Arthritis refers to inflammation and swelling of the joints and includes over 100 different conditions. Two telltale signs of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which can both lead to mobility issues.
Even though there are so many types of arthritis, the most common form by far is osteoarthritis, sometimes called “wear-and-tear” arthritis or degenerative joint disease. When you have osteoarthritis, the protective tissue that covers and lubricates the point where your bones meet at a joint (cartilage) starts to break down. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint.
Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis; however, there are plenty of management strategies available that can provide symptom relief and slow down the progression of the disease. One of those treatments that’s shown to be incredibly valuable in arthritis management plans is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
At Valley Orthopedic Institute in Palmdale and Ridgecrest, California, orthopedic experts Anand Shah, MD, Mehul Taylor, MD, Adam Amir, DO, and the rest of our team understand that arthritis management is important for protecting your health and quality of life.
In this month’s blog, we discuss how PRP therapy works and why you should consider it as a treatment method for your osteoarthritis.
Your blood is made up of liquid plasma and solid cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Each cell type has a specific job. While red blood cells transport oxygen and white blood cells fight off infection, platelets are your body’s super healers. Although they’re the smallest cells, their job is to clot your blood and regenerate cells and tissue when you suffer any bodily harm.
Because platelets have naturally strong healing properties, injecting a high concentration of them into an area that’s damaged or not healing properly can promote stronger tissue and cell generation and more effective healing. And that’s exactly what PRP therapy does.
PRP is an injection of your own blood that’s made by separating the plasma and platelets from the other components in your blood. It’s then injected into an injured or damaged area so a much higher concentration of platelets than what naturally exists in your body — about three to five times more — can be introduced and supplement the healing process.
One of the many benefits of PRP is that it uses substances from your own body, meaning you won’t have to worry about foreign ingredients and their potential side effects.
Because of the platelets’ healing properties, they can do the following when used to treat arthritis:
With reduced inflammation and new cartilage growth, you should experience a reduction in pain and joint stiffness and a significant boost in mobility.
To learn more about PRP therapy or any of our other arthritis management methods, schedule a consultation by calling 661-949-8643 or using our online booking feature today.
