Platelet-rich plasma, often called PRP, is a treatment that has been getting a lot of attention for helping people with joint pain, especially in the knee. Many people who have tried other treatments without much success are now looking into PRP as a possible solution. The idea behind PRP is simple but powerful. Doctors take a small amount of your own blood, spin it in a machine to separate out the platelets, and then inject those concentrated platelets back into the painful joint. Platelets are special cells in your blood that help with healing, and by putting more of them into the joint, the hope is that they will help repair damaged tissue and reduce pain [1].
When it comes to knee osteoarthritis, which is a very common cause of joint pain, several studies have shown that PRP injections can make a real difference. One study looked at 140 people who had knee osteoarthritis and received PRP injections. After six months, the people in the study reported much less pain and better function in their knees. Pain was measured using a scale called the Visual Analog Scale, and function was measured using the WOMAC index, which is a standard way to check how well a knee is working. The average pain score dropped from 66.5 to 24, and the WOMAC score improved from 29 to 12. These changes are considered significant, meaning they are not just small improvements but real changes that people can feel in their daily lives [1].
Another study found similar results. People who got PRP injections for knee osteoarthritis had less pain and better knee function after six months. The study also looked at what factors might make PRP work better for some people than others. It turned out that the number of injections mattered. People who got more injections tended to have better pain relief. The study also found that how long someone had been dealing with knee osteoarthritis and their body mass index (BMI) could affect how well their knee function improved. This means that PRP might work better for people who have had knee problems for a shorter time and who are not overweight [1].
There is also evidence that PRP can help with other types of joint pain, not just osteoarthritis. For example, some studies have looked at PRP for people who have had surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. These studies found that PRP can help reduce pain and improve knee stability in the short term, especially in the first six months after surgery. However, the benefits did not last as long. After 12 or 24 months, there was no significant difference in pain or function between people who got PRP and those who did not. This suggests that PRP might be most helpful in the early stages of recovery, but it may not provide long-term benefits for everyone [2].
The way PRP is given can also make a difference. Some studies have compared giving one injection to giving three or five injections. The results show that people who got three or five injections had better pain relief and less stiffness than those who only got one injection. This is important because it means that the treatment plan matters. Getting more injections might lead to better results, but it also means more visits to the doctor and more time and money spent on treatment [3].
PRP is not a magic cure, and it does not work for everyone. Some people do not see much improvement, and others might have only short-term relief. The studies show that PRP is generally safe, with only a few mild side effects reported. Most people do not have serious problems from the injections, but as with any medical treatment, there is always a small risk of infection or other complications [1].
The severity of the joint problem also plays a role in how well PRP works. For people with early-stage osteoarthritis, PRP seems to be more effective. Those with more advanced disease may not see as much benefit. This is important for doctors and patients to know when deciding whether to try PRP. It might be a good option for people who are just starting to have joint pain, but it might not be as helpful for those with severe damage [3].
PRP works by delivering concentrated growth factors to the joint. These growth factors are substances that help the body heal itself. They can reduce inflammation, which is a big part of what causes joint pain, and they can also help repair damaged tissue. This is why PRP is being studied for many different types of musculoskeletal pain, not just in the knee but in other joints as well [5].
There are still many questions about PRP that need to be answered. For example, there is no standard way to prepare PRP, and different clinics might use different methods. Some studies have found that the way PRP is made and how it is injected can affect how well it works. This means that more research is needed to figure out the best way to use PRP for joint pain [2].
In addition to pain relief, PRP can also help with other symptoms of joint problems. People who get PRP injections often report that their range of motion improves, they have less stiffness, and they need fewer painkillers. This can make a big difference in quality of life, especially for people who have been dealing with joint pain for a long time [3].
PRP is not the only treatment for joint pain, and it is not always the best choice. Other treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and surgery, might be needed depending on the situation. But for many people, PRP offers a safe and effective way to reduce pain and improve function without the risks of surgery or the side effects of strong medications [1].
The bottom line is that PRP injections can help with joint pain, especially in the knee, for many people. The evidence shows that PRP can reduce pain and improve function, and it is generally safe. The number of injections, the stage of the joint disease, and other factors can affect how well PRP works. More research is needed to fully understand all the benefits and risks, but for now, PRP is a promising option for people looking for relief from joint pain [1,2,3,4,5].
Sources
[1] Sun, Xiang, Yang, Peng and He. Platelet-rich plasma improves pain and function in knee osteoarthritis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41234700/
[2] Jun Qiao, Ying Zhang. The effect of platelet-rich plasma on clinical outcomes within two. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12636180/
[3] Retrospective Study of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Uses in Knee. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12629773/
[4] Platelet-rich plasma improves pain and function in knee osteoarthritis. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2025.1678037/full
[5] Biological Activity Regulatory Mechanisms and Clinical Translation. https://www.dovepress.com/biological-mechanisms-and-clinical-ch
