PRP vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Which Injection is More Effective for Knee Osteoarthritis?

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is one of the most common causes of joint pain and reduced mobility, affecting millions of adults worldwide. For those struggling with this condition, non-surgical treatments like injections can provide relief and improve function. Two popular options are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. Recent research sheds light on which of these therapies may offer better long-term results.

A study published in Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery conducted a thorough analysis of 15 double-blind randomized controlled trials, involving over 1,600 patients with knee osteoarthritis. The goal was to compare the clinical effectiveness of PRP versus HA injections for pain relief and functional improvement. The results are compelling for anyone considering non-surgical treatments for knee OA.

What is PRP and How Does it Work?

PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood and contains a high concentration of platelets, which are rich in growth factors. These growth factors help stimulate healing and tissue regeneration within the joint. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a synthetic or animal-derived substance that helps lubricate the joint, acting as a cushion to reduce friction and pain. While both injections aim to improve symptoms, their mechanisms of action differ significantly.

Comparing PRP and HA: What the Research Shows

According to the study’s meta-analysis, patients who received PRP injections reported significantly lower pain scores compared to those treated with HA injections, even one year after the treatment. Measures such as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain both favored PRP. These differences were not only statistically significant but also reached the minimal clinically important difference, meaning patients could actually feel the improvement in their daily lives.

Functional improvements were also noted. PRP-treated patients showed higher scores on the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) assessment, a standard tool used to evaluate knee function. Interestingly, some benefits were observed as early as one month after injection, indicating that PRP may offer both short-term relief and long-term improvement.

What This Means for Patients

So, what does this mean for patients exploring treatment options? While HA injections have been a mainstay for many years and can provide temporary symptom relief, PRP appears to offer superior results in both reducing pain and enhancing knee function over the long term. Patients seeking a regenerative approach that addresses the underlying joint health, rather than just lubrication, may find PRP to be a more effective choice.

Take the Next Step

At Propeak Sports Medicine, we are committed to helping patients make informed decisions about their knee health. PRP therapy represents an exciting advancement in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, offering hope for improved mobility and quality of life without the need for surgery. If you are experiencing knee pain and want to explore your options, our team can provide a thorough evaluation and guide you toward the treatment that best fits your needs.

Take the first step toward pain-free knees—schedule your consultation with Propeak Sports Medicine today.