What are human cellular tissue products (HCT/p) or Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)? Which one is the better treatment for peripheral neuropathy?
The answer is not as simple as one is better than the other. Join us as we go through the differences between HCT/p injections and PRP therapy and how each can be helpful in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition that affects over 3 million Americans every year so you’re not alone . Peripheral neuropathy is an umbrella term used to describe the condition of poor communication from the brain to the spinal cord caused by damaged nerves. This causes a variety of symptoms but most commonly is numbness in the arms and legs, weak muscles, and difficulty walking. In some cases people can have peripheral neuropathy and have very few symptoms at all while in others it can cause debilitating pain.
What Causes Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy can be caused by a number of environmental factors, infection, injury, or trauma. Smoking and drinking can increase the risk of developing neuropathy. While environmental pollution can expose you to toxins like lead, mercury, arsenic, and pesticides which can also lead to peripheral neuropathy. Injury caused by sports or auto accidents can cause trauma which can cause nerve damage. Even a seemingly small slip and fall can cause nerve damage depending on how you land. Infections from chicken pox, HIV, or shingles are a few viral infections that can cause nerve damage. It’s important to not ignore the symptoms of neuropathy. The longer it goes untreated, the longer it may take to recover. Sometimes a full recovery is impossible, though managing the symptoms is still possible.
PRP as Treatment
Much like the causes of peripheral neuropathy, there are a few different options depending on how severe the condition is. PRP is platelet-rich plasma derived from the patient’s own blood so as to ensure the body doesn’t reject the PRP and has no risk of transmitting the disease. Platelets can promote regeneration in the soft tissue to shorten the amount of time needed to repair nerve damage.
Our bodies have an extraordinary healing ability. The body’s natural healing ability and PRP therapy work together to repair the nerve damage. When the area affected by neuropathy is injected with PRP, it triggers the body to begin repairing damaged tissue. Which can lead to a reduced amount of time needed to repair muscle, cartilage, ligament, nerves, and other soft tissue.
HCT/p as Treatment
HCT/p injections are a new form of healthcare, it attempts to help the body repair itself by reconstructing, replacing or regenerating tissue to regain its natural functions. The HCT/p is injected into the affected area where it prevents further inflammation and stimulates your body’s cells to regenerate.
When cells are damaged they’ll produce a chemical signal which will attract the HCT/p. They become attracted to the damaged cells and surround the affected area. Days after the treatment, new cells can begin to grow and divide forming new tissue to aid in healing the damaged or injured area. HCT/p injections may be covered by Medicare, healing you from the inside out without the need for invasive or expensive surgeries.
Both of these treatments can be used to treat peripheral neuropathy however, to ensure proper diagnosis talk to your primary care provider to see what treatment option you should be considering.
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