Key Takeaways
- Orthobiologics, including PRP (platelet-rich plasma), use materials derived from your own body to help promote healing rather than simply masking pain.
- In the hand and wrist, PRP is most often used for trigger finger, tendon injuries, and ligament injuries as a non-surgical alternative to help patients avoid or delay surgery.
- Recovery time after a PRP injection varies, with some patients noticing improvement within days and others taking several weeks.
- PRP is generally well tolerated for repeat treatments, making it a reasonable option for patients who want to avoid the limits that come with repeated corticosteroid use.
- Dr. Mark Yaffe of Barrington Orthopedic Specialists offers biologic injection therapy as part of his non-surgical treatment options for hand, wrist, and arm conditions in the Schaumburg-area suburbs of Chicago. Request an appointment online to find out if orthobiologics are right for you.
What Are Orthobiologics?
Orthobiologics are substances derived from natural sources, most often the patient's own blood or bone marrow, used to promote healing and tissue regeneration in orthopedic conditions. The most well-known example is platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, which is created by drawing a small amount of the patient's blood and processing it to concentrate the platelets before injecting it back into the injured area.
According to Cleveland Clinic, PRP is a biologic medicine derived from a patient's own blood that can stimulate healing in diseased or injured tissues, and it's often used for long-lasting, difficult-to-treat conditions like joint pain and tendonitis.
PRP for Hand Injuries and Tendon Conditions
Dr. Yaffe uses PRP injection therapy to treat a range of upper extremity conditions, including:
- Articular cartilage injuries
- Early osteoarthritis
- Ligament injuries
- Tendon injuries
- Sports-related injuries
- Chronic joint pain
The PRP process involves three basic steps: a small blood draw, processing the blood in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the concentrated plasma directly into the affected area, typically after numbing the injection site to minimize discomfort.
Orthobiologics as a Trigger Finger Treatment Alternative
Trigger finger, one of the most common tendon conditions of the hand, has traditionally been treated with rest, splinting, corticosteroid injections, or surgical release. Corticosteroid injections remain an effective first-line treatment for many patients, but they're limited in how often they can be repeated.
Orthobiologics offer patients another non-surgical avenue to explore, particularly those who have already had one or two steroid injections and want an option focused on healing the tendon rather than repeatedly calming inflammation around it. Dr. Yaffe will evaluate the grade and history of your trigger finger to determine whether PRP, a steroid injection, or a minimally invasive release is the most appropriate next step.
Why Consider PRP Instead of Repeat Steroid Injections?
For hand and wrist tendon conditions specifically, the choice often comes down to how many corticosteroid injections a patient has already had and how they responded. Corticosteroids tend to provide fast relief but are typically limited to a small number of injections in the same area over time. PRP takes longer to show results but is generally considered safe for repeat use, since it's made from the patient's own blood rather than a synthetic medication.
For a deeper look at how PRP and corticosteroid injections compare for shoulder and elbow conditions, see Dr. Yaffe's related post on PRP vs. cortisone injections for shoulder and elbow pain.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Sports Injury Recovery
For athletes and active patients, orthobiologics can be an appealing option because they don't require the downtime associated with surgery. PRP is commonly used alongside other non-surgical treatments, including bracing, physical therapy, and activity modification, to support a full recovery from hand and wrist tendon and ligament injuries sustained during sports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are orthobiologics used for in the hand and wrist?
Orthobiologics, including PRP, are used to treat hand and wrist conditions such as trigger finger, tendon injuries, ligament injuries, early osteoarthritis, and chronic joint pain by promoting the body's own healing response.
How do I find orthobiologics near me for a hand or wrist condition?
Dr. Mark Yaffe at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists offers biologic injection therapy, including PRP, for patients throughout Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, and Buffalo Grove.
Is PRP a good alternative to another steroid injection for trigger finger?
It can be, especially for patients who have already had one or more corticosteroid injections. Dr. Yaffe can help determine whether PRP, another steroid injection, or a minimally invasive release is the right next step for your specific case.
How long does it take to see results from PRP therapy?
Results vary. Some patients notice improvement within days, while others may take several weeks to feel the full effect, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Are PRP injections covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. It's important to check with your insurance company to understand what is and isn't covered before starting treatment.
If you're looking for a non-surgical path to healing a hand, wrist, or arm condition, orthobiologics may be worth exploring. Dr. Mark Yaffe offers advanced biologic injection therapy for patients throughout the Schaumburg area.
Request an appointment online with Dr. Yaffe today to find out if PRP or another orthobiologic treatment is right for you.
