When it comes to tackling joint pain or osteoarthritis, not all injection therapies are created equal. Over the past decade, medical research has shifted away from relying solely on quick-fix steroid injections and moved toward regenerative options like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Hyaluronic Acid (HA).
The evidence speaks for itself—especially for patients looking for lasting relief and safe, reliable options across the Midlands; avoid steroids where possible!
How Do PRP, HA, and Steroids Injections Work?
- PRP injections harness the healing potential of your own blood, delivering concentrated growth factors directly to damaged joints. This stimulates longer-term repair and can even improve cartilage quality—something steroids simply cannot achieve.
- HA is a gel-like substance naturally found in healthy joints. Injections help restore lubrication and absorb shock, improving ease of movement and comfort without breaking down cartilage.
- Corticosteroids deliver a potent anti-inflammatory boost, leading to rapid pain relief. However, they do not help joint healing—and growing research confirms repeated steroid use can accelerate cartilage loss and even cause lasting joint damage.
How Long Does Relief Last?
- PRP: Best for those seeking sustained results, PRP injections can help reduce pain and improve joint function for 6–12+ months, and sometimes even longer. Clinical studies show PRP outperforms steroids and HA at longer follow-ups, meaning more active months without pain flare-ups.
- HA: While perhaps not as powerful as PRP, HA still significantly reduces symptoms for several months—making it an excellent choice for those who want to avoid steroids and prefer a well-tolerated, established therapy.
- Steroids: Fast initial relief—sometimes within days—but effects peak within the first month and are rarely sustained past 2–3 months. Repeated use can worsen joint health over time, making steroids best reserved for urgent or short-term flare-ups.
Are PRP and HA Injections Safer for Joints?
Research is clear: PRP and HA injections don’t just address pain—they actively help protect joint cartilage. Steroids, on the other hand, run the risk of increasing cartilage breakdown and triggering more rapid joint degeneration with frequent use. PRP especially stands out in recent studies for improving MRI-assessed cartilage quality months after treatment.
| Injection Type | Time to Relief | Duration of Effect | Cartilage Impact | Safety Profile |
| PRP | 2–6 weeks | 8–12+ months | May protect, restore | Safe for repeat use |
| HA | 1–4 weeks | 3–9 months | Slows deterioration | Safe for repeat use |
| Steroid | Few Days | <3 months | Harms cartilage | Limit use for emergencies |
For a personalized assessment or to discuss treatment options for joint pain and arthritis, contact Achieve Health for a Midlands-centred consultation based on the latest international evidence. Experience care that restores movement—and confidence—in every step.
Our expert Physiotherapists in Solihull and Birmingham are here to help you!
References
For more information, see these links, peer-reviewed sources and systematic reviews:
- Meta-analysis of PRP vs HA vs steroids, 2025
- Systematic reviews on PRP efficacy and cartilage protection
- Randomised studies comparing PRP, HA, and steroids
- PRP vs Steroid injections
And check out our website page for further information too:
Arthritis and Joint Pain injections
