PRP vs. Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment

Treatment Options for Knee Osteoarthritis

Many people suffer from knee osteoarthritis (KOA), which causes pain in the knee when the cartilage that acts as a cushion between the bones wears down over time. People with KOA are typically recommended Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) or hyaluronic acid (HA) injections for treatment. A recent study took a deep dive into which treatment works most effectively, and the results are shared below.

The Study

Researchers set out to compare two common treatments for knee osteoarthritis:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): A treatment that uses a patient’s own blood, processed to concentrate the platelets that help with healing.

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): A gel-like substance that acts as a lubricant in the joints, often referred to as a “joint lubricant.”

The study analyzed data from 15 high-quality clinical trials involving over 1,600 patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

Research Findings

At the 12-month mark, the patients who received PRP injections showed significantly better results than those who received HA. Here’s a breakdown of what improved:

• Pain reduction: PRP patients reported noticeably less pain.

• Overall knee function: PRP led to better improvements in movement and comfort.

• Daily activity levels: PRP helped patients get back to normal routines more effectively.

Measurement Tools

Researchers used well-known scoring tools like the WOMAC Index (which measures pain, stiffness, and physical function), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score for knee health. Across each measurement tool, PRP was shown to be more effective, especially after one year.

What This Means for Patients

Since this study was a meta-analysis (looking at multiple high-quality studies combined), the evidence provided is strong. If you’re considering injection therapy for knee osteoarthritis, this study suggests PRP may offer better long-term relief than hyaluronic acid. PRP could help reduce pain and improve how your knee feels and functions over time.

SuperPRP + HA

There are many studies that support combining HA and PRP into one treatment protocol in order to optimize pain relief, which can be either staged or completed on the same day, depending on the patient's timeframe. Dr. Kanaan specializes in this unique and customized approach, which is ideal for arthritis of many joints (knee, hip, shoulder, etc.).

Dr. Matthew Kanaan of Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics a Duke-trained orthopedic specialist who is an expert in PRP Therapy. His goal is to help patients receive long-lasting relief from joint pain using innovative, natural PRP Therapy to help their bodies heal. Dr. Kanaan has performed successful PRP treatments over the last 12 years and specializes in customized, high-dose PRP Therapy. Schedule your consultation today, and let Dr. Kanaan help you get back to doing the activities you enjoy, without the joint pain.

Reference: Study published in Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, July 16, 2025. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2025.06.033. © 2025 by the Arthroscopy Association of North America.