Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections for Knee in Singapore
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What is a PRP Injection for the Knee?
A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection uses platelets and plasma to support healing in mild to moderate knee pain. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting and also contain proteins called growth factors that support your body’s healing, while plasma is the liquid component of blood. This formulation is achieved by separating blood into its individual components using a centrifuge, creating a liquid concentrate with a high platelet concentration.
This PRP concentrate is then injected directly into the affected area of the knee. It typically takes time for results to show, and treatment efficacy generally varies from person to person. Various factors, such as age, general health, and the severity of knee pain, may influence your overall recovery period.
Our Consultant Anaesthetist and Pain Physician
Dr. Hope Ang
MBBS (NUS) | MMed (Anaes) | FAMS
Dr Hope Ang is a Consultant Anaesthesiologist with extensive expertise in acute and chronic pain management, dedicated to helping patients regain function, reduce suffering, and improve quality of life through evidence-based, personalised care.
With more than 18 years of clinical experience, Dr Ang specialises in the assessment and treatment of complex chronic pain conditions, including musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, cancer-related pain, and persistent postoperative pain. His approach integrates interventional pain procedures, ultrasound-guided regional techniques, multimodal pharmacological strategies, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary care teams to address both the physical and functional impact of chronic pain.
What Knee Conditions Can PRP Injections Treat?
PRP injections may be prescribed to treat several different knee conditions, including:
- Tendon, ligament, or muscle injuries
- Meniscal tears or degeneration
- Post-surgery recovery (for knee conditions that may require surgical intervention)
- Knee osteoarthritis
PRP injections may also be an option for temporary relief of knee pain for those who wish to delay or avoid knee surgery. This option is typically offered when conservative treatments have not yielded results, and patients are willing to try PRP injections as a treatment alternative to support symptom relief. In some cases, some people may opt to proceed with surgery at a later stage when they feel ready.
The PRP Injection Process for Knee Pain
The PRP injection procedure typically takes place at a doctor’s clinic and may take less than an hour to complete.
Before the Injection
Before the PRP injection procedure, you must undergo a comprehensive health assessment to determine if you may receive a PRP injection. If you are eligible, your doctor may advise you to follow certain restrictions before your injection, including pausing specific medications, such as blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Individuals with certain blood conditions may not be eligible for PRP injections.
Imaging scans of your knee and its surrounding structures may also be taken during this time. You may need to bring these with you if you are receiving the injection at a different medical facility.
You may also need to observe the following:
- Stay hydrated at all times leading up to the PRP injection. Doctors typically recommend drinking two to three litres of water daily, as adequate hydration ensures sufficient blood volume and platelet concentration.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing for your comfort and convenience during the procedure.
- Arrange transportation to and from the clinic or hospital to prevent knee strain from long walks.
- Avoid strenuous physical activities for at least 24 hours after the injection to prevent knee strain.
During the Injection
The injection procedure is commonly performed in three steps.
Blood Draw & Processing
A blood sample will be drawn with an anticoagulant to prevent clotting and preserve platelet function. The blood draw takes only a few minutes, after which the sample is placed in a centrifuge to separate into a platelet-plasma concentrate.
Knee Imaging Diagnostics
If you have already undergone an imaging procedure before the appointment, the scans will be used to ensure the injection reaches the intended treatment area. In some cases, an ultrasound scan is performed during the procedure to help guide the injection and ensure precision.
Injection
Once you are ready, you will first receive a local anaesthetic in your knee with ultrasound or prior imaging guidance. Subsequently, the PRP injection will be given, though some treatments may require multiple needle passes to distribute the PRP concentrate throughout the affected tissue.
Right after the injection, your knee may feel full or tight from the extra volume, and you may also feel some warmth in the area from increased blood flow. These should gradually subside after several hours.
What to Expect After a PRP Injection for the Knee
Not long after the injection, you may begin to feel mild discomfort as an inflammatory response sets in. This indicates that the platelets have activated and released their growth factors, marking the start of the healing process. During this time, keep your leg elevated while resting and apply ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours to help manage swelling and discomfort.
Some light physical activity and weight-bearing are allowed, but avoid placing excessive pressure on the knee, especially when kneeling, squatting, or climbing stairs. Over time, the pain and swelling should reduce, and you should be able to begin slow, gentle exercises to improve your knee’s range of motion and flexibility. You may be able to climb stairs slowly, but you should remain mindful of how much pressure you place on your knee.
However, you will need to avoid high-impact activities, such as running and jumping, as they can place immense stress on the knee in a short time. You can substitute these with swimming, as it is a low-impact activity that can safely and gradually strengthen your knee and improve its flexibility.
A few weeks after the injection, your doctor may recommend starting physical therapy as your knee begins to improve. A physiotherapist will make targeted recommendations to strengthen your knee and restore its flexibility gradually. Low-resistance strength training may also be permitted, but you should still avoid contact sports or sudden movements that can strain your knee.
It may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for your knee to show significant improvement. Your follow-up visits to the doctor will be essential in determining what you can or cannot do, how to continue with rehabilitation, and whether you may need additional PRP injections moving forward.
Combining PRP Injections with Other Treatments
PRP injections may be combined with other treatments to support your knee’s recovery.
Hyaluronic Acid
Occasionally, a PRP injection may be combined with hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring compound in your body that helps improve joint mobility and hydrate the knee and its surrounding structures. The inclusion of hyaluronic acid may assist your recovery by improving joint lubrication and minimising pain, in addition to PRP’s therapeutic effects. PRP will provide the necessary growth factors and cytokines for treatment, while hyaluronic acid supports the healing process by hydrating newly generated tissue.
Orthobiologics (Regenerative Medicine)
PRP injections are a form of orthobiologics that use natural (biologic) substances derived from your body, a donor, an animal, or a microorganism. A PRP injection may be used alongside other orthobiologics, such as stem cells, to stimulate your body’s healing responses to treat knee pain and its associated symptoms. The field of orthobiologics is still relatively new, and ongoing studies are assessing its safety and efficacy.
Dietary & Weight Management
After your injection, a nutritionist can help you manage your daily nutrition and maintain a healthy weight, reducing pressure on your knee and supporting its gradual recovery. They will carefully assess your overall condition to determine the specific nutritional requirements needed to facilitate your recovery.
Depending on these requirements, you may need to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals to support tissue regeneration, alleviate symptoms, and promote gradual weight loss. You should also cut down on sugary beverages, oily and processed foods, as well as alcohol and smoking, to further support your recovery journey and reduce the risk of complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the effects of a PRP injection last?
A PRP injection’s effects may last a few months, depending on your current health. Follow-up PRP injections may be needed to provide lasting symptom relief, particularly for severe knee pain, but this will be discussed in detail with your doctor.
Can PRP injections be used for other joint conditions?
Yes, they can. Ongoing studies are investigating how PRP injections may be able to support your recovery from various orthopaedic conditions.
Are there any risks to a PRP injection?
Some people may experience side effects when receiving a PRP injection, which may include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Stiffness
- Nausea
- Infection risk
- Nerve damage
Your doctor will outline the potential risks of a PRP injection before you agree to undergo the procedure. They will also conduct a thorough health assessment to determine if you are eligible for a PRP injection and are at low risk of side effects.
Related Treatments
Knee injections are a nonsurgical treatment that delivers medication into the knee to relieve pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, bursitis and other conditions. Options include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation and PRP, helping improve mobility and delay the need for surgery.
