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PRP for Plica Syndrome: A Natural Alternative to Steroid Injections
Plica syndrome is a condition that occurs when a fold of tissue inside the knee joint, called the synovial plica, becomes irritated and inflamed. This can lead to pain in the front or inside of the knee, particularly with bending, squatting, running, or climbing stairs.
Many patients with plica syndrome are treated with steroid injections, which may temporarily reduce inflammation but do not address the underlying irritation of the tissue. Repeated steroid injections may also contribute to cartilage damage and weakening of surrounding tissues over time.
Regenerative treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) offer a more natural option by supporting the body’s own healing processes.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics in Raleigh and Cary, we often use high-dose PRP to help calm inflammation and promote healing in patients with chronic knee pain related to plica irritation.
High-Dose PRP for Plica Syndrome
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) to increase the concentration of these healing factors.
PRP is then injected into the knee using ultrasound guidance to target the irritated plica and surrounding tissues.
High-dose PRP may help with:
• Chronic plica syndrome
• Persistent anterior knee pain
• Knee inflammation related to repetitive activity
• Patients who have not improved with rest or therapy
PRP works by reducing inflammation and supporting healing of irritated joint tissues, helping restore a healthier joint environment.
Treating the Entire Knee Joint
Plica irritation rarely occurs in isolation. Knee pain often involves several structures including the synovial lining, cartilage surfaces, meniscus, and supporting ligaments.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, we often evaluate the entire knee joint rather than focusing on a single area of pain.
Treatment may include addressing:
• The inflamed plica tissue
• The knee joint space
• Areas of cartilage irritation
• Surrounding structures contributing to inflammation
By improving the overall health of the knee joint, regenerative treatments may lead to more lasting relief.
Plica Syndrome Treatment in Raleigh and Cary
Regenerative treatments such as high-dose PRP allow physicians to support healing without relying on repeated steroid injections.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PLICA SYNDROME PAIN
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. 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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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.
See the full list of conditions and treatments offered at Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics.
READ MORE ABOUT PLICA SYNDROME
Because of the difficulty diagnosing synovial plica syndrome, it can often be a somewhat controversial diagnosis and an overlooked source of chronic knee pain. There are four plica synovial folds in the knee, but only one appears to be most problematic and this is called the medial plica. It attaches to the lower end of the knee cap and runs in a transverse (sideways) orientation to attach to the lower end of the thigh bone or femur bone.
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