Why Do My Hands Cramp Up so Often?
Do you get painful cramps in your hand that make it immobile? Your fingers may curl, and you can’t straighten them out. Learn why your hands can develop cramps and solutions to remedy them.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Its Role in Pain Relief
In 2010, Tiger Woods revealed that he had received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for a knee injury from a Canadian doctor. This information drew intense interest from athletes and the American public. People wondered why doctors couldn't offer it to other patients if it helped Tiger Woods.
Since then, PRP has helped revolutionize orthopedic practice. Dr. Jonathan Shults, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Coastal Empire Orthopedics, uses PRP along with other treatments to relieve musculoskeletal pain. PRP has become an important and even routine procedure to help improve patients’ quality of life.
What is platelet-rich plasma?
Blood platelets are parts of your blood cells that play a role in clotting your blood. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a concentrated mass of your blood platelets.
To gain the mass of platelets, we draw a sample of your blood and mix it in a machine that separates the platelets into their own mass. We then take the mass of platelets and inject it back into you at the site of your pain.
How does PRP help relieve orthopedic pain?
Scientists don't know how PRP works to calm inflammation and pain, but they have theories backed by clinical evidence.
Your platelets have wound-healing properties called growth factors. Doctors first used platelet-rich plasma in surgery to aid wound healing before its widespread use in orthopedic practice. The mass of platelets has anti-inflammatory properties, so PRP helps reduce inflammation, which in turn lessens your pain. Because it's anti-inflammatory, it aids tissue repair.
PRP has become very popular as a treatment for orthopedic pain and faster recovery from injuries. Almost all major league sports team physicians use PRP for player orthopedic injuries, with hamstring injuries being the number one injury for which they use PRP. Teams want players to get back to play as quickly as possible, and PRP shows promise in helping many recover more quickly than with other therapies alone.
The status of PRP research
Research on PRP is still evolving. Preliminary research shows both positive and mixed results for various orthopedic complaints. PRP shows promise for relief of mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis, elbow tendonitis, and other orthopedic injuries. Several studies show that PRP improves patient outcomes for knee osteoarthritis more than hyaluronic acid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or acetaminophen. More research is needed on how the procedure is performed, including the amount of platelets, among other factors.
PRP has many advantages
PRP has many advantages. It's an all-natural treatment using your blood.
PRP is drug-free and noninvasive. Cortisone shots have long been used in orthopedics to calm severe inflammation, but some individuals can't take them. The number of cortisone shots you can take in a year is limited because too many can actually cause tissue damage instead of healing it.
PRP is quick. Whereas physical therapy takes weeks, PRP works instantly, relieving inflammation and pain. Physicians often use PRP together with physical therapy and other treatments to help relieve pain.
Call Coastal Empire Orthopedics or book an appointment online today if you suffer from musculoskeletal pain.
You Might Also Enjoy...
What to Expect With Your Tendinitis Treatment
Is your throwing arm sore again? Perhaps your shoulder is sore from all of the painting work you do. If you’re prone to tendinitis, check out effective treatments here.
How Nerve Repair Can Boost Your Wellbeing
Are you depressed because of chronic pain from nerve damage? You don’t have to live with restricted mobility, pain, or loss of feeling. Modern methods of nerve repair can grant you a new lease on life.
4 Common Signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
You’ve heard carpal tunnel is a painful condition of the hand. You’re experiencing pain in your fingers and thumb. Could it be carpal tunnel syndrome? Check out four common symptoms.
Why You Shouldn't Ignore That Popping Sound in Your Knee
If you ever have knee pain that’s accompanied by a loud pop or crack, it’s important to see an orthopedic specialist. You may have severed a ligament, torn cartilage, or a dislocated kneecap.
4 Compelling Benefits of Regenerative Orthopedics
Do you have painful arthritis or a musculoskeletal injury causing persistent pain? If you’ve tried other treatments that haven’t worked, it’s time to consider regenerative orthopedics.