Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis with PRP Injections
Are you suffering from recurrent pain and stiffness caused by hip osteoarthritis? You are not alone. Today, it is a common problem affecting millions of people, mainly women.
As per the Jama Network Report more women (8%) have hip and knee osteoarthritis compared to men (6.7%). This ailment has become a point of serious concern for many people, and they are looking for quick pain relief methods.
Wait! Are you one of those people looking for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis? Then, you are at the right place.
While hip osteoarthritis has no cure, there are many ways to manage its symptoms. Among them, the currently popular is PRP injections. Now does PRP provide relief from hip osteoarthritis pain?
Let’s determine together!
Understanding Hip Osteoarthritis
Before digging straight into PRP therapy, let’s first understand hip osteoarthritis.
Hip osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disorder. It happens when cartilage, which is the protective layer of the joint, starts wearing off over time. This wear and tear leads to joint degradation, causing hip pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility in the joints.
Can you Treat Hip Osteoarthritis with PRP Injections?
PRP is not the complete cure for hip osteoarthritis, but it can manage its symptoms. As stated by the National Institute of Health, PRP can reduce pain and improve movement in people with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis, and its effect can last for up to 6 months.
What are PRP Injections?
Many people widely recognize platelet-rich plasma injection for its minimally invasive and nonsurgical characteristics.
It is a solution of blood plasma with a higher concentration of platelets. These platelets are rich in growth factors that promote damaged tissue healing and regeneration. The recovery leads to a reduction in pain stiffness and improves mobility in the particular joint.
Mechanism of Action
PRP injection for hip osteoarthritis supplies growth factors to the target area. The growth factor activates various cellular processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis, and collagen synthesis.
PRP can also attract stem cells and others to the injury site. These cells help generate new healthy cells and replace the damaged ones.
Also read, Does physical therapy help osteoarthritis of the knee?
Preparation for PRP Treatment
If you are thinking about getting PRP therapy, there are some steps you should do before the process.
1. Patient Evaluation
Before undergoing therapy, you should undergo a thorough physical examination from a qualified medical professional. They will evaluate your condition, objectives, and treatment expectations.
The doctor will discuss the pros, and cons, and of PRP therapy for hip osteoarthritis and answer your questions. They will also ask for blood to check your platelet count, blood clotting factors, and other traits.
2. Medical History and Contraindications
You must disclose your medical history to your provider. It includes addressing any drugs, supplements, chronic diseases you are using and allergies you have. Some risk factors that may influence your eligibility for PRP therapy include,
- Anemia, hemophilia, and thrombocytopenia.
- Infections like hepatitis and HIV
- Cancer and particularly cancer of the blood or bones.
- Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Smoking or alcohol use
3. Informed Consent
After completing the medical evaluation, you need to sign a permission document. It is a process of acquiring your consent to undergo PRP therapy. The document assures you know the treatment’s benefits, risks, alternatives, and expectations.
4. Pre-Operative Care for Hip Osteoarthritis
Doctors advise stopping steroids, anticoagulants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs before PRP treatment. They also recommend staying hydrated and eating a nutritious diet.
Advantages and Limitations: Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis with PRP Injections
PRP injections provide several benefits over other treatments, which include,
- Using a patient’s own blood reduces the risk of infection or allergic reaction.
- Being minimally invasive, it requires only a little blood collection and a simple injection procedure.
- It is used for various ailments and tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, skin, and hair.
Apart from these advantage, it does have some limitations that you must consider as well,
- Firstly, no specific evidence shows PRP therapy is effective for hip osteoarthritis.
- PRP injections are costly, and most insurance doesn’t cover the cost.
PRP therapy might cause side effects such as bruising, infection, pain, swelling, or allergic reactions. Generally, these effects are mild but can be severe in rare cases.
The PRP Injection Procedure for Hip Osteoarthritis
Platelet-rich plasma injections are outpatient treatments that usually take 45 to 90 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide for treatment of hip osteoarthritis with PRP Injections
1. Step-by-Step Process
- Blood Draw: In the first step, doctors draw blood from the veins of a patient’s arm in a container.
- Preparation: The centrifuge machine then separates the platelets from the blood.
Injection: A skilled professional injects the injection into the affected joints. The doctor may use imaging technologies such as ultrasound for precision.
2. Pain Management
PRP injections help with hip osteoarthritis by reducing pain and promoting healing. They manage symptoms of hip osteoarthritis.
However, in some cases, patients may feel discomfort following the operation. At that moment, a cold compress can help relieve pain.
3. Recovery Time
Recovery time for PRP therapy varies based on the treated area and the seriousness of the underlying condition. Typically, it takes around four to six weeks to get better. After the period ends, doctors recommend physical therapy sessions to help in long-term healing.
How SNS Can Help You Manage Osteoarthritis in the Hip?
Are you searching for effective and safe ways to manage hip osteoarthritis symptoms?
You may contact SNS rheumatology! We provide the best-tailored treatment for hip osteoarthritis based on your body’s requirements. So please book an appointment and benefit from our services now.
To Sum Up
PRP can help manage symptoms of hip osteoarthritis but doesn’t completely cure it. If you are suffering from mild to moderate pain and reduced mobility, then PRP can be a good option for you.
But if your osteoarthritis has progressed, then RPR won’t provide relief. At that moment, opting for joint replacement surgery is best.
Remember, before opting for any specific treatment for osteoarthritis, you should visit your physician first. So he may assess your symptoms and guide you to the best-suited treatment.
Meet Dr. Qaisar Usmani, a Board Certified Rheumatologist with over 20 years of experience in the field, currently serving as Section Chief at Monmouth Medical Center and GPHA, Inc. in Pennsylvania, specializing in the treatment of various Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal diseases.
Meet Dr. Sadia Ghafoor, a board certified specialist in rheumatology who completed her medical training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry School of Osteopathic Medicine and her fellowship in rheumatology at the State University of New York Stony Brook campus, with additional board certification in internal medicine.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Don’t miss our future updates!
Get Subscribed Today!
