When chronic joint pain begins to interfere with your daily routine, whether it’s walking, exercising, or simply climbing stairs, the search for relief becomes urgent. For many people, the options come down to PRP vs steroid injections, two of the most common and widely available treatments. Both are offered at Garden State Pain Management, and both have been shown to help reduce pain and improve mobility. But they work in very different ways.

So which option is right for you? In this article, we’ll explore what PRP and steroid injections are, how they work, what the latest research says about their effectiveness, and how to make the best decision for your unique situation. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of both treatments, their advantages and limitations, and how our clinics can help guide you toward relief.

Understanding Chronic Joint Pain

Chronic joint pain is more common than many realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S., over 58 million people, are affected by arthritis, one of the leading causes of joint pain. Osteoarthritis, in particular, occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions joints wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

But arthritis isn’t the only culprit. Sports injuries, tendon damage, and repetitive strain can also lead to ongoing inflammation and discomfort. When over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes aren’t enough, many patients turn to minimally invasive treatments like steroid injections or PRP therapy.

What Are Steroid Injections?

Steroid injections, also known as corticosteroid injections, have been used for decades to treat joint pain. They involve injecting a synthetic form of cortisol directly into the affected joint. Cortisol is the body’s natural anti-inflammatory hormone, and when administered in concentrated form, it can dramatically reduce swelling and pain.

Patients often report feeling relief within a few days, and in some cases, within hours. For individuals struggling with severe flare-ups, this quick action can be life-changing. However, the effects are usually temporary. Relief may last a few weeks to several months, but symptoms often return.

Another consideration: repeated steroid injections can sometimes lead to side effects. The Mayo Clinic notes that frequent use, particularly more than three or four times per year, may increase the risk of cartilage damage, joint infection, or tendon weakening. For that reason, many physicians recommend spacing injections several months apart.

What Is PRP Therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a newer approach that uses the body’s own healing power. A small sample of your blood is drawn, placed in a centrifuge, and spun at high speeds to separate the plasma and platelets from other components. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the affected joint.

Platelets contain growth factors and proteins that support tissue repair and regeneration. Instead of simply reducing inflammation, PRP aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. This makes it particularly appealing to patients who want a treatment that not only eases pain but also addresses the underlying cause of joint damage.

The tradeoff is time. Unlike steroid injections, which can offer relief almost immediately, PRP therapy often takes several weeks to start working. Patients may notice gradual improvements in pain, mobility, and joint function over the course of three to six months.

PRP vs Steroid Injections: How They Compare

Short-Term Relief

When you need fast relief, for example, if pain is keeping you awake at night or interfering with physical therapy, steroid injections are often the better choice. Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has shown that steroids typically provide greater pain reduction than PRP in the first few weeks following treatment.

Medium-Term Benefits

By the three-month mark, differences between the two treatments begin to shift. A 2024 meta-analysis of 42 studies involving nearly 3,700 patients found that PRP consistently outperformed corticosteroid injections at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The improvements were especially noticeable around the six-month mark, when PRP patients reported significantly lower pain scores and improved joint function compared to those who received steroids.

Long-Term Outcomes

At 12 months, the contrast becomes even clearer. One study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research reported that 62.5% of PRP patients experienced mild pain at one year, compared to only 12.5% of steroid patients. Other systematic reviews support this trend, suggesting that PRP may offer longer-lasting relief with fewer risks when used as part of a comprehensive joint pain management plan.

Pros and Cons of Each Treatment

Steroid Injections

• Pros: Quick relief, affordable, widely available, effective for acute inflammation.
• Cons: Short-lived benefits, not regenerative, potential side effects if overused.

PRP Therapy

• Pros: Uses your body’s own cells, promotes healing, longer-lasting benefits, fewer side effects.
• Cons: Slower to take effect, may require multiple sessions, often not covered by insurance.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

The choice between PRP vs steroid injections depends on your goals, lifestyle, and overall health. For patients who need to reduce inflammation quickly, such as those preparing for physical therapy or dealing with sudden flare-ups, steroids may be ideal. For those who want to invest in long-term healing and possibly delay the need for surgery, PRP could be a better fit.

Some patients even benefit from a combined approach: a steroid injection to manage immediate pain, followed by PRP treatments to promote tissue repair. This strategy can provide both short-term relief and long-term improvement.

What to Expect During Treatment

Both procedures are minimally invasive and performed in-office at Garden State Pain Management.

For steroid injections, the joint is cleaned, and a corticosteroid is injected with a fine needle. The process usually takes less than 10 minutes, and patients can return home the same day.

PRP therapy takes a bit longer. After drawing your blood, the sample is processed in a centrifuge. Once concentrated, the plasma is injected into the joint. The entire procedure usually takes about 45–60 minutes, and there’s no downtime required.

Safety and Side Effects

Both treatments are considered safe when performed by experienced physicians. Side effects are rare but possible. With steroid injections, risks include temporary flare of pain, infection, or weakening of tendons with repeated use. With PRP, side effects are typically mild and may include soreness or swelling at the injection site for a few days. Because PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is extremely low.

Why Choose Garden State Pain Management?

At Garden State Pain Management, we understand that every patient’s journey with joint pain is different. That’s why we offer both treatments at our Clifton and Elizabeth, NJ locations. Our specialists take the time to evaluate your condition, review your medical history, and discuss your goals to recommend the best treatment plan for you.

We are committed to compassionate, personalized care. Whether you’re seeking fast relief or long-term healing, our team will guide you through the process with clarity and support.

Taking the Next Step Toward Relief

When weighing PRP vs steroid injections for chronic joint pain, the most important factor is your individual situation. Steroid injections can provide quick, reliable relief, while PRP therapy offers the potential for longer-lasting results and healing. Neither is universally better; the right choice depends on your needs, preferences, and health goals.

If joint pain is holding you back from the activities you love, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with Garden State Pain Management today at our Clifton or Elizabeth, NJ locations. Our experienced team is here to help you explore your options and take the next step toward comfort, mobility, and a better quality of life.