shutterstock_644311672.jpegA study shows that PRP shots provide better and longer-lasting pain relief and improved function compared to cortisone (steroid) injections.

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Let's examine how PRP and steroid injections compare for treating basilar thumb arthritis and tennis elbow.

Understanding PRP and Steroid Injections

What Are Steroid Injections?

Steroid injections contain corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory medications that reduce swelling and pain quickly. For conditions like tennis elbow or thumb arthritis, these injections suppress inflammation around joints and tendons.

The procedure uses ultrasound guidance to inject corticosteroids into the problem area with precision. Most patients feel relief within 24-48 hours, making steroid injections a popular option for quick symptom management.

What Is PRP Treatment?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses your body’s natural healing abilities. A small amount of your blood is drawn, processed to concentrate platelets, and injected into the injured area.

PRP contains growth factors that encourage tissue repair and regeneration. Unlike steroids, PRP targets the underlying cause of pain, promoting long-term healing rather than just masking symptoms.

PRP vs Steroid Injection: Effectiveness Comparison

Short-Term Pain Relief

Steroid injections often deliver faster pain relief than PRP, with noticeable improvement in days for conditions like tennis elbow or thumb arthritis. PRP takes longer, with results typically appearing 2-6 weeks after treatment, as it focuses on tissue repair.

Long-Term Outcomes

PRP may provide better long-term benefits. Steroid effects generally last 3-6 months, requiring repeat injections. PRP offers longer-lasting relief, with improvements often lasting 12-24 months by addressing tissue damage and preventing recurring symptoms.

Success Rates by Condition

For tennis elbow:

  • Steroid injections provide rapid relief for 70-80% of patients.
  • PRP shows sustained improvement in 60-85% of patients after 12 months.

For thumb arthritis:

  • Steroids offer temporary relief for most patients.
  • PRP shows promise for long-term pain reduction and joint preservation.

Advantages and Limitations

Steroid Injection Benefits

Steroid injections provide several advantages:

  • Rapid relief: Significant improvement within 24-48 hours, ideal for acute pain.
  • Proven reliability: Decades of clinical use with predictable results.
  • Cost-effective: Cheaper than PRP and often covered by insurance.
  • Convenient: Requires no special preparation and is done during a standard office visit.

Steroid Injection Limitations

However, steroids have drawbacks:

  • Temporary effects: Relief lasts 3-6 months and often requires repeat treatments.
  • Possible side effects: Repeated use may weaken tendons, damage cartilage, or cause tissue atrophy.
  • No healing: Steroids manage symptoms but don’t repair tissue.
  • Diminishing returns: Effectiveness may decrease with repeated use.

PRP Treatment Advantages

PRP therapy offers unique regenerative benefits:

  • Natural healing: Uses your body’s own mechanisms, avoiding foreign substances.
  • Tissue repair: May repair damage rather than just managing symptoms.
  • Longer-lasting results: Many patients see improvement for 12-24 months.
  • Low risk: Minimal adverse reactions since it uses your own blood.
  • Joint preservation: May slow arthritis progression.

PRP Treatment Limitations

PRP therapy also has constraints:

  • Slower results: Pain relief takes 2-6 weeks, requiring patience.
  • Variable outcomes: Results depend on factors like age, injury severity, and activity level.
  • Higher cost: PRP is more expensive than steroids and often not covered by insurance.
  • Multiple treatments: Some cases need 2-3 sessions for best results.

Recovery Times and Side Effects

Steroid Injection Recovery

Recovery from steroid injections is simple:

  • Post-treatment: Most resume normal activities within 24-48 hours.
  • Activity modifications: Light restrictions for 1-2 days to avoid irritation.
  • Pain relief: Significant improvement in 2-7 days.
  • Full activity: Typically resumes within a week.

Steroid Injection Side Effects

While safe overall, steroids may cause:

  • Common side effects: Temporary flare-ups, skin color changesor mild swelling.
  • Rare complications: Infection, skin bleaching or dimpling, nerve damage, or tendon weakening with frequent use.
  • Long-term risks: Potential tissue atrophy or cartilage damage with repeated treatments.

PRP Recovery Process

PRP recovery requires more patience but offers different benefits:

  1. Initial phase: Mild soreness and swelling for 2-5 days after injection.
  2. Healing period: Gradual improvement over 2-8 weeks as tissue regeneration occurs.
  3. Activity modifications: Limited heavy lifting or intense activities for 1-2 weeks.
  4. Follow-up care: Regular monitoring to assess healing progress and determine if additional treatments are needed.

PRP Side Effects

PRP's safety profile is generally excellent:

  • Minimal risks: Since PRP uses your blood, allergic reactions are extremely rare.
  • Common experiences: Mild pain, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site for 2-3 days.
  • No drug interactions: PRP doesn't interact with other medications or treatments.
  • Long-term safety: No known long-term adverse effects from PRP therapy.

Begin Your Arthritis Healing Today

PRP therapy offers a safe and effective way to promote healing and reduce pain using your body’s natural healing properties. With minimal risks and no long-term side effects, it’s an excellent option to support your recovery.

If you’re ready to explore how PRP therapy can benefit you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Spiess today. Our practice specializes in personalized regenerative treatments designed to help you achieve lasting results. Contact us now to take the next step toward improved health and well-being!

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