Knee osteoarthritis is a disease caused by the erosion of the cartilage in the knee joint, which makes the joint surface uneven and reduces synovial fluid. This leads to friction between the joints, causing clicking sounds in the knee, pain, and difficulty with movement, thus limiting daily activities. In chronic cases, the knee joint may become swollen, inflamed, and filled with fluid. It can also lead to joint deformity or stiffness, making it impossible to straighten or bend the leg.

Causes include increasing age, obesity, being overweight, or previous knee injuries.

Early-Stage Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis

1. Lifestyle modifications, achieving a healthy weight, taking medication, or undergoing physical therapy.
2. If symptoms do not improve with the above treatments, injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid into the knee joint are another treatment option. This can help reduce pain and alleviate symptoms of knee osteoarthritis without surgery, shorten the recovery period, save costs, and improve the patient's quality of life.

Knee injections must be performed only by a specialized physician with expertise and experience in the procedure to achieve the best treatment results.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection is an alternative medicine used to treat symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Platelets contain various growth factors, proteins, and cells that help repair and regenerate degenerated joints. It also helps reduce inflammation and alleviate joint pain.

PRP injection is a highly effective and safe treatment because it uses the patient's own blood. It is suitable for patients with early to moderate-stage knee osteoarthritis. Typically, injections are given once a week for 2-3 consecutive weeks. The results can last from 6 months to 2 years, and the injections can be repeated.

In addition, PRP can also be used for pain and inflammation of the shoulder tendons, lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow), sports injuries, and for repairing tendons or joints in other areas.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) + Artificial Joint Fluid Injection

This involves the injection of **Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)** combined with **Artificial Joint Fluid (Hyaluronic Acid; HA)**. Hyaluronic acid is a substance manufactured to mimic the properties of natural joint fluid, acting as a lubricant and shock absorber, similar to a shock absorber for the knee cartilage.

Knee injection with PRP + HA is a combination of PRP's properties, which help to repair and regenerate damaged joints, reduce pain and inflammation, while HA compensates for the decreased joint fluid due to knee osteoarthritis. This allows the knee joint to function better and also helps prolong the treatment results. The doctor will schedule injections once a month.

Side Effects

Some individuals may experience pain, swelling, and inflammation after the injection, which usually resolves on its own within 3 days.

Self-Care After Knee Injection

Avoid exercise and refrain from heavy or strenuous activities for **3–5 days** or until the pain subsides. You can use a **cold compress** to help reduce pain and swelling.

Why is PRP Effective?

• Blood collection from the patient uses a tube specifically designed for PRP preparation, ensuring **high-quality PRP**.
• The blood collection tube contains a **Separator Gel** that helps isolate platelets from red and white blood cells (which cause inflammation), resulting in high-quality, high-concentration platelets.
• The PRP separation process uses a **sterile technique**, and all steps in PRP preparation are a **closed system**, ensuring it is free from contaminants.
• A **dedicated centrifuge** for PRP is used, which controls the appropriate rotation speed and tube angle, resulting in PRP with a high percentage of platelets.
• There are injection options for both **PRP only** and **PRP + HA** to suit each patient, with recommendations provided by a specialized doctor.

Reserve This Package

Notes

• This is the price for **outpatients**.
• Injection for **1 knee side, 1 time**.
• The price **does not include** doctor's fees, service fees, or take-home medication.
• Prices are valid from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
• The hospital reserves the right to change prices without prior notice.

For More Information

• Orthopedics and Joint Center, G Floor, Building 1, Tel. 043 002 002 ext. 1400
• Health Information Service Center, ext. 1905