Did you know that every other runner injures themself each year? That is an incredibly high number that accompanies this common fitness activity. Whether you are a beginner or have been running for years, the risk is always there. Most runners will experience some type of pain at some point in their lives.
Whether you’re a runner or you play a sport to keep yourself in shape, chances are you’ve hurt yourself at least once. In pursuit of physical fitness, many people have suffered some type of injury that may have led to lingering pain.
It’s common to accept lingering pains as part of an active lifestyle but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’ve been suffering from a nagging pain that just won’t go away, there are steps you can take to find relief.
Keep reading to learn more about what you can do to finally be pain-free.
The Truth About Lingering Pain After an Injury
It’s easy to assume that any pain you feel after an injury is just part of the healing process. But if this pain sticks around for three months or more, then there’s more to explore. In many instances, people experience what’s known as “chronic pain.” This type of pain lingers long after the initial injury has healed.
Chronic pain can be incredibly frustrating. Not only does it make it difficult to stay active, but it can also impede your quality of life. If you’re dealing with chronic pain, you may be wondering what you can do to find relief.
Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available for chronic pain sufferers. The key is to find the right one for you. Depending on the cause of your pain, you may find relief with medication, physical therapy, or other alternative treatments.
What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as any pain that lasts for more than three months. This type of pain can be the result of an injury or it can be unrelated to an injury altogether. Many chronic pain sufferers experience conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and endometriosis. There are some who are now suffering from lingering pain after covid.
Chronic pain can make it difficult to live a normal life. Simple tasks that were once easy may now be impossible due to the pain. In some cases, chronic pain can even lead to depression and anxiety.
If you’re struggling to cope with chronic pain, it’s important to seek help. There are a number of treatments available that can help you find relief.
Regenerative Medical Treatments
One of the most promising treatments for chronic pain is regenerative medicine. This type of medicine uses the body’s natural ability to heal itself to repair damaged tissue. There are a number of different regenerative medical treatments available which we will look at below.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy involves taking a sample of your blood and then separating the platelets from the other blood cells. The platelets are then injected into the area of pain. The platelets release growth factors that help to stimulate tissue regeneration.
This is a non-surgical, minimally invasive treatment that can be used to treat a number of different conditions. PRP therapy has been shown to be particularly effective in the treatment of chronic tendinitis.
What Conditions Can be Treated with PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy is a versatile treatment that can be used to treat a number of different conditions. These include:
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Cartilage damage
- Osteoarthritis
PRP therapy has been popular with athletes such as Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal who have used it to recover from injuries. If you play golf or tennis and have suffered from golfer’s elbow or jumper’s knee, PRP therapy may be right for you.
What Are the Benefits of Regenerative Medicine?
There are a number of benefits to regenerative medicine. These include:
Minimally invasive – most regenerative medicine treatments are minimally invasive which means there is less pain and scarring involved.
Quick recovery time – most people who undergo regenerative medicine treatments experience a quick recovery time.
Effective – regenerative medicine has been shown to be an effective treatment for a number of different conditions.
Non-surgical – regenerative medicine is a non-surgical treatment option which means there is no need for a hospital stay or lengthy recovery time.
If you’re looking for an effective, minimally invasive, and quick recovery treatment option for your chronic pain, regenerative medicine may be right for you.
What Are the Risks of Regenerative Medicine?
As with any medical treatment, there are some risks associated with regenerative medicine. These risks include:
Infection – as with any injection, there is a risk of infection. The risk of infection is usually low but it is important to discuss this with your doctor before undergoing treatment.
Nerve damage – in rare cases, the needle used for the injection can damage nearby nerves. This is usually temporary and will resolve itself within a few weeks.
What Are the Side Effects of Regenerative Medicine?
The side effects of regenerative medicine are usually mild and resolve themselves quickly. These side effects include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Redness
- Pain at the injection site
If you experience any severe side effects you should seek medical attention immediately.
Suffer No More
Regenerative medicine is a promising treatment option for chronic pain. If you’re looking for an effective, minimally invasive, and quick recovery treatment option, regenerative medicine may be right for you.
Whether you’re suffering from dull lingering pain or you have chronic pain after an injury, let your body heal itself. Contact us today to begin your journey to a pain-free life.