According to a 2013 study, “Tendon and ligament injuries (TLIs) are among the most common health problems affecting the adult population.” Unfortunately, the less invasive treatments for this problem — such as taking over-the-counter meds, participating in physical therapy, or applying the RICE method — don’t always lead to effective, long-term recovery.
This is just one reason why we wholeheartedly believe in the benefit of platelet-rich plasma (or PRP) therapy for those dealing with torn ligaments that won’t seem to heal.
We at The Spine and Pain Center of California want to help you seek out the safest and least invasive options before turning to surgery. That’s why our founder Dr. Navin Mahallavaram and the rest of our providers suggest PRP therapy as an excellent option for long-term healing from a torn ligament.
When you tear a ligament…
Ligaments are likely to tear due to strenuous physical activity, so athletes and other active individuals can experience this problem. However, a torn ligament can occur in anyone’s life, no matter their lifestyle. Sometimes work-related injuries can lead to this problem, while an accident or even a brief strange or stressful movement can be the culprit.
Torn ligaments are most likely to happen in the joints that take the most abuse, such as the knees and the ankles. However, your wrists, back, neck, and hands can all suffer torn ligaments. Usually, most people will hear some snap or pop when the injury occurs, and pain may not occur immediately.
It can start to creep in slowly, but you’ll probably also notice you have trouble moving this part of your body like you used to. Swelling and bruising can occur, and you might not be able to bear as much or any weight on the body part. When symptoms don’t begin to lessen after taking care of the injured area — especially if they worsen over time — this is a sign of a more long-term issue.
Long-term ligament tear problems and why PRP can help
Sadly, many individuals do not see improvements after the three-to-eight-week timeline in which torn ligaments should heal. Those who continue to pressure the area will be even less likely to see normal healing results. But if this occurs, remember that surgery isn’t the only answer.
PRP therapy is a relatively new option for torn ligaments but is also extremely effective and safe. The treatment involves taking a small amount of your blood, placing it in a centrifuge, and retrieving the PRP that separates out during this process. Then, the PRP is injected back into the site of the injured ligament.
PRP helps increase the ability of the torn tissue to heal while also promoting the growth of new, healthy tissue. It is minimally invasive and carries a low risk of infection because your own blood is being reintroduced into your body. It can also help to decrease inflammation, which lessens pain, allowing many patients to avoid the need for pain-relieving drugs.
Why PRP should come before surgery
For one, PRP is much safer than surgery. It also doesn’t carry the risk of infection that surgery does, and its possible side effects are minimal.
In addition, surgery for a torn ligament will likely create some scar tissue, which could cause you to experience further pain and discomfort. PRP doesn’t carry this risk. Finally, surgery is usually much more expensive than PRP therapy.
If you have been dealing with a torn ligament for several months or longer, it might be time to consider this new but highly effective treatment. With little risk and lots to gain, PRP could be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Learn more about PRP therapy today
Let us help you find the best treatment plan for your torn ligament. Call our Fremont or Pleasanton, CA office today, or book your appointment online.
