What are the main causes of pain after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection?

(1) Factors related to PRP itself: Components of PRP products (such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets), the pH value of PRP, and additives used in PRP preparation (such as anticoagulants and activators) can all cause injection pain.

(2) Mechanical injury from injection: The puncture of tissues by the needle during PRP injection may damage blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues, leading to local congestion and edema, which results in distending pain or stabbing pain. It may also stimulate deep tissues (such as subchondral bone of joints and synovial plicae), causing mechanical pain. If there is already inflammation at the injection site (such as tendinitis or synovitis), the diseased tissues are more sensitive to puncture, and the pain will be more obvious.

(3) Increased local pressure: After injection, uneven distribution of PRP, excessive volume of PRP, or limited space in the injection area can cause local swelling and increased pressure, which stimulates or compresses nerves and causes pain.

(4) Immune response: PRP injection can trigger a natural inflammatory response, during which inflammatory mediators are released. These mediators stimulate pain-sensing nerve endings, resulting in pain.

(5) Postoperative activities: Premature weight-bearing or strenuous exercise may increase the burden on tissues and cause pain.

(6) Individual differences: Factors such as pain threshold, psychological expectations, and previous pain history can affect the perception of pain.

(7) Others: Patients with microcirculatory disorders, coagulation dysfunction, etc., are prone to abnormal congestion or persistent pain at the injection site.
 

How to manage pain after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection?

1. Fully inform patients before PRP injection

A certain degree of pain after PRP injection is a common reaction. It is necessary to fully communicate with patients and their families in advance, informing them of the causes, duration, and management methods of the pain. This helps patients have psychological expectations, avoid panic when pain occurs, know how to handle it, and understand under what circumstances they should seek medical help.
2. Pain Management Methods

(1) Ice application (the most effective and safest first-choice method) or cryotherapy devices: Apply an ice pack (or a frozen gel pack, or even a bag of frozen peas) to the injection site. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel to avoid direct contact with the skin, which could cause frostbite. Apply it for 15-20 minutes each time. Within the first 24-48 hours after the injection, apply it every 2-3 hours, or as needed based on the pain level. Ice application works particularly well after activity or when pain intensifies. If conditions allow, cryotherapy devices can also be used for treatment.

(2) Rest and protection: Avoid overuse (especially within 24-48 hours). Strictly refrain from strenuous activities, heavy physical labor, excessive weight-bearing, or repeated use of the injected area. Do not rub or massage the injection site. If the injection site is on a limb (such as the knee, ankle, elbow, wrist, etc.), keep it elevated as much as possible when not moving, above the level of the heart.

(3) Pain-relieving medications (use with caution)
3. Precautions

(1) Avoid hot compresses: Strictly avoid hot compresses, hot baths, saunas, hot spring soaks, etc., within the first 48-72 hours (or even a week) after the injection. Heat can dilate blood vessels, worsen inflammation and swelling, and intensify pain.

(2) Gradually resume activities: After passing the initial acute inflammatory phase (usually 2-7 days, varying from person to person and depending on the injection site), you should resume activities and functional exercises very slowly and step by step under the guidance of a doctor or physical therapist. Premature or excessive activity can aggravate pain and inflammation and affect the repair effect.

(3) Avoid using anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: To prevent aggravating local bleeding or swelling.
4. When to Contact a Doctor or Seek Medical Attention (Recognizing Warning Signs)

Although pain is common, you should be alert to the following signs that may indicate complications. If these conditions occur, contact a doctor or go to the emergency department immediately:

(1) Severe, persistently worsening, or unbearable pain: A soreness that is far beyond the expected level.

(2) Obvious redness, swelling, and increased heat at the injection site: An inflammatory response that exceeds expectations.

(3) Changes in skin color (purple, pale), abnormal sensations (numbness, tingling, burning) or movement disorders: These may indicate nerve damage or vascular problems.

(4) Fever and chills: These suggest a possible infection.

(5) Purulent discharge or ulceration at the injection site: Clear signs of infection.

(6) Skin rash, itching, worsening redness and swelling, or difficulty breathing: An allergic reaction should be considered.

(7) Pain that lasts for more than 1-2 weeks with no sign of relief: A doctor’s evaluation of the cause is needed.

In summary, mild pain should be managed mainly with rest and cold compresses. For significant pain, medication can be used under the guidance of a doctor. If abnormal conditions occur, seek medical attention promptly. Generally, this will not affect the therapeutic effect of PRP.
 

The Shuangwei Biotechnology PRP kit has the following advantages:

- High degree of automation: The preparation and extraction process is fully automated. It is composed of a disposable platelet-rich plasma preparation kit and a medical centrifuge, achieving "one-time centrifugation, one-stop sealing, and one-click preparation", reducing manual operation errors and improving the preparation efficiency and accuracy.

- Completely closed and pollution-free: The separation and extraction process is completely closed, effectively avoiding external pollution, reducing the risk of infection, and ensuring the quality, safety and reliability of the prepared PRP.

- Convenient operation: The PRP with the required concentration can be obtained only through one-time centrifugation. The whole preparation process only takes 15 minutes, which greatly shortens the preparation time and improves the clinical work efficiency.

- Precise and adjustable concentration: Through mode selection, the concentration can be precisely adjusted from 2 to 8 times. It can provide personalized PRP concentrations according to the conditions and treatment needs of different patients to achieve the best treatment effect.

- Adjustable components: Consumables can be optionally configured to prepare leukocyte PRP or complex leukocyte PRP, realizing the adjustability of PRP components and further meeting the needs of different clinical application scenarios.