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PRP Injections

PRP Injections Q & A

In the United States, over 54 million adults live with painful joints due to arthritis. Paul Eliot Hughes, MD, offers advanced treatment options to relieve chronic joint pain resulting from arthritis, other degenerative conditions, and injuries. Dr. Hughes and his experienced staff provide a variety of in-office, nonsurgical options, including PRP injections. You don’t have to suffer from chronic joint pain. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hughes by calling the San Mateo, California, office or by requesting an appointment today.

What are PRP injections?

A platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) injection is a nonsurgical procedure that involves using your own blood platelets to heal damage in your joints and surrounding tissues, including your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.

 

PRP contains growth factors that help repair damaged cells in your joints and accelerates your body’s natural healing abilities. The platelets bond to damaged tissue, improving its health and reducing inflammation that causes you pain.

What can I expect during PRP injections?

The PRP-injection process happens in two phases. During the first phase, Dr. Hughes extracts a blood sample. He places the sample into a machine called a centrifuge that spins the liquid very quickly to separate the blood platelets and plasma fluids from the other components of blood.

 

To ensure injections go into the right area of treatment, Dr. Hughes often uses an ultrasound to help him guide the needle into place.

 

The entire procedure takes about an hour. You might need additional treatments during future appointments to achieve your desired results.

How long until I can see the results of PRP therapy?

It takes time for blood platelets to regenerate and repair the injured tissue. You can expect to experience optimum results of therapy, including relief of pain and inflammation, within three months of treatment.

 

Dr. Hughes can discuss during your initial consultation what to expect after treatment based on the severity of your condition.

Do PRP injections have any risks?

Initially, after treatment, you could experience a mild ache or throbbing in the injection site that lasts for two to three days. You can ease discomfort by using over-the-counter pain relievers.

 

Other risks of treatment are minimal, and since Dr. Hughes uses your own blood platelets, the risk of rejecting the platelets is very small.

Am I a good candidate for PRP injections?

Dr. Hughes can determine if you’re a good candidate for PRP therapy if you’re in good overall health and can tolerate the blood draw and injections. He reviews your health history and discusses your expectations for treatment.

 

During your initial consultation, Dr. Hughes creates a custom treatment plan to address your specific injury or disease. He can order imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, to confirm a diagnosis and determine if PRP-injection therapy is right for you.