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GFC vs PRP vs Other Injections for Arthritis – Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya

Understanding Injection Treatments for Knee and Hip Arthritis

Injection treatments are commonly used to manage pain and improve function in patients with early to moderate arthritis, especially of the knee. These treatments aim to relieve symptoms but do not cure arthritis or reverse joint damage.

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya is an Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon in Mumbai, offering injection therapies such as GFC, PRP, steroid, and hyaluronic acid injections as part of a step-wise, evidence-based arthritis treatment plan.

About Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya – Arthritis Injection Specialist in Mumbai

Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya specializes in knee and hip arthritis management and joint replacement surgery. He consults patients from Ghatkopar East, Ghatkopar West, and across Mumbai.

His approach to injection therapy emphasizes:

  • Correct diagnosis and arthritis grading

  • Selection of the right injection for the right stage

  • Avoiding unnecessary or repeated injections

  • Clear explanation of benefits and limitations

  • Timely recommendation of surgery when injections are unlikely to help

What Are Injection Treatments for Arthritis?

Injection treatments involve injecting medication or biologic substances directly into the joint to:

  • Reduce pain

  • Decrease inflammation

  • Improve joint comfort and mobility

They are typically used when medications and physiotherapy alone are insufficient, but before considering joint replacement surgery.

GFC Therapy – Growth Factor Concentrate

GFC therapy uses concentrated growth factors prepared from the patient’s own blood.

Potential benefits:

  • Pain reduction in selected patients

  • Improvement in joint function

  • Possible anti-inflammatory effect

Important limitations:

  • Does not regenerate cartilage

  • Not effective in advanced arthritis

  • Response varies between patients

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections

PRP injections involve injecting platelet-rich plasma derived from the patient’s blood into the joint.

Key points:

  • May reduce pain in early arthritis

  • Results vary widely

  • Effectiveness depends on preparation method and patient factors

  • Not a substitute for joint replacement in advanced disease

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections are used primarily for short-term pain relief and inflammation control.

Key considerations:

  • Provide rapid symptom relief

  • Effects are temporary

  • Repeated injections may have adverse effects on cartilage

Steroids are usually used sparingly and for specific indications.

Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) Injections

Hyaluronic acid injections aim to improve joint lubrication and cushioning.

Key points:

  • May help selected patients with mild to moderate arthritis

  • Pain relief varies between individuals

  • Benefits are usually temporary

Comparison of Injection Treatments for Arthritis

GFC Therapy

  • Biologic, blood-derived treatment

  • May provide symptom relief in selected patients

  • Variable response

PRP Injections

  • Blood-derived platelet concentrate

  • Inconsistent results across studies

  • May help early arthritis

Steroid Injections

  • Fast pain relief

  • Short duration of effect

  • Not suitable for repeated long-term use

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

  • Lubrication-based treatment

  • Temporary benefit

  • Best suited for mild to moderate arthritis

Which Injection Is Best for Arthritis?

There is no single best injection for all patients.

The choice depends on:

  • Stage of arthritis

  • Severity of symptoms

  • Patient age and activity level

  • Previous response to treatments

  • Cost considerations

Injection therapy should always be part of a broader arthritis management plan.

When Are Injections Not Recommended?

Injection treatments are generally not effective when:

  • Arthritis is advanced

  • Joint space is severely reduced

  • Significant deformity is present

  • Pain is constant and disabling

In such cases, joint replacement surgery may offer more predictable and lasting relief.

Why Choose Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya for Arthritis Injection Treatment in Mumbai

  • Focused expertise in knee and hip arthritis

  • Ethical and evidence-based use of injections

  • Clear explanation of benefits and limitations

  • Avoidance of unnecessary procedures

  • Willingness to recommend surgery when appropriate

Consult for Arthritis Injection Treatment in Mumbai

If you have knee or hip arthritis and want to understand whether injection therapy is suitable for your condition, you can consult Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya for a detailed evaluation and honest guidance.

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