PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis in Miami
Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and disability in adults, characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage that cushions the knee joint. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as an effective non-surgical option for reducing pain and slowing joint degeneration — particularly in mild to moderate disease.
At our Miami clinic, Dr. William Bonner — part of the Regenexx network — performs image-guided PRP injections for knee pain and osteoarthritis, targeting the specific structures contributing to each patient’s symptoms with precision and care.
How Does Knee Osteoarthritis Develop?
Osteoarthritis of the knee occurs when the articular cartilage — the smooth tissue covering the ends of the femur and tibia — gradually wears down. As cartilage thins, the joint space narrows, bone-on-bone contact increases, and inflammation develops. Contributing factors include:
- Age-related cartilage wear
- Prior knee injuries (ligament tears, meniscus damage)
- Excess body weight increasing joint load
- Repetitive high-impact activity over time
- Genetic predisposition to joint degeneration
Left untreated, knee osteoarthritis tends to progress — making early, proactive treatment an important strategy for preserving joint function.
Why PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis?
Conventional treatments for knee osteoarthritis — including NSAIDs and corticosteroid injections — primarily manage symptoms without addressing the underlying cartilage loss. Research on PRP for knee osteoarthritis has shown promising results, including:
- Reduction in knee pain and stiffness
- Improved joint function and range of motion
- Potential to slow cartilage breakdown over time
- Beneficial modification of the joint fluid environment
As part of the Regenexx network, Dr. Bonner uses a high-quality, precision PRP protocol that is tracked in one of the largest orthobiologics outcome registries in the world.
PRP vs. Cortisone Injections: What’s the Difference?
Cortisone (corticosteroid) injections have been used for decades to reduce joint inflammation and pain. While they can provide effective short-term relief, research has shown that repeated cortisone injections may actually accelerate cartilage breakdown over time. PRP takes a fundamentally different approach:
| Cortisone Injection | PRP Therapy | |
| Mechanism | Suppresses inflammation | Promotes healing and tissue repair |
| Source | Synthetic steroid | Your own blood platelets |
| Duration of Relief | Weeks to a few months | Months to over a year in many cases |
| Effect on Tissue | May accelerate cartilage loss with repeated use | Supports tissue repair and regeneration |
| Repeat Treatments | Limited due to tissue damage risk | Can be repeated safely as needed |
| Best For | Acute flare-ups needing quick relief | Chronic conditions, tendon injuries, early to moderate arthritis |
Dr. Bonner will discuss whether PRP, cortisone, or another approach is most appropriate for your specific condition and treatment goals.
What to Expect from PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis
PRP knee injections are performed under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance in our Miami clinic to ensure accurate placement. The procedure takes less than a few hours from blood draw to injection. Mild soreness or swelling in the knee for a few days after the procedure is normal and expected.
Most patients begin to notice improvement in pain and function over 4–8 weeks, with continued benefit developing over 3–6 months. A series of 1–3 injections may be recommended depending on disease severity and procedural outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRP effective for bone-on-bone knee arthritis?
PRP tends to produce the best results in mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Patients with advanced, bone-on-bone arthritis may still benefit, but Dr. Bonner may also discuss bone marrow concentrate (BMAC) stem cell therapy as a more potent option for severe degeneration.
How long do PRP knee injections last?
Results vary, but many patients experience meaningful pain relief and functional improvement for 12–18 months or longer. Repeat treatments can be performed as needed.
Can I combine PRP with other knee osteoarthritis treatments?
Yes. PRP is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include physical therapy, viscosupplementation, or BMAC depending on the patient’s goals and disease severity.
Does insurance cover PRP for knee arthritis?
PRP is generally not covered by health insurance. Our team will discuss pricing and out-of-pocket options at your consultation.
Why Choose a Regenexx Provider for PRP Therapy?
Not all PRP is created equal. The quality of your PRP treatment depends heavily on how the platelets are processed and how precisely they are delivered. As a Regenexx provider, Dr. Bonner offers several important advantages:
- Advanced lab processing that produces higher platelet concentrations and customizable PRP formulations based on your specific condition
- Every injection performed under real-time image guidance (ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy) — never “blind” injections
- Extensive outcome tracking through the Regenexx patient registry, the largest in regenerative orthopedics
- A physician network specializing exclusively in interventional orthopedics — not a general practice offering PRP as an add-on service
- Evidence-based protocols refined through over a decade of clinical use and published research
Recovery After PRP Treatment
PRP therapy is an outpatient procedure and all patients go home the same day. Recovery is generally straightforward, but it’s important to understand that PRP works by stimulating a healing response — so some temporary soreness or pain in the treated area is normal and expected. General recovery guidelines include:
- Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site for 2–5 days is common
- Most patients can resume light daily activities within 1–2 days
- A post-procedure rehabilitation protocol is provided to optimize your recovery
- Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) for a specified period after treatment, as these can interfere with the platelet-mediated healing process
- Initial improvement is often noticed within 4–6 weeks, with continued progress over 2–3 months
- Some conditions may benefit from multiple PRP treatments, but this is determined on an individualized basis
Schedule a Consultation
If you are dealing with knee pain from osteoarthritis and want to explore whether PRP therapy is right for you, we are here to help.
Contact our Miami clinic to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bonner, or book online through ZocDoc for available appointment times (if you do not see availability, please reach out to us directly at 786-522-4959).