Q1: Are patients with immune deficiencies candidates for this PRP treatment?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments are most appropriate for chronic tendonopathies (disorders of the tendon) and some mild to moderate arthritis. Normal platelet function is needed and those patients with immune deficiencies who are also taking various drugs often do not qualify.
Q2: My doctor told me that I will likely be a candidate for total knee replacement in a couple of years. After sustaining wear and tear from years of sports, I have had knee arthroscopy and now have arthritis. My doctor recommended injections to help with pain and stiffness. Would these shots keep me from work or sports?
The injections for the arthritis can be cortisone, hyaluronic acid or PRP. Most patients should be fine to continue their previous activities within the week or two following the shots.
Q3: I was recently diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I am an avid tennis player. Will this affect my swing?
Psoriatic arthritis is often accompanied by tendon inflammation. Either the joint or tendon can be painful and restrict your swing when active. When controlled you should be ok for tennis.
Q4: Are there any injuries that male athletes are more susceptible or prone to? Any tips on prevention?
The most common injuries to all athletes are overuse (wear and tear).The best prevention is appropriate warm-up, stretching, strengthening and listening to your body.
Q5: I suffer from tendonitis in my foot/ankle. Is this something PRP would help?
PRP can help various tendonopathies of the foot and ankle. First however, good footwear, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy is appropriate.
Q6: I’m in my mid 50s and still regularly play basketball, softball and go to the gym. I’m noticing among my male friends that we all have knee problems. Is this specific to men of our age? Why is it always the knees?
Next to the back, the knees are the most common area for musculoskeletal complaints. In middle age men, we often see early arthritis, meniscal or ligament problems from sports.
Dr. Brian Halpern is a primary sports medicine physician at Hospital for Special Surgery. He pioneered the non-operative approach to acute and chronic musculoskeletal problems.
