Chronic joint pain and inflammation are common medical complaints with multiple root causes. Conditions like arthritis can lead to joint inflammation, while sports or athletic injuries can cause ongoing inflammation.
When it comes to treating these issues, patients have many options. Both corticosteroid injections and PRP therapy can provide relief from chronic pain and inflammation, but which treatment is better? Find out how these two injectable treatments work and how they compare to each other.
Cortisone Injections
Corticosteroid injections contain a steroid called cortisone. Steroids are synthetic compounds that mimic the effects of hormones produced by the body’s adrenal glands. They work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation.
When injected into a specific problem area, cortisone can reduce swelling and inflammation to lower your pain levels. These injections are most often used on painful joints and muscles. They are temporary treatments that must be repeated at regular intervals to provide ongoing relief.
PRP Injections
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma and is a regenerative treatment that uses the patient’s own blood platelets, which are rich in growth factors, to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
To create PRP injections, a small blood sample is taken from your arm and spun down in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. This PRP solution is then injected back into your body into the areas of concern.
Steroids vs. PRP Treatment: Which Is More Effective?
Both cortisone injections and PRP therapy can be used to treat chronic pain, but which treatment is more effective? Each has advantages and disadvantages. The best treatment for you will depend on the exact results you are looking for and how soon you want to see those results.
Corticosteroids are a great option for people who want immediate relief. Steroid injections begin working right away to reduce inflammation and alleviate chronic pain. Steroids provide quick relief, but the effects are short-lived and typically last for a few weeks to a few months.
PRP takes longer to produce results, but the effects can last for several months to a year or more. The growth factors released by the platelets in PRP promote the migration and proliferation of cells involved in tissue regeneration, such as mesenchymal stem cells, which can differentiate into various cell types, including bone, cartilage, and muscle cells. The growth factors also enhance blood flow to the area, which helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, promoting healing and reducing pain.
Steroids can have numerous side effects, including weight gain, mood swings, increased blood sugar levels, and weakened bones. PRP has few side effects since it is made from the patient’s own blood.
In summary, steroids and PRP have different mechanisms of action, duration of effects, and side effects. While both treatments can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation, the choice between them depends on the patient’s specific condition and needs.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine, also known as Stem Cell Therapy in St Petersburg Florida. Regenerative medicine seeks to replace tissue or organs that have been damaged by disease, trauma, or congenital issues.