Comparing PRP and HA Injections: What’s Right for You?

Knee pain from osteoarthritis affects millions and can make everyday activities difficult. The causes vary — inflammation, friction, or gradual tissue wear — and not every treatment fits every cause. Two common injection therapies, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA), offer different approaches to managing knee pain. Understanding how each works can help you and your healthcare provider choose the best option for your condition.

Knee joint model highlighting cartilage and fluid

What is Hyaluronic Acid (HA)?

Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance found in joint fluid. It acts like a lubricant and shock absorber, helping joints move smoothly and reducing friction between bones. In osteoarthritis, the amount and quality of HA in the joint fluid decrease, leading to stiffness and pain.

Injecting HA into the knee can restore this lubrication, easing movement and reducing discomfort. HA injections are often recommended for people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis where cartilage is still relatively intact. The treatment can:

• Improve joint flexibility

• Reduce stiffness

• Provide pain relief lasting several months

  
  

HA injections are generally well tolerated, with minimal side effects such as mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

PRP therapy uses your own blood to promote healing. A small blood sample is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets, which contain growth factors. These growth factors help reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair.

When injected into the knee, PRP aims to:

• Reduce inflammation inside the joint

• Encourage cartilage repair and regeneration

• Improve joint function over time

  
  

PRP may be especially helpful for people with more active inflammation or faster joint degeneration. Some advanced forms, like nStride® APS, offer enhanced concentrations of anti-inflammatory proteins for deeper healing effects.

Medical professional preparing PRP injection

Which Treatment Works Better?

Choosing between HA and PRP depends on your specific knee condition and treatment goals.

• If your cartilage is mostly preserved and inflammation is low, HA injections can provide effective lubrication and symptom relief. This is often the first step for mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

  
  

• If your joint shows signs of active inflammation or faster cartilage breakdown, PRP may offer more regenerative benefits by addressing the root causes of tissue damage.

  
  

Some clinicians combine both treatments to maximize benefits: HA to improve joint mechanics and PRP to support healing. This approach can provide both immediate comfort and longer-term improvement.

What to Expect During Treatment

Both HA and PRP injections are outpatient procedures done in a clinic. The process usually involves:

• Cleaning the injection site

• Using ultrasound guidance for precise placement

• Injecting the chosen substance into the knee joint

  
  

Recovery time is minimal. Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two, though some may experience mild soreness or swelling.

Practical Considerations

• Cost and insurance coverage vary. HA injections are often covered by insurance, while PRP may be considered experimental and require out-of-pocket payment.

• Number of injections differs: HA typically requires a series of 3-5 injections spaced weekly, while PRP usually involves 1-3 injections.

• Treatment frequency: HA effects last about 6 months, PRP may provide longer-lasting benefits but results vary.

• Consult your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms, imaging results, and lifestyle to find the best fit.

  
  

Knee injection procedure in clinic

Summary

HA injections act like joint oil, improving lubrication and easing stiffness for mild to moderate osteoarthritis. PRP injections use your own blood’s healing power to reduce inflammation and encourage tissue repair, potentially benefiting more advanced or inflamed joints. Your healthcare provider can help determine which treatment suits your knee condition best, sometimes combining both for stronger results.