One of the most common forms of arthritis is osteoarthritis which occurs when the cartilage or natural cushioning between the joints begins to wear away. Individuals that suffer from the pain and stiffness of the knee may eventually be diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis more commonly affects women than men and can occur at any age but typically occurs after the age of 40. Popular forms of programs that treat osteoarthritis include exercise and medication. However, many people are now turning to newer forms of injectable solutions like prolotherapy treatments to ease knee pain.
What is Prolotherapy?
The most common options for injection therapies are platelet-rich plasma or PRP, cortisone or viscous supplementation. Prolotherapy involves small injections of an irritant solution such as dextrose in the tendon, ligaments or spaces in the adjacent joint in multiple treatment sessions.
How Does This Treatment Work?
Prolotherapy treatment works by stimulating the body’s immune system. As a result, the process for healing in the knee is sped up. The direct injection of dextrose into areas of the knee ‘trick’ the body into self repair, causing the reduction of inflammation and resulting in the regeneration or growth of tendon fibers and the normalization of ligament growth. The advantages of undergoing multiple sessions encourages the buildup of issue and the restoration of strength in the knee.
Is the Treatment Painful?
While some individuals may experience some discomfort, any pain involved that results from injections depend upon the current condition of the knee joint and its supporting structures and the skill level of the administering physician or practitioner. The onset of pain may occur temporarily due to initial stiffness and swelling after completing a therapy session. However, this pain can typically be addressed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication or anti-inflammatory drugs.
How Often Are Treatments Needed?
The most common number of sessions for prolotherapy treatments is once a month over the course of three to six weeks. However, treatment sessions may vary and can be determined by your physician.
Is Prolotherapy Safe?
In regard to efficacy and safety, prolotherapy injections can be considered a safe and conservative treatment for osteoarthritis. When prolotherapy is performed by a professionally trained practitioner or physician, it can be considered as a safer treatment for patients that suffer from knee osteoarthritis when compared to hyaluronic acid or intra-articular corticosteroid injections. This treatment option is considered low risk and less likely to create adverse effects.
If you have endured long periods of suffering from chronic knee pain and have tried physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medicines or cortisone shots with no long term relief, prolotherapy is a viable and effective treatment option.
Source
https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ostearthritis-of-the-knee-degenerative-arthritis-of-the-knee#1
https://www.arthritis-health.com/blog/benefits-prolotherapy-injections-knee-osteoarthritis
