Tendonitis refers to any type of inflammatory process that affects your tendons. It is typically caused by overuse and is common in those who play sports. Platelet-rich plasma injections, otherwise known as PRP therapy, are thought to relieve the symptoms of tendonitis, including pain, inflammation, and limited mobility.

Not only has PRP therapy shown to bring about symptomatic relief to people with tendonitis, but it may also actually heal damaged tendons. Here are two reasons PRP therapy may be a safe and effective treatment option for your tendonitis:

Excellent Safety Profile

PRP therapy is thought to be very safe because it is known as an autologous therapeutic intervention. This means that it is derived from your own blood platelets, so there is little chance of rejection problems. When platelet-rich plasma is injected into your body, it can positively modify or change the environment of the injured area, thus promoting healing.

What is most striking is that PRP therapy is not thought to cause any side effects or adverse reactions. Some of the most commonly used treatments in the management of tendon disorders include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These drugs can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, fluid retention, and high blood pressure. They may also raise your risk for cardiovascular disease and renal failure. 

Another reason PRP therapy has been found to be so effective in treating tendonitis is the fact that plasma-rich platelets contain certain growth factors, which greatly enhance tendon healing. Also, plasma-rich platelets forms a substance known as fibrin gel, which may also promote the development of new cells. This enhances the healing process, with no known risks to your cardiovascular system or kidneys. 

Dampens Systemic Inflammation

It is also thought that PRP therapy plays an important role in the inflammatory process. PRP injections may induce the expression of certain growth factors that posses potent anti-inflammatory properties.

These anti-inflammatory growth factors may reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, promoting healing and reducing pain. This type of therapy may also play an important role in immunity. When your immune system is naturally robust or when it is strengthened through therapeutic measures such as PRP therapy, cell proliferation and tissue repair occur quickly.

Tendonitis is a painful condition, and while most people can still function, others may be disabled by it. Fortunately, PRP therapy works quickly to reduce pain and is an attraction option to prescription medications. While many people find relief from their symptoms by taking NSAIDs, others may need to rely on opioid-based narcotic drugs.

In addition to causing unpleasant side effects such as confusion, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, and constipation, narcotic pain medications may raise your risk for urinary retention and, in some cases, drug dependence. It is also important to note that while opioid-based pain medications are effective in treating pain, they do little to decrease inflammation, the hallmark manifestation of tendonitis.

Unless inflammation of the tendon is suppressed, you will not enjoy complete symptomatic relief. If you have certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney problems, or diabetes, or if you are at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease, stroke, or urinary tract infections, taking NSAIDs or narcotic pain medications may not be a safe option for you. It is for this reason that PRP therapy should be discussed with your health care provider.

If you develop tendonitis, consider the above benefits of platelet-rich plasma injections. This type of therapy is not thought to cause side effects or adverse reactions in the way prescriptions drugs do; however, you will need to talk to your physician about which treatment option is best for you and your personal health history.