Is Stem Cell Therapy for the Knees an Effective Treatment?
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 of regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy works by repairing knee cartilage instead of simply masking the pain associated with it. Research has indicated that stem cells can help improve osteoarthritis and its symptoms, and is well-tolerated in most patients. No serious side effects have been reported for stem cell injections in the knees, though patients who have received stem cell therapy report feeling dramatically better.
Although further research will help to refine protocols, for now, stem cell therapy appears to be a practical alternative to costly, invasive joint replacement surgeries. Patients with knee pain may be ideal candidates for the treatment and could experience positive improvements in pain levels and mobility.
This post was written by Becky Palmer, a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for knees, also known as stem cell treatment for knees florida! Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.