By Dr. Matthew Kanaan, Wake Nonsurgical Ortho
THE PROBLEM :
We have used steroid injections in medicine for many decades to decrease the pain
of arthritis and inflammation in the soft tissue. However, in most studies we know
that the long term use of steroid injections can atrophy healthy tissue and weaken
muscle and tendons. And in many cases it can make the problem much worse in the
long term.
So why then do we use steroid injections? Simply put, we don’t really have anything
better.
A POSSIBLE SOLUTION?:
More recently Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have gained popularity and are
suggested to be more effective and longer lasting than corticosteroid or visco-
supplementation therapy with NO side effects and NO potential complications.
PRP is obtained by a small blood sample from the patient, and then the same day is
injected into the joint or area of pain.
As of this writing there are several large studies comparing steroid injections to PRP
injections and the majority of the studies do confirm that PRP at worst gives the
same pain relief as steroid, and at best gives much longer lasting relief with NONE of
the risks.
PRP is not currently covered by most insurance plans (except for military
insurance), however it is affordable enough for most patients.
Dr. Kanaan has performed thousands of PRP injections over the last 10 years, and
our treatment process is near painless, and can be completed in about 10 minutes.
Come see us today in person or virtually! Today there are plenty of options to help you treat pain through nonsurgical treatment alternatives.