When it comes to treating joint pain and tendon injuries, two of the most common injection options are corticosteroids (steroids) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). While both aim to relieve pain and improve function, the way they work and their long-term effects are very different.
How Steroids Work
Steroid injections are designed to quickly reduce inflammation. They can provide rapid pain relief, often within days, and may be helpful during acute flare ups of arthritis or tendon irritation. However, the relief is usually temporary, lasting just a few weeks to a few months. Repeated steroid use also comes with risks: it can weaken tendons, delay natural healing, and in weight bearing joints like the knee or hip, cause chondrotoxicity which is damage to the cartilage. For this reason, steroid injections are no longer recommended as a long term strategy in these areas.
How PRP Works
PRP is a regenerative therapy made from a patient’s own blood. By concentrating platelets and growth factors, PRP helps stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Unlike steroids, PRP does not just mask pain, it promotes tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and supports cartilage health. While results take longer to notice, often weeks to months, PRP’s benefits may last 12 months or more. Research suggests it can outperform steroids for many musculoskeletal conditions, including knee osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, back pain and many other conditions.
Not All PRP Is the Same
It is important to note that not all PRP preparations are equal. Clinical effects are platelet dose dependent, with research showing that a minimum of 3.5 billion delivered platelets are required for therapeutic benefit. With PRP, more platelets mean more growth factors to support healing. MBR Health is the only practice in South East Queensland offering supra-high dose PRP at over 20 billion platelets per injection, providing a level of treatment not available elsewhere in the region.
For more information, check out our post: Everything you need to know about PRP.
Which Is Best?
The choice depends on your goals. If you need quick, short term relief for an acute flare up, a steroid injection may be reasonable. If you are seeking a longer lasting, restorative solution that promotes healing rather than simply suppressing symptoms, PRP is often the better option, especially for chronic joint or tendon problems.
The Bottom Line
Steroids can provide fast relief but may damage tissues with repeated use, particularly in weight bearing joints. PRP works more slowly but supports true healing and cartilage preservation. For patients who want the most effective regenerative treatment, high dose PRP offers a safer and more powerful long term solution.
It is important to choose a provider who practices evidence-based orthobiologics, offering 20X concentrations for best results. To know what to look for, read our article to learn more about PRP.
