Advanced Regenerative Medicine, Medical Weight Loss, and Wellness Treatments.
In recent years, stem cell therapy has been heralded as a miracle cure for many conditions, from wrinkles to spinal repair. Stem cell treatments have shown promise in animal studies for various diseases, including heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, and muscular dystrophy.
Stem cell therapy may also treat knee osteoarthritis (OA). The cartilage covering the ends of the bones begins to deteriorate and wear away in OA. As the bones lose their protective covering, they begin to rub together. This causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as a loss of function and mobility.
Millions of people in the United States suffer from knee OA. Many people manage their symptoms with exercise, weight loss, medical treatments, and lifestyle changes.
In the bone marrow, the human body is constantly producing stem cells. Stem cells are directed to where they are needed in the body based on certain conditions and signals.
A stem cell is an immature, primary cell that has yet to develop into a skin cell, muscle cell, or nerve cell, for example. The body can use various types of stem cells for multiple purposes.
There is evidence that stem cell therapies work by causing damaged tissues in the body to repair themselves. This is commonly known as “regenerative” therapy. However, research into stem cell treatment for OA of the knee is limited, with mixed results.
The cartilage covering the bones’ ends allows them to glide smoothly against each other with only minor friction. OA damages the cartilage and increases friction, resulting in pain, inflammation, and, eventually, loss of mobility and function.
Stem cell therapy, in theory, uses the body’s healing mechanisms to help repair and slow the deterioration of body tissues like cartilage.
Stem cell therapy for knees is noninvasive, and research indicates minimal side effects.
Some people may experience temporary increased pain and swelling following the procedure. However, most people who receive stem cell injections experience no adverse side effects.
The procedure employs stem cells derived from your own body. In theory, this dramatically reduces the possibility of severe side effects. However, various methods for harvesting and processing stem cells may influence the success rates of the published studies.
It is best to do the following before beginning any treatment:
Stem cell therapy relies on the body’s natural healing process, known as regeneration, and is far less invasive than traditional orthopedic surgery. It does not require anesthesia, has no downtime, and recovers much faster. Most importantly, stem cell therapy works.
In a study, patients who received stem cell therapy treatments had higher pain and mobility scores after two years than patients who received total knee replacements. We’ve had tremendous success in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, other arthritis, and knee injuries, often dramatically improving mobility and reducing pain.
Despite conflicting evidence, many clinics offer stem cell injections as an option for arthritic knee pain.
Because stem cell treatment for arthritic knee pain is still considered “investigational” by the FDA, the treatment is not yet standardized, and doctors and clinics can charge whatever they want.
The treatment can cost several thousand dollars per knee, and most insurance companies do not cover it.
If you have knee pain or mobility issues due to OA, the ACR/AF recommends the following treatments:
Total knee replacement surgery may be an option if these treatments fail or become ineffective. Knee replacement surgery is a standard procedure that can significantly improve mobility, pain, and quality of life.
If you have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in your knees, residual pain from failed orthopedic knee surgery or an acute knee injury such as a torn meniscus or torn ligaments or tendons, stem cell therapy may help you improve your mobility, reduce your pain, avoid surgery, or improve your outcome after surgery.
For a stem cell consultation, contact Renew Medical Center today. Please contact us via our contact form or phone at (513)285-6674.
