Knee Pain
Managing Knee Pain with Regenerative Therapy Treatment
Knee injuries and osteoarthritis may result in the loss of normal joint function. Cartilage is a vital aspect of adequate comfort and mobility, as it acts as a protective cushioning that prevents the bony surfaces of the joint from the meeting. In many cases of joint deterioration caused by osteoarthritis, the primary considerations are pain management and then joint repair with knee replacement surgery. Studies are finding that stem cell therapy may be an ideal in-between; a less invasive alternative to the common surgical intervention performed today.
What is Regenerative Therapy for Knees?
In addition to or as an alternative to corticosteroid injections and other conservative pain-relief measures, doctors may inject natural substances such as stem cells or platelet-rich plasma into the injured knee. These substances reportedly aid in natural tissue repair so are believed to help injuries heal more quickly.
Stem cells’ job is to support and heal tissues by replenishing cells that have been damaged or are dying off. In areas of the body where blood supply is limited, including the knees, stem cells may not function as well as they need to in instances of injury or joint degeneration. To help the body heal, regenerative therapy can be an option. One medical review indicated that this approach may initiate a self-repair process. This can happen because stem cells, which are immature blood cells, can develop into various other kinds of cells.
In the area of orthopedic medicine, stem cells have been injected to stimulate healing by developing into cartilage, bone, or fat cells as needed to stimulate necessary repair. While science has yet to discover exactly how regenerative therapy works, we do know that these cells produce a chemical that reduces inflammation, thereby offering significant pain relief for many patients. Researchers believe that injected stem cells may develop into essential cartilage cells called chondrocytes to repair a damaged knee. Additionally, these cells release cytokines, which can slow the progression of cartilage degeneration.
What Conditions can Regenerative Therapy treat in the Knees?
Therapeutic injection therapy may be beneficial for patients with a sprain, strain, or tear in the knee joint or surrounding tissue. The treatment may also be very beneficial for people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Arthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage that lines a joint begins to wear down. Once deterioration begins, it is difficult to halt. Over time, this can cause pain and limited joint function. Knee arthritis is very common, affecting millions of people and contributing to approximately 600,000 knee replacement surgeries every year. As studies continue on the use of regenerative therapy, we expect to see more availability of these therapeutic injections and improved clinical outcomes.
How is Regenerative Therapy in the Knee performed?
Regenerative therapy for knee injuries and osteoarthritis is performed as an outpatient procedure. Some patients undergo what is called autologous regenerative therapy, in which cells are harvested from the bone and isolated for potency and concentration. The benefit of this method is that stem cells come from the patient’s body and cannot cause an adverse reaction. The cells can be centrifuged to separate them from other blood products and immediately injected into the knee.
Another option for repair of the knee joint is to inject regenerative therapy from donated umbilical cord tissue. This approach has been studied carefully and maintains a high safety rating through the meticulous screening of tissue donations.
The scientific research currently available indicates that regenerative therapy may provide meaningful pain relief for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. This has been established based on reliably exceeding the 10% threshold of improvement required by scientists to deem a drug effective in this context.
Am I a Candidate for Regenerative Therapy for Knees?
Regenerative therapy is becoming increasingly popular among adults who are interested in natural regenerative modalities. To decide if you are a good candidate for stem cell therapy, it is best to schedule a consultation with an experienced provider. We can review your medical history and relevant imaging films and discuss your concerns in detail during your visit.
Are There Any Side Effects to Regenerative Therapy for Knees?
Regenerative therapy is minimally invasive and rarely painful. The side effects that usually occur after treatment include temporary swelling and mild pain at the injection site. Joint stiffness often worsens before it improves.
Are there any Risks to Regenerative Therapy for Knees?
Therapeutic injections like PRP and regenerative therapy are considered safe when performed on the knee. No serious side effects have been reported from this treatment. However, it is necessary to obtain regenerative therapy only from an experienced, reputable provider.
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For more information regarding regenerative therapy for knee pain or injury, call 610-999-1690.
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