PRP For Knee Pain: Almost A No-Brainer
/Knee pain is often caused by a meniscus tear, osteoarthritis, patellar tendinopathy, low-grade ACL or MCL sprain or some combination of these.
Don’t want surgery, don’t need surgery or already had surgery with a less than satisfactory outcome?
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) has been a star in the world of orthopedics, particularly as it pertains to knee conditions.
Once considered experimental, this innovative, minimally-invasive treatment using your own blood and concentrated growth factors is now is becoming a standard-of-care treatment for many knee conditions.
Over 45 studies have demonstrated clinically significant benefit in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The overwhelming majority of studies demonstrate that PRP is more effective in the long-term when compared to steroid or hyaluronic acid injections for knee OA.
Want something safe, natural, effective, and a disease-modifying intervention that will relieve pain, improve function, provide stability and/or healing for tissues that can be done in the office? Then PRP can be a great option for you.
I've been giving ultrasound-guided PRP injections for 15 years. I’ve spent countless hours on the educational process, training and fine-tuning of techniques to make this a excellent option for our patients. I’ve been a patient myself, receiving PRP for shoulder and knee conditions and I've experienced the success firsthand.
Want to know more about PRP?
Learn about the key details of PRP here
How is PRP simple and not-so-simple? Read here
If you think you may be a candidate or want to discuss further, then
come see us. We are always happy to help!
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
PRP: The Details Matter. Give Us 3 Minutes
/More practices than ever are offering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to their patients, especially those with osteoarthritis, tennis and golfer’s elbow, partial rotator cuff tears, Achilles and patellar tendonopathy and plantar fasciitis, just to name a few.
We often say, “not all PRP is the same.” There are so many details that go into the success rate of the injections. On that subject, how do you define success? Less pain, better function, healing of damaged tissue and/or the slowing of the deterioration of cartilage, especially in osteoarthritis. PRP can truly be a disease-modifying treatment, not just something to make you temporarily feel better.
Now, what details really matter?
Experience of the physician: how long has he/she been giving PRP injections
Accuracy of the injection: ultrasound-guidance is paramount
Amount of blood used to produce the PRP: we’ve learned that a higher volume of blood is likely necessary to produce the optimal number of platelets
Creation of the PRP: constructing the optimal amount of PRP to inject for each condition. Creating a mixture either rich in leukocytes (white blood cells) or poor in leukocytes
Providing the best recommendations regarding what medications and supplements should be temporarily stopped before and after the injections
Providing the best recommendations regarding restrictions (use of a boot, crutches, bracing, type of rest) after the PRP
Deciding upon the optimal number and frequency of injections to give
Working with a physician who is frequently involved in medical education on the topic of orthobiologic injections, including PRP
Working with a physician who is transparent and communicative regarding outcomes, expectations and cost
If truth be told, only a few physicians in Middle Tennessee implement all of these details when it comes to PRP injections.
So, if you think you are candidate for this very natural, quite effective, and minimally-invasive treatment, then come see us!
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
Proactive Versus Reactive: Which One Are You Choosing?
/We strongly encourage our patients to be proactive with their musculoskeletal health over just being reactive.
Let’s list some examples of the two different approaches:
Proactive
You’re trying to remain in great shape, yet your knee is starting to ache due to mild osteoarthritis. No surgery is necessary, but you want to do something that not only reduces symptoms, but also protects the knee in the long term that is likely disease-modifying. Thus, a series of platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections will meet those goals. PRP injections are one of the best treatment options for the management of osteoarthritis.
You’re starting to have heel pain when you first get out of bed. You suspect plantar fasciitis. Instead of ignoring the symptoms or simply relying on Dr. Google, you decide to consult with a sports medicine physician, so a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment plan can be constructed and customize for you. You realize an inexpensive ultrasound in the office can confirm this diagnosis, determine severity and help with prognosis. At that visit, you’ll be given numerous treatment options and successfully guided on your ability to continue exercising to maintain good health.
You have daily aches and pains, early arthritis and stiffness, but really don’t want to go on daily medications to manage the symptoms. However, you need some help making lifestyle choices as a pertains to diet, supplements and exercise choices. You understand that friends, family, and the Internet are not the optimal resources. Therefore, you decide to move forward with a physician consult so you may receive advice in great detail regarding the best supplements to choose for your particular situation, how to approach exercise and dietary choices. You understand that it is your physician’s to help you decide between what is fact and what is myth.
Reactive
Your heel starts to hurt after some longer walks, especially when you first get out of bed. You talk to friends who recommend rolling the heel, stretching the toes and obtaining non-customized orthotics. You continue to walk, but three months later your heel pain is worse and you limp into the doctor’s office wondering what happened. Bottom line, you now have advanced plantar fasciitis. Unfortunately, the advice you’ve received from well-intentioned others has not been the best for you. Presenting to the doctor when the symptoms first developed would’ve given you a much better outcome, as an entirely different set of treatment options would have been suggested.
Your arthritic knee starts to hurt and you see a bit of swelling, but you decide to keep going to the gym, rubbing Biofreeze on it and you add in some heavy yardwork over several weekends, Ultimately, you can barely bend your very swollen knee, and you’re thinking about canceling that trip to see grandkids. Of course, we are here to help you, but we could’ve avoided this major flare if we would have proactively started some treatment as soon as your knee started to ache.
So we ask the question: are you going to be proactive or reactive? Not every little ache or pain that last hours to a few days should prompt a visit to the doctor. However, do not ignore symptoms and instead, do realize that early treatment usually provides better outcomes than waiting until symptoms rise to a moderate or severe level.
As always, let us know if we can be of assistance to you!
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
Our 5 Best Pieces of Advice for You
/Some specialty medical practices see you as a “knee,” an “ankle,” a “hip replacement,” or “that person with too many aches and pains.” At Impact, we see you as a whole person. We see you from head to toe and do our best to advise you on long-term lifestyle choices to keep you, your joints and soft tissues as healthy as possible.
Here are our current 5 best pieces of advice for you:
1) Use food to your advantage, not as a detriment: many think only of food as calories, but instead, let food be nutrition…something that can nourish your body. Choose wisely with lean meats, some plant-based protein sources, numerous fruits and vegetables and healthy fats. Really limit fried foods, fast foods, processed foods, foods high in sugars and artificial sweeteners. Don’t forget about healthy beverage choices: more water than anything, adding green tea or black coffee but keep soda and alcohol very much in moderation. Why is this important? Proper nutrition allows for healing and recovery. Poor food and beverage choices lead to more inflammation and pain.
2) Being at a healthy weight is very important for your joints and soft tissues: every 1 pound someone is overweight equals 4 pounds of extra force going through his/her lower body joints. On the positive side, you lose 10 pounds, you have 40 fewer pounds of force on your knees and other joints. Osteoarthritis of the hips and knees, plantar fasciitis and insertional Achilles tendonitis are the most common conditions we see in overweight individuals.
3) Make cost-effective medical decisions: did you know that seeing a physician employed by a hospital or one associated with a larger group practice is more expensive than seeing a physician in a smaller private practice? Why is this? It is because insurance companies and these larger organizations have negotiated higher reimbursement rates. Is this based on a higher quality care? Absolutely not! It’s just the behind-the-scenes business of medical economics, and not many patients are aware of this. An office visit at “Hospital/Large Practice X” may cost you $300. A similar and possibly even more comprehensive visit at our practice may cost you $200.
4) Stay moving, as “motion is lotion”: whether your knee or low back hurts, or you are just stiff quite often, staying mobile will help your musculoskeletal system. Don’t sit for too long. Don’t keep your hips, knees or spine in one position for too long. Set a goal for a certain number of steps each day, even if you are not classifying this as formal exercise. Walk while you talk on the phone. Choose an adjustable or standing desk if possible.
5) Find your sweet spot when it comes to exercise and activity: perhaps 2 miles of walking is too much for your arthritic knee, but 1.5 miles feels good, both during and after the walk. 25 minutes of the bike is great, 30 minutes creates pain. 2 sets of bench press with 30 pound dumbbells feels right, but 3 sets with 40 pounds causes shoulder pain. “Sweet spot” exercise is essential, especially for us middle-agers and older.
As always, let us know if we can be of assistance to you!
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
PRP: The Gift of Health
/As we near the major holiday gift-giving season of the year, consider one the best gifts you can give to yourself: the gift of health! Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a great option for you in 2024 if you are looking to boost your orthopedic health and longevity. Here are 5 great adjectives that apply to PRP injections:
1) Safe: adverse effects and complications associated with PRP injections are exceedingly rare.
2) Effective: 80-90% of our patients that receive PRP injections have very good outcomes and are satisfied with their results.
3) Natural: these injections use your blood, specifically your platelets and your growth factors to exert their positive effects.
4) Proven: once considered experimental, there are now hundreds of studies that demonstrate clinical benefit with PRP injections.
5) Preventative: PRP injections are touted in their ability to prevent many degenerative joint and soft conditions from further deterioration.
Want to know more? Check out some of our blogs:
Insurance Companies Say PRP Is Experimental…We Sigh — Impact Sports Medicine & Orthopedics (impactsportsnashville.com)
Five Keys to Successful Outcomes with PRP Injections — Impact Sports Medicine & Orthopedics (impactsportsnashville.com)
PRP And The Three "Es" — Impact Sports Medicine & Orthopedics (impactsportsnashville.com)
As always, let us know if we can be of assistance to you!
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
5 Things You Have to Know If You Have Knee Pain
/1. Three factors play a role in knee pain: structural, biomechanical and environmental. Structural means damage, biomechanical means abnormal tracking or loading within a joint or tendon because of misalignment, weakness, and/or inflexibility. Environmental typically means inflammation within the joint or tendon. When formulating a treatment plan for you, we typically want to address one or two of these factors initially. Unless you have major damage, we’re normally not treating structure initially, as that results in a surgery.
2. Age often plays a role in these different factors: in the absence of injury, in patients under 20 years of age, the problem tends to be biomechanical. In patients ages 20 to 40, the problem tends to be biomechanical and inflammatory. In patients older than 40, structural, biomechanical and inflammatory are typically all playing a role.
3. Being proactive in the care of your knee problem usually produces better outcomes than being reactive. This means integrating treatments early on and not waiting until you have major pain or disability to see a physician. We term this “PIO,” Proactive Interventional Orthopedics.
4. Meniscus tears are commonly found on MRIs and may or may not be a source of pain. For decades, the trend was to treat these surgically, typically arthroscopically, removing the torn piece of meniscus. There’s now a trend towards repairing the meniscus tear when possible, but only about 10% can be successfully repaired. Thus, surgery for meniscus tears, especially those age 40 and above, is falling out of favor. On occasion, surgery is the better choice, but treating these initially nonsurgically is usually the best way to start. We often tell patients “a little torn meniscus is better than less meniscus,” especially long term. Less meniscus often equals greater arthritis.
5. Three types of injections can be used for most knee problems: steroid, hyaluronic acid, and orthobiologics. Orthobiologics include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections. Each of these injections can be reasonably good choices, but for long-term success, PRP is likely your best option in terms of producing favorable outcomes, modifying the disease process, and these are often the most cost-effective option. Stay away from “stem cell” injections that are ordered by physician’s or chiropractic offices and do not come from you own bone marrow or fat. These are often being used inappropriately, and patients are charged exorbitant amounts of money to have these injections.
As always, let us know if we can be of assistance to you!
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
PRP And The Three "Es"
/This sounds like the name of a band, right? Well, we’re referring to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and three important words that start with an “E” when discussing these procedures.
First, a quick reminder that we use your own blood obtained from an arm vein, a special kit, a centrifuge and a precise separation process to create the PRP. PRP is then a great treatment choice for osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder and other joints. It’s also an effective treatment for tennis and golfer’s elbow, plantar fasciitis, Achilles and rotator cuff tendon problems, just to name a few. When considering who will perform your PRP injection, you absolutely need to consider the three Es:
Experience: At Impact, Dr. Holmes has been performing PRP injections since 2009. Very few physicians in the Nashville area can claim that level of experience. In addition, we are giving more PRP injections than ever as more and more patients are realizing the benefits of this procedure. Thus, in 2009, we may have given 1-2 PRP injections a month, and now, we give 12-15 a month on average.
Expertise: With experience comes expertise, yet expertise also comes with putting in the work. This means attending conferences, reading and interpreting studies, participating in webinars and interacting with peers who are also experts in the field. Hardly a week goes by that we don’t spend some time fine tuning our expertise in this field. Next, we’ve been pioneers in the sports medicine industry through our ultrasound-guided injections. 14 years of experience with ultrasound and over 10,000 injections later, we consider this to be an area of expertise.
Equipment: PRP is not just PRP, meaning some kits, equipment and the preparation process are better than others. Novices in the field tend to choose lower cost and lower quality PRP systems which often produce fewer numbers and a lower concentration of platelets. At Impact, we are on our 5th PRP system over the past decade. These systems continue to improve, and you deserve a high-quality option. Finally, ultrasound-guidance is paramount when having a PRP injection. Don’t you want this high-powered solution to be injected into the precise location? Without ultrasound guidance, you are proceeding “blindly” and can only hope the injection makes it to the intended location.
Considering a PRP injection for your orthopedic condition? Remember the 3 Es and let us know if we can be of any assistance to you!
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
BEING PROACTIVE, NOT REACTIVE, WHEN IT COMES TO PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) INJECTIONS
/I am a 28 year-old nurse practitioner and former competitive athlete, and I am strongly considering getting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for my knees. Why? For one, as a provider, I have witnessed many improved patient outcomes. Two, this procedure is safe, has relatively no side effects, and is minimally-invasive. Lastly, we are seeing that by being proactive with PRP versus reactive when symptoms are present shows even further benefit.
After many years of intense volleyball training, games, and working out without any downtime throughout the year, I developed bilateral knee pain. Although I have no x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis at this time, based on my symptoms, there is no doubt I have cartilage damage. Because of this, I feel that PRP injections, in addition to other conservative treatments I’ve used, will boost the longevity of my knees.
PRP helps soft tissue, joint, and cartilage pathology. It is a great way to use your own body’s healing system to improve musculoskeletal problems, and there is minimal risk because it uses your own blood.
What’s our process?
Obtain blood from a vein.
Spin it in a centrifugation system in our office. This separates the components of the blood and concentrates the platelets.
We take the plasma that has platelets that are rich in growth factors to create the PRP injectable solution.
The PRP is then injected under ultrasound guidance in the targeted area.
When injecting the PRP solution to the targeted area, it creates an espresso shot-like effect for your body’s growth factors and repair cells to travel to this area. The main goal is to help repair the damaged area, decrease pain, and improve function. Keep in mind that this is a slow and methodical approach that can take up to 6 months to see maximum benefits. Sometimes more than one PRP injection is needed. How long does PRP last? It varies based on the severity of the patient’s condition, a patient’s activity level, and incorporation of other conservative treatments. Cost can vary per practice. We typical charge $800-$950 (*subject to change) depending on how many locations we are injecting and which centrifugation system we use. Keep in mind that PRP injections are NOT stem cell injections.
My goal with this blog is to change the thought process that PRP injections should only be used reactively to treat orthopedic conditions and their accompanying symptoms to one instead that utilizes PRP in a proactive approach to slowly repair and stabilize conditions.
So, why haven’t I had PRP injections in my knees already? Honestly, the only thing holding me back is my nervousness when it comes to needles.
Interested to see if PRP injections would be helpful for you? We would love to have a consult with you to discuss these in detail!
Taylor Moore, FNP
Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
Five Simple Reasons You Should Consider Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections For Your Tendon Or Joint Pain
/Let’s make this one quick and easy. Some blogs, we may hit with you great details, information rich in scientific data and opinions full of medical jargon. Today, let’s share some simple information regarding why platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections should be on your radar if you have OSTEOARTHRITIS, TENNIS OR GOLFER’S ELBOW, ACHILLES TENDONOSIS, PLANTAR FASCIITIS, LATERAL HIP, PATELLAR AND ROTATOR CUFF TENDONOSIS, just to name a few.
1) Most of the time, it works: let’s be real, nothing in medicine works all of the time. If we see a significant benefit in 75% of patients or more, then we are all pretty happy with a treatment. In our patient population, PRP meets this criteria.
2) Most medical studies suggest a clinically significant benefit: do a “pub med” search for PRP as it relates to orthopedic conditions. Although some studies always will be too small or of lower quality, once you start to pool the data, you find that PRP is not really “experimental” any more. There are now hundreds of studies looking at patients receiving PRP for arthritis and chronic tendon problems, and the majority of these studies demonstrate a clinically significant benefit with PRP.
3) It’s both natural and safe: PRP is derived from your own blood. It’s designed to concentrate your platelets that contain your growth factors. These growth factors have many positive effects, ranging from inflammation reduction to slowing down the deterioration process within a tendon or joint. Major side effects are extremely rare, and when compared to steroid injections, prescription medications and surgical intervention, PRP is a safer treatment option with fewer adverse effects.
4) It’s a relatively quick office procedure: 5 minutes to set-up and draw the blood, 5 minutes to transfer the blood to the centrifuge system, 10 minutes to spin the blood, 3 minutes to further separate the blood components and capture the PRP, 2 minutes to prep the patient, and 1 minute to give the injection. In some instances, we may first inject a numbing medication (anesthetic) and then give that 10 minutes to work. So, in total, 36 minutes for this procedure done in the office, all in one sitting.
5) Although typically not covered by insurance, it’s likely a wise investment in your health and may save you money in the long run: the days of insurance always covering the best and most innovative procedures for orthopedic conditions are over. If PRP works for you like we expect it to, then you will potentially save money on doctor’s visits, medications, physical therapy, surgical interventions and other treatments. Not to mention that if you have not yet met your deductible, you will pay out-of-pocket for all of the other treatments “covered by insurance” that may be less effective than PRP.
In an nutshell, PRP is not for everyone and every orthopedic condition. We carefully select those patients who we think can “win the battle” with their orthopedic condition with one or more PRP injections. 20+ years of experience in sports medicine and orthopedics and 10+ years utilizing PRP have given us the knowledge to determine what patients may truly benefit from PRP injections. Come see us if you are curious!
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
Why Does an Orthopedic Practice Care About a Patient's Weight?
/Let’s talk weight. It’s not a fun topic to talk about, but necessary in the medical field. A poll taken earlier this year showed that 48% of Americans admit they have gained weight since the beginning of the Covid outbreak.
Why is this important to orthopedic providers? Weight is a contributor to orthopedic pain. Let me give you an example: there are two patients of the same age and gender with equal severity of knee arthritis. One maintains a healthy weight level, and the other has had a 10 lb. weight gain. For every one pound you’re overweight, there’s an estimated extra four pounds of force on the joints. Therefore, even though they have the same degree of arthritis, it is likely that the overweight patient is struggling more with flares of pain and dysfunction due to that extra 40 lbs. of force going through the knees.
Not only does maintaining a healthy weight help orthopedic pain, it helps fight against high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea and other sleep disturbances, gallbladder and liver disease, and mental disorders. Overall, a healthy weight has significant health benefits.
All that being said, losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight isn’t easy, especially when life gets busy. We fall into routines, and it just never seems like there’s enough time in the day. Many people get caught up in the numbers on the scale. If monitoring this is motivational for you, keep stepping on the scale. If weighing yourself is discouraging, use other tools such as how are your clothes fitting, whether you feel better, and are you holding yourself accountable to feeding your body the fuel foods it needs while moving your body more.
Weight management is 80% eating habits and 20% exercise, and impacting each of these is one huge factor: your overall mental approach to both. Let’s break down each.
Eating Habits
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could lose weight while frequently eating foods like sweets and pasta. That would be AMAZING. Unfortunately, that’s not reality. But it doesn’t mean you can’t eat the deemed “unhealthy foods,” or that healthy foods can’t taste good. Another factor to consider is that eating healthier tends to be more expensive.
-limit unhealthy foods and then control the portion sizes when you do splurge. Another good tip is if you know you’re going out for that pizza for dinner, eat healthier for breakfast and lunch.
-use a free calorie tracking app such as MyFitness Pal. The amount of calories needed depends on age, size, height, gender, and activity level. A calorie deficit is needed to lose weight, but that doesn’t mean you have to always be hungry. It’s all about the foods you choose! Eat foods that keep you full and choose healthy snacks in between.
-intermittent fasting doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re interested, try fasting from 8 p.m. until 12 p.m. the next day. Black coffee and water are still acceptable to drink during this time.
-drink plenty of water. The amount will be different from everyone. Drinking an excess amount of water can drop your body’s sodium levels, so don’t go overboard.
-be mentally prepared on how to approach that dreaded spiral when opportunities to consume unhealthy food present themselves and then have the mental fortitude to decline the temptations.
-don’t go to the grocery store when you’re hungry. This increases the likelihood of buying unhealthy foods. We all know if it’s in the house, it will get eaten.
-limit eating out or if you do eat out, make healthier choices.
-incorporate color into every meal, as more color often means more fruits and vegetables.
-eat when you are hungry, not necessarily simply because it’s meal time, and stop when you are full.
-if you want to follow or need the accountability through a weight management program, consider Weight Watchers or Noom.
-if you overeat at a meal, move on and don’t shame yourself.
-fueling your body with healthy food choices can also help combat full body inflammation. Here is a link to one of our favorite resources on anti-inflammatory foods that we like to share with our patients.
https://www.drweil.com/diet-nutrition/anti-inflammatory-diet-pyramid/dr-weils-anti-inflammatory-food-pyramid/
*Eating habits are not a “one plan fits all”*
Exercise
Our biggest tip is to just keep moving! Find an activity that gets you moving and that you enjoy physically and mentally. At least 3-4 times a week. Choose an activity that gets your heart rate up and cross train with strengthening. You don’t have to spend hours in the gym.
-set a timer every hour at work to get up and walk around. Take a walk during your lunch break.
-get a sit-to-stand desk and alternate every 30 minutes to 1 hour. “Sitting is the new smoking.”
-find a routine and stick to it. Choose a few different activities you can alternate.
Finally, here are the main keys to successful weight management: consistency, maintaining a positive mindset, positive reflection, smart food choices while also allowing yourself to eat what you want in moderation, and get moving. It’s definitely not easy, but the overall improvement in your physical or mental health will be well worth it.
If you have found success in losing or maintaining a healthy weight, let us know what helped you!
Taylor Moore, FNP-C
Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
It’s Time To Start Treating Your Arthritic Knee Like Your Car
/“Orthopedic Maintenance”…that’s a term you may start to hear, especially in our practice. For years, patients have been led to believe that in the case of their arthritis, there’s “nothing you can do about it” until you want or choose to have a replacement. Also, our medical system has been developed to be reactive instead of proactive, especially again in the setting of arthritis. So, let me ask you this, do you only take your car to the mechanic when you have a problem? If the answer is yes, then you are on the fast track to either a needing a new car or paying your mechanic a pretty penny for all the repairs your car will need! If you are a wise car owner, then you take your car in at regular intervals for the oil change, fluid additions, tire rotation, alignment, brake maintenance and various inspections. So I then ask, should you be doing the same for your arthritic knee? The answer is a resounding “Yes!”
So, what does orthopedic maintenance look like? In very general terms, it means that if your body has aches, pains or dysfunction, then it’s wise to jump on these earlier than later, avoiding the temptation to ignore symptoms, and think, “I’m just getting old.” This translates to seeing your orthopedic/sports medicine physician to confirm a diagnosis and discuss treatment and prevention strategies. Let’s focus on one of the most effective forms of non-operative treatment for knee osteoarthritis: injections
1) Steroid (cortisone) injections are great for acute pain, when it’s important to reduce symptoms and swelling quickly. Steroids are really a more “reactive” treatment, such as when a patient needs to feel better quickly for a major life event (a trip, visit with the grandkids, have to feel better for work, etc.) but can be proactive for a patient trying to stave off a knee replacement or is not a good candidate for knee replacement. For example, the elderly patient whose risk of knee replacement outweighs the benefit, planning two steroid injections a year for his/her symptomatic knee arthritis may allow the patient to feel less pain, move better, be at lower risk for a fall and have a greater quality of life.
2) Hyaluronic Acid/Viscosupplement injections (brand names include Orthovisc, Gelsyn, Euflexxa, etc.) have a long track record of excellent safety and provide symptomatic relief in approximately 75% of patients for 4-12 months. They probably work as anti-inflammatories and lubricants for the knee, replenishing the hyaluronic acid in the arthritic knee that is depleted or less effective. These are probably more beneficial for those with mild to moderate arthritis as opposed to more severe cases. There are essentially no side effects except for mild injection-site soreness in some. Most insurance companies will authorize this 3-4 injection series every 6 months, so planning on about two series a year is a very proactive strategy. These are what we often term as the “oil change” injections.
3) Orthobiologic injections are really your “game-changer” injections. These have been used in orthopedics for 15 years and in our practice for over 10 years. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is the most commonly used orthobiologic injection. Insurance companies and even some medical providers still like to consider these as “experimental” or unproven treatments for osteoarthritis, yet there are now 39 randomized, controlled trials (studies) that demonstrate that PRP is effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. PRP is derived from your own blood, as we obtain blood from an arm vein, spin this in a centrifuge, remove the majority of red and white blood cells, and concentrate the platelets which are rich in your own growth factors. These growth factors module inflammation, reduce pain, improve function, and most likely have a beneficial effect on the cartilage within the joint. This is how they are “game-changers.” They very likely stop or slow the progression of arthritis by stabilizing the cartilage and potentially improving the quality of the cartilage.
We typically start with two PRP injections 2-6 weeks apart and expect, on the average, 6-12 months of symptomatic benefit. Repeating these at regular intervals is likely the best plan of action in order to see continued, long-term benefits. PRP injections are here to stay, and how we continue to apply them in the treatment of osteoarthritis will continue to evolve.
Primary care providers and dentists have done a great job integrating maintenance evaluations and treatments into a patient’s health regimen. Now, we should likely be doing the same in orthopedics, and the treatment of knee osteoarthritis is a great place to start, as this is the most common medical condition seen in our office today. It is a tremendous source of pain and disability for millions of Americans and contributes to the spending of billions of health care dollars. It’s time for orthopedic physicians and patients to join together to be proactive over reactive and realize that less-invasive preventative strategies are preferred over more-invasive and costly interventions.
As always, we here to help and strive to be your resource for these innovative maintenance strategies!
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
What Supplements Might Be Useful In Orthopedics?
/Many people prefer to try a natural approach when it comes to preventing conditions or treating symptoms by taking various vitamins and supplements. There are many options for supplements and vitamins out there, but are they really effective? Unfortunately, there is little education or research on these products.
Remember, the FDA does not regulate supplements and vitamins. Talk to your healthcare provider before beginning any supplements or vitamins. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss supplements and vitamins with your provider.
Here are a few common vitamins and supplements we discuss with our patients in orthopedics.
Turmeric
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a great tool to help combat full body inflammation. We recommend a turmeric supplement that contains extract instead of ground root powder, 95% curcuminoids, curcumin, and bioperine (black pepper) to help with absorption. Daily dose recommendation is 500mg-2,000mg. Turmeric can slow blood clotting and should be avoided in those who take blood thinners, have bleeding disorders, anemia, gallbladder conditions, or pregnant. Caution should be used in those who take diabetes medication, as turmeric may make the effects of these medications stronger and therefore may result in hypoglycemia. Note: cooking occasionally with turmeric does not provide the amount needed to reach anti-inflammatory effects.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is thought to increase cartilage and fluid around joints and/or help prevent cartilage breakdown, therefore, decreasing pain and improving function. Research studies’ results have shown conflicting information. Taking this does not reduce your risk of getting osteoarthritis. The recommended dose is 1,500mg daily. Do not take this supplement if you take warfarin (coumadin) as it increases the effects of warfarin, elevating your risk of serious bruising or bleeding. Do not take this supplement if you have personal or family history of glaucoma, are on cancer treatments, or have allergies to shellfish. Take caution if you have diabetes, as glucosamine has been shown to increase blood sugar levels and decrease the effectiveness of diabetic medications. Also, take caution if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, have asthma, glaucoma, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol/triglycerides), and hypertension.
Chondroitin
Usually taken in combination with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate is one of the building blocks of cartilage. Used to help decrease osteoarthritis pain and improve function. Recommended daily dose is 800-1,200mg. Do not take if you have prostate cancer or are pregnant/breastfeeding. Take caution in those with asthma. There is an increased risk of bleeding if taken with warfarin.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
HA’s action in orthopedics is to lubricate the joints and maintain normal joint cushioning to provide more support, resulting in decreased pain and increased functioning. In osteoarthritis and as we age, this substance becomes naturally depleted due to wear and tear. It comes in many different forms, but injections are the most widely used and most effective in sports medicine and orthopedics. We like to tell our patients to think of HA injections like an oil change for your knee; the oil is the HA substance and, your joints are the car. HA oral supplements have not shown to be effective for musculoskeletal use.
Vitamin D
Most people do not receive enough daily vitamin D from food and sun alone. Vitamin D has many benefits. From an orthopedic standpoint, vitamin D modulates inflammation, prevents involuntary muscle spasms, and cramps, and enhances calcium absorption into the bone which helps with bone growth and bone remodeling. Vitamin D plays a key role in helping prevent osteopenia and osteoporosis (thin and brittle bones). The recommended dose is 600-800 international units (IUs) daily, yet supplementing with 1000-2000 IUs of D3 is safe for most patients. Some patients are found to have vitamin D deficiencies with a blood test and will require higher dosing often for at least a month. Foods high in vitamin D include salmon, sardines, tuna, egg yolks, mushrooms, cow’s milk, soy milk, yogurt, orange juice, cheese, fortified cereal, and oatmeal.
Calcium
Calcium helps build and protect bones. A low calcium intake can result in fractures, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Most people get enough calcium in their normal diet. The daily recommended amount of calcium needed is dependent on age.
1-3 years old: 700mg
4-8 years old: 1,000mg
9-18 years old: 1,300mg
19-50 years: 1,000mg,
51 years to 70 years: males 1,000mg and females 1,200mg
71 years and older: 1,200mg.
Who needs a calcium supplement? Those who are vegans, lactose intolerance, consume large amounts of protein or sodium, on long term steroid treatment, those who have inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease, and those who do get enough calcium in the foods they eat. Overall, it is better to get the calcium your body needs through food instead of a supplement. There are some studies that have linked calcium supplements to heart disease, colon polyps, kidney stones, and heart attacks. Foods high in calcium: almonds, oranges, dried figs, soybeans, garbanzo beans, white beans, pinto beans, milk, yogurt, dark leafy green vegetables.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha helps in reducing anxiety and stress. On the label you want to look for root extract, as this is more potent that ground root powder. KSM-66 ashwagandha root extract has been studied in many clinical trials with positive outcomes. Daily dose recommended is between 500-1,500mg.
Potential side effects include gastrointestinal upset or headache. It can potentially lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, and affect thyroid hormones, and in rare cases, have a negative effect on the liver. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this.
Taylor Moore, FNP-C
Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
5 Reasons to Either Have or Avoid a Steroid/Cortisone Injection
/Steroid, often called “cortisone,” injections have been used in orthopedics and other specialties for several decades as potent anti-inflammatories. In recent years, they’ve become more controversial, as medical studies have validated that they likely have negative effects on our bodies and actually worsen certain conditions in the long-term. However, steroid injections still have some positive utility, and careful discussion with each patient must be undertaken to determine whether a steroid injection may be more beneficial or more harmful in each unique situation. Let’s explore those situations:
A Steroid Injection Can Be Particularly Beneficial in These Situations:
1) Adhesive Capsulitis- most commonly seen in middle-age women, this highly-inflammatory condition causing shoulder pain and stiffness often responds beautifully to an ultrasound-guided injection into the glenohumeral joint.
2) Early Phase of Tendonitis- if we catch tendonitis very early and when it’s primarily in the inflammatory stage (like tennis elbow or calcific rotator cuff tendonitis), a steroid injection can be very helpful in reducing pain and restoring function.
3) Diagnostic and Therapeutic- many times, we see a patient that has pain in an area, yet we can’t determine the exact source. Thus, we use a precisely-placed injection with ultrasound to see if the pain is relieved. If so, then we feel that we’ve located the source and can then customize a more effective treatment plan. We use this strategy often for hip pain.
4) A Patient Needs Rapid Relief- your knee is swollen and that bucket-list vacation that will require a lot of walking is fast-approaching. Your arthritic knee is in a flare, and we need to reduce pain and swelling within days, so that you can better enjoy that trip or upcoming event.
5) Gout and Pseudogout- these are highly-inflammatory conditions due to excessive urate or calcium deposits in a joint, respectively. A steroid injection can provide rapid relief from these conditions.
A Steroid Injection Should be Avoided in These Situations:
1) Chronic Tendonitis and Partial Tears- if you’ve had tennis or golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff issues or gluteal tendonitis for 3 months or greater, then your tendon likely has more degeneration and tearing than just inflammation. Steroid injections are far less likely to provide a long-term benefit in these situations.
2) Repetitively- unfortunately, many patients make it to our office after having had 3-5 steroid injections over the past 1-2 years for their chronic condition such as tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis. We know that steroid injections have a catabolic (causing further deterioration) effect on joints and soft tissues if used excessively.
3) Around Tendons at Risk for Rupture- the patellar tendon and Achilles tendon are two areas where we always avoid steroid injections. These tendons are prone to major tears, especially if exposed to injectable steroids.
4) Risk of Infection- if there is any suspicion for an infection in a joint or bursa, then steroid injections are a “no-go.” It’s better to aspirate the fluid and send for analysis first before considering a steroid.
5) Surgery in the Near Future- if a patient is considering having a joint replacement in the next 3 months, then steroid injections should be avoided due to the risk of infection during and shortly after the surgery.
We hope you find this information helpful when it comes to one of the most commonly proposed non-surgical treatment in orthopedics. As always, let us know if we can be of help to you!
-F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.
Impact Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
Will Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections Replace Cortisone?
/The answer to this question is simple: Yes, No and Maybe. Platelet-Rich Plasma injections have taken the orthopedic world by storm. Why is this? They are safe. They are natural. They can be done in the office in a short period of time. They may prevent surgery in some cases. They can be disease-altering, not just symptom-reducing. Most importantly, in many cases of tendon, ligament and joint problems, they are EFFECTIVE.
PRP injections involve drawing blood from a patient’s vein, typically in the arm. Then, the blood is centrifuged (spun) to separate out the red and white blood cells, while simultaneously concentrating your own platelets. Our platelets are known to have numerous growth factors that serve many beneficial roles in our musculoskeletal tissues. This concentrated solution is then injected under ultrasound-guidance back into an area of damage, such as a partially torn tendon, the plantar fascia or an arthritic joint. We believe that these platelets help to modulate unhealthy inflammation that resides in damaged tissues. This helps over the long-term to reduce pain and subsequently, improve function. In some cases, damaged soft tissue can heal in the presence of these concentrated platelets. In other cases, the deterioration often seen in cases of osteoarthritis can be slowed or halted. Thus, there are some preventative benefits of PRP.
Cortisone injections, known medically as steroids, have been around for decades. They simply are very strong anti-inflammatories. They can reduce pain and swelling within hours to days of an injection. However, they are known to have catabolic, or “breakdown” effects, meaning, numerous exposures to steroids can worsen the structure and strength of a soft tissue or joint. They also can produce short-term systemic side effects, including fluid retention, headache, insomnia, changes in emotions, skin flushing/redness and increases in blood sugar, particularly in diabetics. Cortisone injections are still used quite frequently to treat tendonitis, arthritis and disc problems in the spine.
Now, back to the question in the title. In our practice, we still use both types of injections. However, the percentage of PRP injections is increasing, while the percentage of cortisone is dropping. Why? We want our patients to have “game-changing” treatments whenever possible. We want conditions to improve over the long-term. We want to stop that deterioration process and to promote healing when possible. Also, we know that in the case of cortisone injections, some patients feel so good, so quickly, that they are prone to re-injure themselves. Thus, short-term improvement, but long-term worsening with some cortisone injections.
Thus, how do we choose what type of injection to recommend to a patient? Here are some examples:
-A 60-year-old woman will be traveling on a bucket-list trip to Italy in one week. Her arthritic knee is painful and swollen, and she needs some quick relief to really enjoy this trip. We choose a CORTISONE injection to provide that relief. She will likely feel better within a few days of the injection and will probably see a benefit for 1-3 months.
-A 35-year-old runner tore his ACL at age 20 and had successful surgery. Now, he has mild osteoarthritis of the knee that is stiff in the morning, aches after long runs and occasionally swells. He is a great candidate for PRP. PRP should help his keep inflammation down, reduce his aches and preserve his cartilage in his knee for years to come.
-A 65-year old woman has had 2 weeks of lateral hip pain after a trip to the beach with frequent walking. She can’t sleep on the side of her painful hip and going up stairs is difficult. We diagnose her with trochanteric bursitis and gluteal tendonitis. A CORTISONE injection here may do the trick. She has an acute inflammatory response and needs some relief to simply sleep better at night and handle her activities of daily living with less pain.
-A 24-year-old recreational basketball player has patellar tendonopathy and pain every time he jumps and lands. Symptoms have been present for 6 months and despite physical therapy, a brace and NSAIDS, he is only 50% better. We offer him 1-2 PRP injections. We need to promote healing of that tendon. We want long-term reduction in symptoms and tissue improvement, so that he can continue to play basketball and with reduced risk of tearing the tendon. Plus, we never inject cortisone in or around certain tendons, including the patellar and Achilles tendons, due to the risk of tendon rupture.
-A 70-year-old has mild to moderate hip and knee osteoarthritis. He can play golf a couple days a week, but relies on frequent doses of ibuprofen after his golf games and on days he plays with his grandchildren. His hoping to avoid joint replacement in his lifetime and knows that long-term use of NSAIDs is not good for his blood pressure, stomach or kidneys. We offer him PRP as a great option, with an injection into the knee and hip joints on the same day. He then will return a month later for his 2nd set of injections. After that, we hope and expect that he will have less pain and better function for 6 to 24 months, while also lowering his chances of joint replacement in the intermediate future. These PRP injections can be safely repeated months to years later, if necessary.
These are everyday examples of how we customize our treatments for patients based on their symptoms, diagnosis and goals. Age of the patient can play a role, but one is never “too old” to have a PRP injection. When head-to-head studies compare PRP to steroid injections, PRP is declared the “winner” the large majority of the time. Thus, we know that for long-term benefits of many joint and tendon problems, PRP is the better choice.
In conclusion, cortisone/steroid injections are not going away any time soon. They still play a role in helping patients in select situations. However, the world of orthobiologic injections such as PRP will only continue to expand as we strive to find more natural and less-invasive ways to treat a variety of orthopedic conditions.
The Top 5 Reasons to Have an Orthobiologic Injection
/Regenerative injections, also known as orthobiologic injections, include platelet-rich plasma (PRP), amniotic membrane and fluid, alpha-2 macroglobulin and mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)
1) Cortisone has not gotten the job done- corticosteroid injections are potent anti-inflammatories and can be effective in treating inflammatory conditions, but these have either zero or even a detrimental effect on healing. Most chronic tendon problems are not inflammatory, and thus, cortisone will provide minimal long-term benefit. Not all cases of arthritis are inflammatory either.
2) You are hoping to avoid surgery or you had surgery and are less than satisfied- we know that certain surgeries produce superior outcomes compared to nonsurgical treatment, particularly in younger and active individuals. Examples include ACL reconstruction after a full ACL tear and shoulder stabilizing procedures after multiple dislocations. However, there are numerous conditions that have equal or superior outcomes with nonsurgical treatment. These include small tears of the rotator cuff, hamstring, patellar and Achilles tendons; plantar fasciitis; degenerative meniscal tears; tennis and golfer’s elbow and mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder and basal thumb joint. These conditions are ideal candidates for regenerative injections, especially when traditional surgical and nonsurgical treatments are not producing major levels of benefit
3) Cost- no, insurance does not cover regenerative injections. However, these injections are designed to provide long-term or permanent benefit. The expected goals are months to years of reduction in pain, improvement in function, soft tissue healing and slowing or suspending joint degeneration, i.e., preventing osteoarthritis from getting worse. Thus, these injections have a very good chance of saving you money. These benefits translate into fewer physician’s visits, fewer trips to physical therapy (although we still see the value of PT), fewer medications and potentially, the elimination of the need for an expensive surgery.
4) You want a game-changing treatment, not one that just treats symptoms- regenerative injections are designed to change the environment of the area injected. Through the introduction of nutrients, growth factors and potentially stem cells, the goal of these injections is to not only make a patient feel and function better, but also to produce a healing response. This can mean tendon or ligament re-growth, cartilage regeneration and/or the reduction of unhealthy inflammation in the area of damage.
5) The medical literature- although insurance companies would like to paint orthobiologic injections as “experimental” and thus not pay for them, the truth is that there are now hundreds of studies that demonstrate a clinically significant benefit in the treatment of chronic tendon problems and osteoarthritis with regenerative injections. In fact, hot off the press, a prominent sports medicine journal just posted a detailed review of orthobiologic injections. The authors came to this conclusion: There was a total of 21 PRP (platelet-rich plasma) studies in the study. All PRP studies showed clinical improvement with PRP therapies in outcomes surveys measuring patient satisfaction, pain, and function…. The one PRP study that had a 2nd look arthroscopy reported increased cartilage regeneration with PRP. All 8 MSC (mesenchymal stem cell) studies with follow-up MRI and all 7 MSC studies with 2nd look arthroscopy showed improvement in cartilage regeneration in terms of coverage, fill of the defect, and/or firmness of the new cartilage.
Translation: patients are very satisfied with their outcomes after receiving these injections. Although we do not make guarantees about cartilage re-growth, improvement in the integrity of the cartilage after these injections is a possibility.
In conclusion, orthobiologic injections are rapidly entering and evolving within the world of orthopedic medicine. At this point, both their present and future look very bright. When considering a “regenerative” injection, seek the consultation of a medical doctor who has vast experience in researching and performing these procedures.
-Clarke Holmes, M.D.
The Guide to Regenerative Injections
/Dr. Holmes’ Guide to Regenerative Injections
Regenerative injections are those specifically utilized to promote healing of damaged tissue, reduce or eliminate unhealthy inflammation and slow or halt the progression of soft tissue and joint deterioration. We now use them regularly for tendon problems including tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, the rotator cuff, the high hamstring, patellar and Achilles tendons. We also have seen great success in treating osteoarthritis of the knees, shoulders, hips, thumb and great toe joints. Plantar fasciitis, ligament and muscle tears are great candidates for regenerative injections as well.
· Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
o Blood obtained from an arm vein is centrifuged for 15-20 minutes, isolating the platelet-rich plasma
o Platelets are very rich in our natural growth factors (healing agents), and are concentrated 6-10 times their natural concentration
o Under ultrasound-guidance, the PRP is injected into the damaged tendon, ligament, fascia, joint or muscle
o Great option for tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, small rotator cuff tears, small patellar tendon tears, high hamstring tendon tears, Achilles tendon tears, plantar fasciitis, etc.
o Widely-used also for osteoarthritis of numerous joints
o PROS: very natural and safe (your blood); used in orthopedics for ~10 years, Dr. Holmes has used for 7 years; numerous medical studies confirm significant benefit; 2-3 areas can be injected at one time; long-term benefit for most patients
o CONS: these work gradually, over weeks to months; increased pain after the procedure for 2 days to 2 weeks; immobilization required with a splint or boot for some injections
o UNKNOWNS: length of benefit (can be months to years); number and frequency of required injections. 1-2 injections initially for most soft tissue problems; 2-3 initially for arthritis/joint problems
· Amniotic Membrane Allograft Injections (brand- AmnioFix)
o Utilize one of the placental membranes (these cover the fetus during pregnancy) to form a product containing numerous types of growth factors
o Intended to reduce inflammation, reduce scar tissue formation and enhance healing
o The membrane undergoes a rigorous purification and sterilization process, and is stored as a dehydrated powder; sterile saline is added to become an injectable solution
o Great option for plantar fasciitis (#1 use), tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, small rotator cuff tears, small patellar tendon tears, high hamstring tendon tears and small Achilles tendon partial tears
o PROS: very safe, with no significant reportable adverse effects; Dr. Holmes has used for 5 years; no rejection, despite not being one’s own tissue; no blood draw required; typically less post-procedure pain than PRP
o CONS: probably not as effective for joint pain/arthritis; otherwise, same cons as PRP
· Amniotic Fluid Injections (brand- Catalyst PDA-HAF)
o Very similar to amniotic membrane injections, but often stored in a frozen form and thawed immediately before injection
o Contain over 200 different growth factors
o Great option for soft tissue as well as joint problems such as osteoarthritis
o PROS: theoretically, a more powerful amniotic product than a dehydrated membrane
o CONS: more expensive than the dehydrated membrane product
· Alpha-2-Macroglobulin Injections
o A natural substance found in our bloodstream
o Blood drawn from the patient, centrifuged, manually separated and then placed in a separation pump to further isolate and concentrate the A2M
o 45-minute procedure done in one office visit
o Functions as a “protease inhibitor,” binding the inflammatory proteins that cause the degradation of cartilage in the joint
o Utilized to reduce pain, inflammation, halt the progression of osteoarthritis and provide “longevity” to the joint
o PROS: very safe and natural substance; presumed long-term benefit, less post-procedure discomfort than other injections; two to three injection sites can often be chosen with one procedure
o CONS: newest type of regenerative injection; very few medical studies proving effectiveness thus far, but studies are underway; frequency of injections not known at this point (likely every 6-24 months)
With any of these injections, all forms of ORAL and TOPICAL anti-inflammatories must be stopped for 1 week before and 2 weeks after, as to not interrupt the initial healing cascade initiated by the injections. This includes:
· Advil/Motrin/ibuprofen
· Aleve/naproxen
· Aspirin- any doses above 81 mg
· Mobic/meloxicam, Celebrex/celecoxib, Voltaren/diclofenac
· Fish oils/Omega-3 fatty acids
· Turmeric
· Oral green tea
· Glucosamine/chondroitin
· Arnica
COST: Regenerative injections are rarely ever covered by insurance. Although we closely monitor their coverage status, in the current climate of healthcare and insurance companies reducing their coverage of even typical treatment measures, we do not expect these injections to be covered in the near future.
With rising deductibles, many patients pay out-of-pocket for traditional treatment measures as well. Thus, a regenerative injection may ultimately be a similar out-of-pocket cost to traditional treatments but more clinically effective and cost-effective over the long-term.
A patient should view these injections as an investment into the long-term health of their tendons, fascia, ligaments and joints.
We are here to serve you!
F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.