Non-Surgical Treatment for Joint Pain
30 de minute, evaluare clinică, plan personalizat.
Not all knee or hip pain requires surgery. Hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are office-based treatments that can significantly relieve pain and improve joint function—without anesthesia, hospitalization, or a long recovery period.
They are valuable options, especially for patients with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis who do not respond sufficiently to medication and physical therapy, or for those who wish to postpone or avoid a surgical procedure.
The injections are administered during a consultation in the orthopedic office. The procedure takes a few minutes, and the patient goes home immediately.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by the body, present in the synovial fluid of every joint. Its role is twofold: it lubricates the joint surfaces and absorbs mechanical forces with every step.
With osteoarthritis, the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the joint decreases. The synovial fluid becomes 'thinner' and more watery, lubrication becomes insufficient, and the unprotected cartilage degrades more rapidly.
Hyaluronic acid injection (viscosupplementation) partially restores the quality of the synovial fluid. Specifically, it involves injecting a hyaluronic acid preparation directly into the joint, where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber.
Indications: Stage II–III knee osteoarthritis (best results), but also for the hip, shoulder, or ankle.
Results: Improvement is gradual, usually within 10–14 days. The effect lasts between 6 and 12 months, depending on the stage of osteoarthritis and physical activity level.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a biological therapy obtained from the patient's own blood. After a simple blood draw, the blood is centrifuged to concentrate the platelets—cells rich in growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.
Unlike hyaluronic acid (which lubricates), PRP acts biologically: it stimulates tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and encourages the body's natural healing processes.
Indications: Osteoarthritis (knee, hip), tendinopathies (Achilles tendon, epicondylitis, painful shoulder), muscle or ligament injuries, recovery after trauma.
Results: The effects appear progressively, usually within a few weeks, and can last for months. The treatment can be repeated without significant risks.
This is one of the most common questions I receive. The short answer: it depends on the situation.
What it does
Lubricates the joint, absorbs shock
Most effective for
Stage I-II-III Osteoarthritis
When effects are felt
10-14 days
How long it lasts
6-12 months
How many sessions
Usually 1 injection
Strengths
Well-researched, predictable effect, excellent tolerability
Limitations
Does not repair cartilage, does not stop osteoarthritis progression
What it does
Stimulates tissue regeneration through growth factors
Most effective for
Osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, muscle injuries
When effects are felt
2-4 weeks
How long it lasts
Variable, lasts for months
How many sessions
1-3 sessions, 2-4 weeks apart
Strengths
100% biological (from your own blood), no allergy risk, regenerative effect
Limitations
Results are more individually variable, not all PRP preparations are equivalent
What it does
Rapidly reduces inflammation and pain
Most effective for
Acute episodes of joint inflammation
When effects are felt
24-72 hours
How long it lasts
2-4 weeks (temporary effect)
How many sessions
Maximum 3-4 per year for the same joint
Strengths
Rapid effect, useful in acute flare-ups
Limitations
NOT recommended long-term — repeated doses can accelerate cartilage degradation
Conclusion: Hyaluronic acid and PRP are long-term treatments (medium-to-long term improvement), while cortisone is a crisis treatment (rapid but temporary relief). They can be combined in various formulas: for example, cortisone to calm an acute episode, followed by HA and/or PRP for long-term improvement.
The choice is always made individually, during the consultation, based on the type of condition, the stage of osteoarthritis, and the patient's preferences.
It's important to be honest: injections alleviate symptoms, but they do not reverse the process of osteoarthritis or regenerate destroyed cartilage. They are a valuable part of a broader therapeutic plan that includes physical therapy, weight management, and activity modification.
When injections are no longer sufficient:
In these cases, the definitive solution may be joint replacement:
Transitioning from conservative treatment to surgery is not a failure—it's a natural step in managing advanced osteoarthritis.
I have created two brochures that explain each treatment in detail: how it works, the procedure steps, what to expect afterwards, risks, contraindications, and practical recommendations.
Dacă ai dureri cronice și te gândești la operație, prima consultație nu te obligă la nimic. Aducem împreună radiografiile tale, examenul clinic și opțiunile non-chirurgicale și chirurgicale. Decizia rămâne a ta.
Programări: 0251 960
30 de minute, evaluare clinică, plan personalizat.
I have created two brochures that explain each treatment in detail: how it works, the procedure steps, what to expect afterwards, risks, contraindications, and practical recommendations.
📄 Download Brochure: Hyaluronic Acid Injections — Joint Viscosupplementation (PDF)📄 Download Brochure: PRP Therapy — Natural Healing with Your Own Plasma (PDF)The brochures contain all the practical information you need — preparation, post-procedure recommendations, warning signs, and compatibility with other treatments.