What if PRP injection does not relieve knee pain?

Knee pain may come from cartilage, a meniscus, a tendon, a ligament, inflammation, the kneecap joint, or referred pain from the hip or back. The injection may not target the main problem, or the knee may still be overloaded by stairs, squatting, sport, or prolonged standing. Tell your clinician about swelling, locking, giving way, stiffness, and the exact activity that brings pain on.

Write down the injection date, symptom pattern, swelling, walking tolerance, and any change in movement. Follow the agreed activity and rehabilitation plan rather than testing the knee with sudden heavy exercise. Review may include joint stability, alignment, range of motion, strength, and imaging when indicated. Read more about [Knee Pain](/symptoms/knee-pain/) and [PRP Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/prp-injection/).

Seek prompt medical advice for fever, a hot red swollen knee, wound drainage, or rapidly increasing pain after injection. Get urgent help if the knee becomes locked, you cannot bear weight after an injury, the calf suddenly swells, or the foot becomes cold or discoloured.

Ask: What structure is causing the pain? Is there swelling or instability that changes the plan? Would imaging help? Which exercises and activities are suitable now? What alternatives should we consider if PRP has not helped?