Had PRP in both my knees. Is swelling getting worse normal?

Question

I am bone on bone and trying to put off knee replacements. Had PRP (first time), at same time as the corizone and synvest shots which had before with no problems. Both knees swelled up like balloons two weeks later---now about to start my 4th week and the swelling gets worse even with Mobic and icing. Hope to see the doctor again but not sure what they can do or why reaction so bad. He mention maybe too much at one time.

Angelo Tellis, MD · Answer

PRP injections can sometimes cause initial swelling in the knees as it can trigger an inflammatory reaction that restarts the healing process.  This normally last 1-2 weeks but sometimes can even last longer.  In more difficult cases, fluid may even need to be drained from the knees if swelling persists. This would usually be a last resort as you would not want to remove healing elements from the knees contained in the fluid.  It is unusual to give all three (PRP, cortisone, and Synvisc) all at once and this perhaps may have contributed to more swelling or reaction from your knees.  Actually, I normally avoid cortisone injections a month before and 3 months after PRP injections as this is an anti-inflammatory treatment.  PRP is felt to work by using your body's inflammatory response to restart the healing process so anti-inflammatory treatments can negate or lessen the effect of PRP.

Jake Wardwell, DO · Answer

Prp should not be injected with steroids and NSAIDs are contraindicated after PRP. This happens all the time in conventional orthopedic practices that pick up PRP as a modality rather than training as a Regenerative medicine specialist. Bone on bone arthritis may not respond to PRP and in some cases stem cell treatments can be more effective when you are not ready to do surgery. Addressing ligament and tendon injuries that exacerbate arthritis can be essential to treating it and can help address some of the pain you are experiencing. Using a good unloading brace can be essential to allow the area to repair and can go a long way towards reducing pain. Bauerfeind is a good company for this type of brace. You should schedule an appointment with a Regenerative Medicine specialist in your area before undergoing any further procedures with your current doctor.

Had PRP in both my knees. Is swelling getting worse normal?

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Had PRP in both my knees. Is swelling getting worse normal?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about PRP Injections

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.