By Brian Reiter, MD
Fellowship-Trained in Sports Medicine, Atlantis Orthopaedics
Joint pain is common, and injections can provide relief while avoiding surgery. With several options available, it can be confusing to know which treatment is right for you. Here’s a breakdown of three commonly used injection therapies:
Cortisone Injections
Purpose: Rapid relief of pain and swelling from acute arthritis or flare-ups
Benefits: Quick symptom relief
Considerations: Repeated use may weaken tendons or cartilage
Viscosupplementation (Hyaluronic Acid Injections)
Purpose: Supplements joint fluid to improve mobility and reduce pain
Benefits: Sustained relief for several months, especially in osteoarthritis
Considerations: Effects take longer than cortisone; often used in older patients
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Purpose: Uses your own platelets to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation
Benefits: Particularly effective for chronic pain and early-stage arthritis
Considerations: Insurance coverage may be limited; results vary by patient age and joint condition
Comparative Effectiveness: PRP vs. Viscosupplementation
Recent meta-analyses show PRP often provides:
- Higher rates of successful outcomes
- Better pain relief
- Greater functional improvement
Duration of effect: PRP may last up to 12 months or more, versus 6–12 months for hyaluronic acid (HA).
PRP vs. Viscosupplementation: At a Glance
Feature | PRP Injections | Viscosupplementation (HA) |
Mechanism | Promotes healing via platelets | Supplements joint fluid |
Onset of Relief | Several weeks | Several weeks |
Duration | Up to 12+ months | 6–12 months |
Efficacy | Higher success rates | Effective but lower rates |
Safety | Generally safe | Generally safe |
Insurance | Often limited/out-of-pocket | Often covered |
Cost | Higher | Lower |
Choosing the Right Injection
- Age: Younger patients → PRP/HA; Older patients → Cortisone
- Acuity of pain: Rapid/severe → Cortisone; Chronic/low-grade → PRP/HA
- Insurance coverage: Cortisone widely covered, PRP often out-of-pocket
- Patient goals: Shared decision-making is essential
Each injection has a role. A discussion with your orthopaedic specialist can determine the safest, most effective option for you.
About Dr. Brian Reiter
Brian Reiter, MD, is fellowship-trained in sports medicine and specializes in minimally invasive orthopaedic techniques. He is part of Atlantis Orthopaedics and is core faculty in the only Orthopaedic residency program in Palm Beach County.
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If you’re experiencing joint pain or considering an injection treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Brian Reiter at Atlantis Orthopaedics today.
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