Knee Osteoarthritis: Treatment with PRP and Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition caused by the gradual wearing away of the protective cartilage that covers the knee joint. This leads to a rough joint surface and a reduction in natural lubricating fluid (synovial fluid). As the bones rub against each other, it causes pain, clicking sounds, stiffness, and difficulty in performing daily activities. If left untreated, chronic inflammation, joint swelling, and physical deformities can occur, leading to a permanent loss of joint mobility.
Common Causes: Aging, obesity/overweight, and previous knee injuries.
Treatment for Early-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis
- Lifestyle modification, weight management, oral medication, or physical therapy.
- If the above methods are ineffective, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections offer an effective non-surgical alternative. These treatments reduce pain, slow down the progression of the disease, and require no downtime, significantly improving the patient's quality of life.
*Knee injections must be performed by specialized orthopedic surgeons with extensive experience to ensure safety and optimal results.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an innovative treatment that utilizes the patient's own blood. Platelets contain high concentrations of Growth Factors and proteins that help repair damaged tissues, stimulate joint regeneration, and reduce inflammation and pain.
PRP is a highly safe procedure because it uses the patient’s biological material, eliminating the risk of allergic reactions. It is ideal for patients with early to moderate-stage knee OA. Typically, injections are administered once a week for 2-3 consecutive weeks. Results can last from 6 months up to 2 years, and the treatment can be repeated as needed.
In addition to knee OA, PRP is effective for treating shoulder tendonitis, Tennis Elbow, sports injuries, and repairing ligaments or joints in various areas.
Combined Therapy: PRP + Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
This combined therapy pairs PRP with Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA mimics the natural lubricating fluid found in healthy joints, acting as a lubricant and a "shock absorber" for the knee cartilage.
The PRP + HA combination provides a dual benefit: PRP regenerates and heals, while HA compensates for lost joint fluid. This synergy restores joint function, reduces pain more effectively, and extends the longevity of the treatment. For this combined approach, physicians typically schedule injections once a month.
Side Effects
Some patients may experience mild pain or swelling at the injection site, which typically resolves on its own within 3 days.
Post-Injection Care
Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for 3-5 days. A cold compress can be applied to reduce pain and swelling during the first few days.
Why Choose PRP at Khon Kaen Ram Hospital?
- Specialized Tubes: We use high-quality, clinical-grade tubes specifically designed for PRP preparation.
- Separator Gel Technology: Our tubes feature a Separator Gel that effectively isolates platelets from red and white blood cells (which cause inflammation), ensuring a high concentration of pure platelets.
- Sterile Closed System: The entire process is handled using sterile techniques within a closed system to prevent any contamination.
- Optimized Centrifugation: We use specialized centrifuges that precisely control speed and tilt angles to maximize the concentration of high-potency platelets.
- Personalized Treatment: We offer both PRP and PRP+HA options, with consultations provided by orthopedic specialists to determine the best plan for each patient.
