Pain Injections

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Rethinking Steroid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis

Did you know that steroid injections for knee osteoarthritis are highly controversial and may actually cause harm? Research has shown that these injections can accelerate the progression of arthritis and lead to serious complications, such as subchondral insufficiency fractures, osteonecrosis, and rapid joint destruction with bone loss.

The benefits of steroid injections remain questionable due to a lack of robust, evidence-based studies demonstrating their effectiveness. In fact, improvement in symptoms is often temporary—or may not occur at all—without any significant changes seen on imaging. Even the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) does not endorse intra-articular corticosteroid injections as a recommended treatment for knee or hip arthritis due to insufficient evidence supporting their efficacy. Despite these concerns, steroid injections are still commonly used in clinical practice.

PRP Injections: A Superior Alternative

Given these limitations, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have emerged as a superior treatment option for osteoarthritis. Numerous studies indicate that PRP provides better and longer-lasting relief compared to steroid injections. For this reason, many practitioners now consider PRP the gold standard for arthritis treatment.

Challenges in Insurance Coverage

Unfortunately, many insurance companies continue to require patients to undergo multiple failed steroid injections before approving alternative therapies like PRP. This outdated policy often delays access to more effective and safer treatments.

Our Approach at Unity Health MedSpa & Wellness

At Unity Health MedSpa & Wellness, we offer advanced treatments for arthritis, including PRP injections and other cutting-edge therapies. Our goal is to provide solutions that address the root cause of your pain and promote long-term joint health.

Don’t wait to take control of your arthritis management. Contact us today to learn more about how PRP and other innovative therapies can help you achieve lasting relief. Call or book your appointment now!

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