Think Twice Before That Cortisone Shot: Here’s Why Kalispell PRP Might Be a Better Choice for Your Knee Pain

Cortisone is a type of steroid that fights inflammation. For someone dealing with the stiffness, swelling, and aching of knee arthritis, a quick shot can sound like a miracle. Relief often comes within days and can feel like a breakthrough—at least temporarily.

But that’s where the problems start.

Why Cortisone Injections May Do More Harm Than Good

1. Relief is Short-Lived

Despite the initial improvement, most cortisone injections don’t provide long-term benefit. In fact, studies show that the effects often wear off in less than 6 weeks. 📚 PMID: 38294103

2. It Can Damage Your Joint

Cortisone might reduce inflammation—but it may also speed up damage inside the joint. Research shows that it can actually worsen cartilage health, the very tissue that cushions your knee and protects your bones. 📚 PMID: 38455990

3. It Increases the Risk of Needing a Knee Replacement

A large study found that patients who received corticosteroid injections were more likely to require total knee replacement down the road. 📚 PMID: 32349592

4. There Are Serious Side Effects

Cortisone isn’t risk-free. Reported complications include:

• Skin thinning and discoloration

• Tendon rupture

• Increased risk of infection

• Rapid joint degeneration

• Blood sugar spikes

• Adrenal suppression

• Osteoporosis 📚 PMID: 38117096

  
  

A Better Option: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for Knee Pain

If you’re looking for longer-lasting, safer relief—PRP therapy may be the answer. PRP uses your own blood, spun down to concentrate healing platelets, and is injected into the affected joint to reduce inflammation, stimulate repair, and improve function.

Here’s how it compares:

✅ Longer-lasting results than cortisone

Patients receiving PRP get sustained improvements in both knee pain and function. 📚 PMID: 40260368

✅ Better outcomes than other common treatments

In head-to-head comparisons, PRP outperformed not just cortisone (CS), but also hyaluronic acid (HA) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate stem cells (BMAC) for knee osteoarthritis. 📚 PMID: 38331363

Why Choose PRP Therapy?

When considering options for knee pain relief, you might wonder why PRP stands out. Let’s explore some key benefits.

Natural Healing Process

PRP therapy harnesses your body’s natural healing abilities. By using your own blood, we minimize the risk of adverse reactions. This approach promotes healing from within, offering a more holistic solution.

Personalized Treatment

Every patient is unique. PRP therapy can be tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced practitioners assess your condition and customize the treatment plan accordingly.

Minimal Downtime

One of the best aspects of PRP therapy is the minimal downtime. Most patients can return to their daily activities shortly after the procedure. This means you can get back to doing what you love without prolonged recovery.

Get Expert PRP Treatment Right Here

Our experienced nurse practitioners have been providing PRP treatments for years right here in Kalispell, specifically for knee pain. This therapy is safe, effective, and personalized, with no harmful side effects like cortisone.

If you’re struggling with knee arthritis or joint pain, it’s time to consider a smarter option. Schedule your consultation today and see how PRP can help you stay active, healthy, and pain-free—without the risks of cortisone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while cortisone injections may offer temporary relief, they come with significant drawbacks. PRP therapy presents a promising alternative, focusing on long-term healing and safety. If you’re ready to explore non-invasive pain relief options, let’s talk about how PRP can transform your experience.

Remember, your journey to a pain-free life is just a consultation away!