Understanding PRP Injection Side Effects

Understanding PRP Injection Side Effects

Although PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma is a highly beneficial treatment that helps healing and rejuvenation, it is understandable that you’ll want to know about any possible PRP injection side effects. A compound created from your own blood, PRP contains a concentration of platelets along with mesenchymal stem cells and cytokines. All of these elements contribute to the healing of injuries, hair growth, erasing of signs of aging, and easing inflammation and pain in arthritic knees.

Since the PRP compound is derived from your blood, the injections typically don’t have any side effects. And should you take the treatment from a certified provider, you can rest assured that the physician will take the proper precautions to ensure that the chances of the following PRP injection side effects are minimized.

Pain During the Procedure

You might experience some amount of discomfort when the PRP procedure is given to you. To lower the amount of discomfort, the therapist will apply a topical anesthesia to numb the area beforehand. Some physicians also choose to inject lignocaine or bupivacaine along with the PRP injection to lower the pain you may feel.

Post Treatment Pain and Soreness

One of the main PRP injection side effects is the sensation of pain in the area where it has been administered. Some patients also complain of a deeper soreness inside the bone or tissue. To counter the problem, the therapist might choose to prescribe a pain relieving agent like paracetamol by itself or in combination with codeine if the pain is more severe.

Possibility of Redness and Swelling

To create the compound for the PRP injections, your physician must extract a small amount of blood that results in slight bruising for around 2 to 3 days. The bruising and redness might also occur at the site where the PRP treatment has been given. These PRP injection side effects are likely to clear within 24 hours. To help settle the redness sooner, the therapist might apply ice on the area. If you have a tendency to bruise easily, you might notice darker marks that may take an extra day or two to clear away.

Allergic Reactions

In rare cases, your body might reject the serum despite being formulated out of your own blood. To avoid these PRP injection side effects, your physician will ask you questions about the equipment and medications that you’re allergic to. You must also be clear about the anesthetics you cannot tolerate and if you’re taking any prescription medications. Also, talk about drugs like Mobic, Voltaren, and Nurofen that you might have taken in the 10 days before scheduling your PRP treatment.

Infections and Clots

While a potential complication for all medical procedures, the risk of infection and clots is controlled since PRP injection compounds are created and administered under carefully sterilized conditions. In addition, the therapist uses a sonogram monitor when administering the injection to ensure that no blood vessels or nerves are touched. These precautions eliminate the risk of infections and clots.

Skin Sensitivity

If you have sensitive skin, the physician can schedule your PRP sessions so they are timed at least 6 weeks apart to give your skin time to recover from any sensitivity – one of the few (and minor) PRP injection side effects.

Say Goodbye to PRP Injection Side Effects

Like any other therapeutic procedures, platelet rich plasma or PRP injections do carry the risk of minor side effects. However, the benefits of the treatment far outweigh these risks that are minimal and easily managed. By taking the important precautions before and after PRP therapy, you can reap the benefits of this highly effective procedure and start living free from pain – for good.