Intra-articular injections, PRP and prolotherapy
Intra-articular injections, PRP injections and prolotherapy are three treatments that relieve pain and support healing in joints and soft tissues. They deliver medicine or healing substances directly where they are needed, to reduce inflammation and stimulate the body’s natural repair.
Intra-articular injections place medicine directly into a joint, such as corticosteroids to calm inflammation or hyaluronic acid to lubricate it. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections use a concentrate of platelets from your own blood to promote tissue repair. Prolotherapy uses a dextrose-based solution to stimulate the body’s healing response.
These treatments are minimally invasive, but they are not right for everyone. Dr. Arun Dev explains the likely benefits and risks for your condition at Renova Hospital, Kompally, so you can decide with confidence. Patients come from across Secunderabad and Hyderabad.
Who can injections help?
Injections may be used for:
They may suit you if you have:
- Joint pain that has not improved with medicines and physiotherapy
- Early to moderate arthritis
- Inflammation and swelling in a joint
- A tendon or ligament injury that is slow to heal
- A stiff, painful shoulder
- A wish to delay or avoid surgery
Where injections fit in your treatment
Injections are one step in a wider plan, usually combined with exercise and physiotherapy.
Types of joint injection
Dr. Arun chooses the injection that suits your condition:
- Corticosteroid injection. An anti-inflammatory medicine that can reduce pain and swelling in the joint.
- Hyaluronic acid injection. A lubricating gel that can reduce friction and improve movement in arthritic joints, sometimes called a "joint oil" injection.
- PRP injection. Blood is drawn, the platelets are separated and concentrated, and the platelet-rich plasma is injected to promote healing in tendons, ligaments and arthritic joints.
- Prolotherapy. A dextrose-based solution is injected to stimulate the body’s healing response in joints, ligaments and the back.
- The procedure. You are positioned comfortably, the skin is cleaned and numbed, and the injection is given with a fine needle, usually in under 30 minutes.
Benefits of injection treatments
What to expect after an injection
Most people go home the same day. Some soreness at the injection site is common for a day or two.
- Same day Home after the injection Rest the joint and use ice if it feels sore.
- Settling Mild soreness eases; avoid strenuous activity.
- Relief builds Steroid relief is often quicker; PRP and prolotherapy work more gradually.
- Follow-up Review Dr. Arun checks progress and plans further sessions if needed.
Before you decide
- Not right for everyone. Your condition, health and goals decide whether injections are suitable.
- Know the risks. Risks are low but include infection, bleeding and, rarely, nerve injury; Dr. Arun explains them.
- Evidence is still growing. PRP and prolotherapy are promising, but research is ongoing on which works best for each condition.
