Why PRP for Knee Arthritis?
Knee arthritis develops as the cartilage cushioning your joint gradually wears down, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. PRP delivers a concentrated dose of your body's own healing factors directly into the joint, helping calm that inflammation and support the surrounding tissue. It won't regrow lost cartilage, but for the right patient, it can meaningfully reduce symptoms and help delay more involved treatment, including the MISHA Implant or a knee replacement.
What to Expect
PRP tends to work best for early-to-moderate knee arthritis. More advanced or “bone-on-bone” arthritis can still see some relief from PRP, though typically not as much as earlier-stage arthritis. As with any PRP treatment, how much you improve depends heavily on the extent of the arthritis itself. Most patients see gradual improvement over several weeks, and a series of treatments generally outperforms a single injection.
Am I a Candidate?
This may be a good option if:
- You have early-to-moderate knee arthritis
- You want to try a non-surgical option before considering the MISHA Implant or a knee replacement
- Physical therapy or medication alone hasn't fully resolved your symptoms
- You have more advanced arthritis, but aren't ready for or don't want surgery right now
This is likely not the right fit if:
- You have severe, bone-on-bone arthritis and want complete symptom relief
- You've already decided that a knee replacement is the right path for you
Dr. Thon will evaluate your specific case and tell you honestly whether PRP is a good starting point, or whether another option, including the MISHA Implant, is the better path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding PRP
For many patients, PRP is a reasonable earlier step, particularly with mild to moderate arthritis. If PRP does not provide enough relief, or your arthritis is more advanced, the MISHA Implant may be an appropriate next option for selected patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis who want to preserve their natural knee. PRP and MISHA serve different roles in the treatment pathway, and Dr. Thon will help determine which option is more appropriate for you.
Cortisone reduces inflammation but doesn't support tissue health the way PRP is intended to. Some evidence also suggests that repeated cortisone injections too close together can be harmful to joint tissue over time.
It can. PRP is often used specifically for patients whose symptoms haven't fully resolved with physical therapy or medication alone, adding a biologic component those approaches don't provide.
The number of injections depends on your symptoms, the severity of your arthritis, and how you respond to treatment. A series of 2 to 3 treatments, typically spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, may provide better results than a single injection for some patients. Dr. Thon will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual condition rather than using the same schedule for everyone.
Possibly. PRP may be reasonable for some patients who are not ready for knee replacement or who want to explore nonsurgical options first. However, PRP does not reverse advanced arthritis or eliminate the need for replacement when the joint damage is severe. Dr. Thon can help you understand whether PRP is worth considering based on the condition of your knee and where you are in the treatment process.
Get an honest answer about whether PRP is right for your knee arthritis.
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