My mother is having rheumatoid arthritis, she is not able to walk properly as her 1 knee is affected by it, so we consulted a doctor so he is suggesting for 'PRP' injection therapy for the knee. So I wanted to know what is PRP, is it safe, does it have any side effects, is it a one time process or a long time therapy? Please response in detail.

Dr. Nilesh NolkhaRheumatologist6yrs exp

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PRP is extremely safe. But its experimental at best. If knee is too damaged I wont recommend it, better save money on replacement. If knee is active (inflammed) because f rheumatoid arthritis, a steroid injection is much cheaper and very effective. No body knows how definitely PRP works (dont hit googlemit has asnwers for evrything , I am talking of hard scientific evidence). Who should go for PRP ? Patients who have money to try a safe therapy which might or might not be effective, to avoid or delay surgery (which can be very costly), immediately (might still require even if PRP is successful). How many times PRP required ? Nobody knows, one to three injections might be helpful. There is no definite protocol. It it helps might be worthwhile to repeat in long run. But If knee is severely damaged I won't put too much money on PRP. 

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