Tag Archive: Stem

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, affects more than 32.5 million people in the U.S. Also known as the “wear-and-tear” arthritis, this condition often develops in the knees. Treatments may include self-care tactics, such as controlling weight and using heat or cold therapy, taking NSAIDs to manage pain, or attending physical therapy. When pain and mobility challenges worsen, patients may be recommended for joint replacement surgery.

Now, however, patients are turning to stem cell therapy for the knees as a means of delaying or preventing the need for surgery. In this approach, the patient’s own stem cells are collected from the bone marrow or fat tissue, or provided via a donor source. The mesenchymal stem cells, which have regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, are then administered to target tissues where the joints are compromised.

Therapy for the knees is among the most heavily-researched applications for stem cells. As a form …