Platelet-Rich Plasma vs. Cortisone Injections: Which is Better for Joint Pain?

If you’re one of the more than 54 million people in the United States who suffer from arthritis, you know how painful your joints can become.

As you seek to decrease your pain, you’ll eventually move past over-the-counter pain relievers and ask your doctor for stronger solutions.

Two of the most common treatments recommended to relieve joint pain are platelet-rich plasma and cortisone injections. So, the question is: Which treatment is better?

At Carolina Joint and Arthritis in Wilmington, North Carolina, we believe the answer to that question depends on your definition of “better.” Here’s what we mean.

What is PRP therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma injections are a type of regenerative medicine; it uses your body’s own natural healing powers to restore and rebuild damaged tissues. Your blood contains platelets, which are packed with growth factors that accelerate the natural healing process in your injured joint.

With PRP therapy, Dr. Austin Yeargan or a member of our team draws a sample of your blood, spins it in a centrifuge to extract a dense concentration of platelets, and then injects it into your joint after adding TSG-6 proteins that help fight inflammation and support healthy cells. The goal is to relieve your pain by reducing inflammation and stimulating the production of new cells.

We also usually recommend a tailored physical therapy protocol to speed your recovery.

What are cortisone shots?

A cortisone shot also treats pain and inflammation in your joints, but in a different manner. Cortisone is a corticosteroid, a synthetic (man-made) version of cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone in your body. 

A cortisone shot will reduce the pain and inflammation in your joints as well as fight against other unwanted immune reactions in your body.

Which one is better for you?

Here’s the big question. Both treatments have been widely used, both involve injections into the painful joint, and both relieve pain. The best treatment for you will depend on your individual situation. Here are a few pros and cons of each.

PRP injections

Pros:

• In addition to relieving pain, PRP rebuilds damaged cartilage and tissue
• Platelets come from your own body, minimizing an adverse immune response

Cons: 

• Can take several months to experience significant pain relief
• More expensive than cortisone shots. Check to see if your insurance will cover them.

Cortisone shots

Pros:

• Pain relief is immediate, allowing you to function more normally.
• Less expensive than PRP; it’s more likely insurance will cover them.

Cons:

• Can give pain relief, but will not heal damaged tissue. Pain will return in a few months.
• Can cause tissue deterioration, so you can only have a certain number of shots per year.

Both treatments are safe and effective in managing your pain. If you’d like to find out more about your options, Dr. Yeargan is a pioneer in the field of regenerative medicine and will be happy to evaluate you. Just call our office for an appointment,  or book your own appointment online.