more than a few weeks, or comes with swelling, locking, or pain at night. After any injection, seek medical care the same day for fever, a hot, red or swollen joint, or pain that is getting worse.
How to book
The OPD runs Monday to Saturday, 4 to 6 PM. To book, use WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922 or the clinic and hours page. WhatsApp is for booking only; the joint is examined at the visit. The companion page on the hyaluronic acid knee injection covers the other gel-type injection used for knee arthritis.