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Osteoarthritis (PRP & Experimental Options)
Osteoarthritis is joint "wear and tear" causing pain and stiffness. Some clinics offer PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections, but the evidence is mixed and they are not a proven cure — proven treatments come first.
Causes & risk factors
- Age-related wear of joint cartilage
- Previous joint injury
- Being overweight (extra load on knees and hips)
- Repetitive joint stress from work or sport
- Family history
- Joint alignment problems
Common symptoms
- Joint pain, worse with use
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
- Reduced movement in the joint
- Grating or clicking with movement
- Swelling around the joint
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical examination of the joint
- X-ray of the affected joint
- MRI in selected cases
- Blood tests only to rule out other causes
Treatment & management
- Proven care first — exercise, weight loss, physiotherapy, pain relief
- Joint injections (steroid) for flare-ups
- Joint replacement surgery for severe cases
- PRP is investigational for osteoarthritis — evidence is mixed and it is not a cure
- Be cautious of clinics promising cartilage regrowth or a cure
When to see a doctor urgently
- Joint pain or stiffness that limits daily activities
- A joint that is hot, red and swollen (could be another cause)
- Before paying for PRP or stem-cell injections — get independent advice
Frequently asked questions
Do PRP injections cure osteoarthritis?
No. PRP does not regrow cartilage or cure arthritis. Some studies suggest it may ease pain for a time in certain people, but the evidence is mixed, so it is considered experimental and is not a substitute for proven care.
Are private "stem-cell" injections for knees worth it?
Be cautious. For osteoarthritis these are largely unproven, often expensive and not routinely recommended. Discuss proven options with your doctor before paying for experimental treatments.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.