PRP vs. Steroid Injections for Knee Pain: What the Evidence Really Shows
Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people start to slow down, avoid activities they love, or begin wondering whether a knee replacement is in their future. The good news? You have options—and understanding the differences between platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and steroid injections can help you make a confident, informed decision about your care.
As we age, knee osteoarthritis (OA) becomes increasingly common. While there’s no cure, many treatments can help reduce pain, support function, and potentially slow progression. Two of the most widely discussed options are PRP and corticosteroid (steroid) injections. They’re often compared, but they work very differently—and their long-term impact differs as well.
In this article, we break down what current research suggests, what each treatment offers, and how to decide which option may be right for you.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis—and Why Does Treatment Choice Matter?
Knee osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the knee joint begins to wear down. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of mobility. While OA is common, especially in adults over 40, choosing the right treatment early can help you maintain activity, comfort, and long-term joint health.
Many people try to manage knee pain on their own—rest, braces, online searches—but ultimately feel uncertain or vulnerable when symptoms worsen. Having a clear understanding of treatment options can help you feel more in control, not overwhelmed.
What the Research Says About PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is created from a small sample of your own blood. After centrifugation, concentrated platelets are injected back into the knee under ultrasound guidance. Platelets play a natural role in healing—helping regulate inflammation and supporting tissue repair.
In multiple randomized controlled trials, PRP has been shown to support:
Reduction in knee pain
Improved function
Benefits that can last 6–12 months, and sometimes longer
Potential slowing of degenerative changes on imaging
Many studies demonstrate improvement for mild to moderate knee OA, making PRP a promising option for individuals hoping to stay active and preserve their joints.
While it’s not a cure and results vary, patients often choose PRP because it supports the body’s own healing processes rather than relying on repeated medication-based injections.
Steroid Injections: Quick Relief With Important Trade-offs
Steroid (cortisone) injections have been used for decades to relieve inflammatory pain in the knee. They work by suppressing inflammation, often providing fast relief—sometimes within days.
However, research also shows important considerations:
Relief is short-term, typically weeks to a few months
Repeated steroid injections may be associated with faster cartilage loss on MRI in some studies
Steroid injections before knee replacement surgery should be avoided for several months due to increased risk of infection
They are not a long-term management strategy for OA
This doesn’t mean steroids are “bad”—they can be appropriate for specific short-term situations, such as preparing for an event or managing a temporary flare. But for individuals hoping to preserve the knee and delay surgery, it’s important to recognize their limitations.
PRP vs. Steroids: Same Procedure, Very Different Purpose
Both injections are performed similarly:
The knee is evaluated and prepared.
A precise injection is placed into the joint under ultrasound guidance.
The difference lies entirely in what’s injected:
Steroid → a medication that reduces inflammation quickly, but temporarily
PRP → your own concentrated platelets, supporting healing-related biological processes
PRP works with the body rather than overriding inflammation. Steroids, on the other hand, shut inflammation down rapidly—helpful short-term, but not intended to preserve long-term joint health.
How Long Do PRP Results Last?
PRP doesn’t give immediate relief. Most people start noticing improvement around the 3-week mark, as the body responds to the treatment.
After that, benefits often last 6–12 months or longer, depending on:
OA severity
Activity levels
Overall joint health
Lifestyle factors (weight, strength, metabolic health, etc.)
For adults looking to stay active, delay surgery, and maintain long-term joint function, PRP is often a preferred investment.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
Choosing between PRP and steroid injections depends largely on your personal goals:
Choose Steroid If You Want…
Quick temporary relief
Help for a flare before travel or an important event
Short-term symptom control
Choose PRP If You Want…
Longer-lasting improvement
Support for active living
A strategy aligned with joint preservation
A non-surgical option backed by emerging evidence
Your situation, health history, and imaging all play a role. A personalized evaluation is essential.
Am I a Candidate for PRP?
The best way to know is through a consultation. As a double board-certified physiatrist specializing in non-surgical orthopedic and regenerative care, my goal is to help you:
Reduce pain
Improve function
Avoid unnecessary surgery
Understand your options with clarity
Make decisions that align with your long-term health
If you’re exploring PRP or simply want help understanding your knee pain, I’m here to guide you.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Schedule a consultation, and together we’ll develop a personalized, evidence-based plan to help you stay active, reduce pain, and preserve your long-term knee health.