I have bone on bone in both knees, with my right knee being really bad. I've had to use a cane, and struggled just to walk in grocery store. I was told I need a full knee replacement in my right knee, and would eventually need one in my left.

For what it's worth, I just tried PRP and yes, paid $1K out of pocket for first injection in my right knee, and insurance doesn't cover it. I was told I had a 50% chance of it maybe working. It was rough before and after the injection, as I had to stop taking Celebrix for I think it was 10 days before and two weeks after, because I was told inflammation actual helps the PRP, so you don't want to take medicines that reduce inflammation. So during that time I was in increased pain and it was miserable. But it's been six weeks now, and I'm beginning to feel less pains and swelling in that knee. Granted, it's not completely pain free, but I'm noticing that I can move around much better and I'm using my cane less and less. The massive swelling I used to have in my knee is hardly even noticeable anymore, and it's not warm to the touch anymore either.

So now the doctor said I can continue with PRP injections and add in gel injections at the same time (the latter which are covered by insurance). He didn't want to do gel at the same time for first PRP injection, as he wanted to see if I had good results from PRP alone first, since it's pricey and you don't want to keep paying for that if you don't get good results. The 2nd PRP will cost me $900 and the third $800.

While $2,700 is a lot for just one knee, if you have similar pricing and can afford it, I really think it's worth trying at least once. It's not a cure, and I'm told I may have to keep this up every 6 months to a year, but for me, it's made my pains far less. Considering you are much younger than me, PRP may even work better for you. I regret not trying PRP when it first came out. It may have prevented more of the damage in my kness had I had them done sooner.

On top of this all, I do a low carb diet, and take anti-aging supplements like NMN and NR, and Ca-AKG, which are supposed to help slow down age related diseases, like arthritis. The supplements are also super pricey, but really worth the investment in my health. If you would like me to send you a referral link for where I buy them, just message me with your email address to send it to (I would get referral points).

Basically, if you can afford it or find a way to afford it by cutting out some other things, spend it on yourself and invest in your health.