Joint pain can disrupt your daily routine and limit mobility, causing many to look to injection therapies for relief. To address these symptoms, many doctors recommend Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and cortisone injections as two of the most widely used options for joint pain. Here’s a closer look at how each one works and what effects they have over time.
What Are PRP and Cortisone Injections?
PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting them into the affected joint. These platelets release growth factors that support tissue healing and may help repair damaged cartilage and tendons, especially for patients with conditions like osteoarthritis.
In contrast, cortisone injections use a synthetic steroid to quickly reduce inflammation and pain in the joint, tendon, or bursa. Doctors deliver this medication directly to the affected area, often providing rapid relief from swelling and discomfort.
What Are the Short-Term Effects of Each Treatment?
After a PRP injection, patients typically experience mild pain, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site for a few days. The pain usually improves noticeably after several weeks, as the healing process kicks in.
Cortisone injections, on the other hand, can bring relief within days, but patients often experience immediate and temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site. Other short-term effects may include facial flushing, elevated blood sugar (especially in people with diabetes), and difficulty sleeping for a day or two.
What Are the Long-Term Effects and Risks?
PRP helps promote long-term healing by stimulating tissue repair. The benefits of this treatment can last for six months to several years, with sustained improvements in pain and joint function for many patients with osteoarthritis. The negative side effects are generally minimal, but as with any injection, the treatment carries a small risk of infection or local irritation.
While cortisone provides fast relief, repeated or high-dose use can lead to tendon weakening or rupture, cartilage damage, skin thinning, and, in rare cases, accelerated joint degeneration or osteoporosis. To counter these risks, physicians typically limit the number and frequency of cortisone injections in a given joint.
When Is PRP the Best Choice?
Doctors often recommend PRP treatment in the following cases:
- Chronic joint pain, especially mild to moderate osteoarthritis
- Patients seeking to support natural healing and tissue regeneration
- Those who want to avoid frequent steroid use and its long-term side effects
When Is Cortisone the Better Option?
Cortisone injections generally help more in the following cases:
- Acute flare-ups of joint pain or inflammation
- Rapid relief from severe or disabling pain
- Patients who may not take PRP well due to certain medical conditions or preferences
What Should You Expect During and After Your Injection Visit?
Before either form of injection, your physician will review your medical history, answer your questions, and explain each step. Then, once you decide to move forward with the procedure, the doctor will clean the injection area and numb it to minimize any discomfort.
After your visit, your doctor may advise you to rest the treated joint for a day or two. Follow their instructions about activities, pain management, and any follow-up care.
How Do Physicians Decide Which Treatment Is Right for You?
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, our physicians take a personalized approach to your pain by assessing the severity and type of your joint problem, your overall health, and your treatment goals.
Some patients need the immediate symptom relief that comes with cortisone shots; others require the long-term healing associated with PRP. Our team at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine uses advanced imaging and non-surgical techniques to ensure precise, safe, and effective treatments, while making sure to discuss the risks and benefits of each option with you.
Find the Right Care for Your Joint Pain at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine
Whether PRP or cortisone injections are right for you depends on several factors. Make this important decision with the guidance from a knowledgeable medical team. Our physicians at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine serve patients across Long Island from our offices in East Meadow, Great Neck, Lawrence, Huntington, and Lindenhurst. Get in touch with us online to schedule your appointment, and get back on your feet today.