Why PRP Is The Best Knee Injection For Osteoarthritis

In this video, we discuss platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections as a superior alternative to cortisone, hyaluronic acid, and stem cell treatments for knee osteoarthritis. PRP, derived from a patient's own blood, is highly effective in reducing pain and improving function, as supported by numerous studies. Unlike cortisone and stem cell treatments, PRP also shows potential in slowing the progression of arthritis. Despite not being covered by insurance, PRP is endorsed by leading medical organizations for its significant benefits. I recommend PRP injections along with exercise, diet, and weight management for managing knee osteoarthritis.

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► ABOUT ME

Jeffrey Peng MD is a nonoperative orthopedist and sports medicine specialist. He focuses on maximizing non-surgical treatments for sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. He specializes in using orthobiologics and ultrasound guided minimally invasive techniques to treat osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Peng is board certified in sports medicine and family medicine. He completed residency with the Stanford family medicine residency program and completed his sports medicine training with the Stanford primary care sports medicine fellowship in San Jose. He is an active faculty member for both programs and is excited about training the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Peng’s sports medicine clinic is located in Campbell, California.

► Disclaimer

My content reflects my own opinion and does not represent the views or opinions of my employers or hospital systems I am affiliated with. They are meant for educational purposes only. They do not substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

[BuzzBee-etnp]

It’s weird why knee doctors won’t recommend this. I’ve been in pain for years and have seen knee doctors about it but they never recommended it. Is there a web page of doctors who offer it.

[chrismontanaro]

Thanks, doc. Do you recommend periodic PRP treatments as a form of maintenance, in particular for those with injuries, such as torn meniscus, etc.?

[btiger]

I have had 3 prp injections in my right knee over the last few years, I am near 70 once done it takes a few weeks to work, but the doctor says your knee is end stage arthritis( bone on bone), I will have more prp injections as they seem to work, I suppose one day I will probably have to have an operation, time will tell.

[Ian-wneb]

How long does the pain subside after the whole treatment process. Is it safe for ckd patient doc? Oh, you mentioned before in your previous vlog PRP injection is more painful than HLA

[FloraNagy-eeyf]

Are PRP injections effective for seniors? My mom is 75 and is thinking about getting PRP injections in her hips

[johnwhite]

Dr. Jeff, is it possible or even beneficial to have both PRP and GAE together? just wondering

[magda]

My doctor recommended PRP for my knee problems but I was not convinced about it. Now thanks to dr Jeffrey Peng I decided to undergo this kind of treatment.

[marilynjackson]

What about prp for hips with arthritis?

[markbryanrous]

Hi Dr Peng. I had a prp and after 6 weeks i do have hyalauric inj. My question is does the hyalauric inj not intervene in prp healing or does it help the prp its healing process. Thank you!

[kenpirr]

Had a h/a injection and a month later prp injection in both knees....how long do you wait before repeating if you see some benefits?

[millyonair]

Doc, does PRP work for knee OA if it's already bone on bone?

[ilza]

Hi Dr Jeffrey. Any suggestion about how weather affects the body. I have PsA and fibromyalgia

[Ceerix]

I am using now already for year MBST [/Quote]MBST® therapy as a physiotherapy treatment modality is non-invasive and pain free. It is designed to stimulate normal cell function in the affected area to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis and reduce the pain and inflammation associated with the condition, ultimately making activity more comfortable.[/Quote]
.... and it works very very well. Every 3 to 5 year I get a treatment, 9 times x 1 hour per day or 5 days twice treatments per day, morning and afternoon.
My sister got the same treatment and is extremely happy with the result, like me.
I don't know if it's available in the USA because I got my treatments in Germany since 2007.

[carrollvoss]

I'm a 78 year old endurance athlete of Marathons, Ultra Trail runs, long distance road bike, and triathlons. I'm still running 3-4 miles 4 times a week but the OA in my right knee is active and presented some mild pain in the medial side and what seems to be under my patella. My knee orthopedic MD only wants to use Corticosteriod injections. 
my question for you is, after a PRP injection would there be any waiting period of inactivity before resuming running, and cycling?
thank you for providing all the information in your videos, they are enlightning and offer hope for elderly endurance athletes.

[samuelcargin]

Hi Dr. Peng I have had about 5 hyaluronic acid injections which have helped but you say with ultrasound. What does that mean? But also I will now consider PRP injections. Thank you for your information. Andrea.

[bazzaappleton]

Hi Jeff, I live in Greece, and at the beginning when my knees collapsed, I didn't have health insurance being expats from the UK. I went to a private doctor and offered hyaluronic acid injections and cortisone. I couldn't afford to keep these up, then once we got our health insurance sorted, I got my first knee replacement in 2020, and then this June 25th, got the other done. I asked for alternative treatment and offered none. Maybe I was too far gone.

[AarronS]

Excellent video brother. Much appreciated.

[tomgraf]

Thank you for all your knee OA content Dr Peng. They are a great reference for me. I know that you have discussed nerve blocks in the past, but I would be interested to see your position on Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) in the future.

[dalleeftz]

Another great video, like always! Please let us know if PRP will still be successful for those over 60. I'm worried that my platelets might not be enough or they might be poor quality.