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High-Dose PRP vs. MFAT for Knee Arthritis: A Natural Alternative to Steroid Injections
Knee arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic knee pain. Many patients are told their main options are steroid injections or knee replacement surgery. While steroid injections may temporarily reduce inflammation, they do not repair the joint and repeated injections may actually accelerate cartilage loss over time. Because of this, many patients are looking for treatments that support healing rather than simply masking pain.
Regenerative orthopedic treatments such as high-dose Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) cell therapy use the body’s own healing factors to reduce inflammation and improve the joint environment.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics in Raleigh and Cary, we specialize in nonsurgical regenerative treatments designed to help patients stay active and potentially delay or avoid knee replacement.
High-Dose PRP for Knee Arthritis
PRP is created from a small sample of your own blood that is processed to concentrate platelets and healing growth factors. At our clinic we typically use high-dose PRP (double-spin PRP), which produces a higher concentration of platelets and growth factors compared to basic PRP systems. These concentrated healing factors are injected into the knee joint using ultrasound guidance to help stimulate the body’s natural repair response.
High-dose PRP may be helpful for:
• Mild to moderate knee arthritis
• Early cartilage wear
• Knee pain with activity
• Patients trying to slow progression of arthritis
PRP works by reducing inflammation and supporting cartilage health, helping the knee function more comfortably.
MFAT Cell Therapy for Moderate to Severe Arthritis
For more advanced arthritis, MFAT cell therapy may provide a stronger regenerative treatment.
MFAT uses healing cells obtained from a small sample of the patient’s own fat tissue. These regenerative cells release signaling molecules that help calm inflammation and improve the environment inside the knee joint.
MFAT may be particularly helpful for:
• Moderate to severe knee arthritis
• Patients trying to delay knee replacement
• Arthritis with meniscus degeneration
• Patients who have not improved with other treatments
Treating the Entire Knee Joint
Knee arthritis rarely affects just one structure. Pain often involves a combination of issues affecting the cartilage surfaces, meniscus, ligaments, and joint lining.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, we often take a comprehensive knee treatment approach rather than injecting a single location.
This may include evaluating and treating:
• The knee joint space
• Areas of cartilage degeneration
• Degenerative meniscus tissue
• Supporting ligaments around the knee
By improving the overall biologic environment of the knee, regenerative treatments may provide more meaningful and longer-lasting relief.
Nonsurgical Knee Arthritis Treatment in Raleigh and Cary
Regenerative treatments such as high-dose PRP and MFAT allow physicians to use the body’s natural healing processes instead of relying on repeated steroid injections.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, Dr. Matthew Kanaan focuses on advanced nonsurgical treatments that help patients stay active and avoid unnecessary surgery whenever possible.
If you are experiencing knee arthritis pain in Raleigh or Cary, regenerative treatments may be an option.
NEW 2025 STUDY : Platelet-Rich Plasma Is More Effective Than Hyaluronic Acid Injections for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ARTHRITIS KNEE PAIN IN Raleigh, NC
As with most orthopedic conditions, patients will often begin with a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, ice and rest (and in some cases, steroid injections). When these methods are no longer effective, Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics offers the latest in cutting-edge treatments to reduce pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
While we do offer traditional treatments for arthritis knee pain such as steroid injections, gel injections, and unloader braces, we also strive to offer more advanced and innovative treatments for our patients.
Some of these innovative alternatives to surgery include Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine treatments, such as:
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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Use your own platelets to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
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MFAT Cell Therapy (Stem Cells): Use your own adipose (fat) cells to stimulate regrowth of damaged tissue (primarily beneficial for arthritis and major injuries).
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Prolotherapy: Uses dextrose (sugar water) in place of steroid to reduce pain and promote healing.
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Shockwave: A non-invasive therapy that uses impulses to treat chronic pain and repair tissue.
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SUPER PRP + A combination of our high dose PRP and either HA or plasma proteins.
See the full list of conditions and treatments offered at Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics.
READ MORE ABOUT ARTHRITIS KNEE PAIN
Causes of Knee Arthritis and Nonsurgical Treatment: Arthritis of the knee is a common and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people, particularly as they age. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the knee joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced function. There are several causes of knee arthritis, with osteoarthritis (OA) being the most common. However, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and post-traumatic arthritis can also contribute to knee joint degeneration. Fortunately, nonsurgical treatments can help manage symptoms, improve function, and enhance quality of life for individuals with knee arthritis. Causes of Knee Arthritis 1. Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common form of knee arthritis, OA occurs when the cartilage that covers the surfaces of the knee joint breaks down due to wear and tear. This leads to bone-on-bone contact, which results in pain, swelling, and reduced joint movement. Risk factors for OA include age, obesity, family history, previous knee injuries, and repetitive stress on the joint. 2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of the joint, causing inflammation, pain, and eventual joint destruction. Although RA can affect any joint, the knee is an area commonly affected. 3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This type of arthritis develops after an injury to the knee, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscal injury. Over time, the joint can wear down due to altered mechanics and damage to the cartilage. 4. Other Factors: Other causes include metabolic conditions like gout or pseudogout, in which crystals form in the joint, causing inflammation and pain. Nonsurgical Treatments for Knee Arthritis Nonsurgical treatments focus on managing symptoms, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life. They can be effective in slowing disease progression and delaying the need for surgical interventions such as knee replacement. Conclusion Knee arthritis, whether due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic injury, can significantly affect quality of life. However, nonsurgical treatments, including physical therapy, medications, weight management, assistive devices, and activity modification, can be highly effective in managing symptoms and improving function. These approaches not only help reduce pain and inflammation but also delay the need for more invasive treatments, such as joint replacement surgery. Early intervention and a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan are key to managing knee arthritis and maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
WHY CAROLINA
NONSURGICAL ORTHOPEDICS
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All Providers are BOARD CERTIFIED and Specially Trained in Nonsurgical Orthopedics
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Over 50,000+ and Counting Procedures Performed
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Procedures Performed with Ultrasound Guidance for Accuracy and Safety
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Local and Independent Practice That is NOT a Franchise
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Discounts for Service Members, Teachers, and Public Servants
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Serving Raleigh Since 2013