Affecting as much as 40% of the US population over the age of 60, osteoarthritis is an increasingly common condition that can lead to the loss of mobility and chronic pain without being addressed properly. The condition can affect nearly any joint, leading to major hindrances on quality of life due to the pain associated with it. Fortunately, stem cell therapy has been shown to provide relief by regenerating damaged tissue, therefore decreasing pain, giving people a helpful non-surgical option.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) happens when the cartilage that normally provides cushion and protection between your bones deteriorates. Unfortunately, due to the body’s physiology and a lack of blood supply to the cartilage in most joints, the body attempts to stop the degenerative process by laying down calcification instead of cartilage. This causes inflammation, pain, and bone spurs. When the cartilage wears down all the way, bone rubs against bone, and the only treatment remaining is likely surgery to replace the entire joint. These surgeries often come with many risks and can leave patients rehabbing for months in physical therapy.
Osteoarthritis has several key factors, including age, activity level, joint injuries, and certain metabolic diseases, such as diabetes. It’s unclear why, but women are more likely to develop OA, although men can have it too.
Penetration of a joint from an arthroscopic procedure for a tissue repair or even a “clean up” procedure can oftentimes speed up the arthritis process due to the trauma it places on the joint tissues.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
The symptoms associated with osteoarthritis develop gradually and typically get worse with time. Signs of the condition include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Loss of motion
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Grating sensation
How to Help With Osteoarthritis Symptoms
It’s thought that much of the pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis stems from the inflammation at the joint, which stem cell therapy can help reduce. While not a cure, Stem cells have the ability to regenerate lost cartilage and halt the progression of Osteoarthritis.
Stem cell therapy can help reduce pain and improve the function of joints affected by osteoarthritis. In studies, adipose-derived stem cells provided significant benefits 6-9 months after initial therapy for many patients. Patients looking to avoid surgery and get a non-invasive option for preservation of the joint can benefit from stem cell therapy in Seattle, Washington, and St. Petersburg, Florida today.
Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis
If you’re looking for relief from osteoarthritis’s pain, stiffness, and inflammation, stem cell therapy can help. During stem cell therapy, our expert providers will assess your condition and recommend a plan with adipose or bone marrow-derived stem cells, in addition to other biologics such as platelet-rich plasma. A secondary option would be to use stem cells from a donor, which may be a good option for older individuals with no fat stores. The stem cells will be harvested and re-injected directly into the affected joint(s), providing relief gradually as they reduce inflammation and help regenerate healthy cells in the area.
Schedule a Consultation
Learn more about your options for getting relief from the symptoms of osteoarthritis without the need for expensive, invasive surgery by scheduling a consultation at Axis Stem Cell Institute. Having experienced, board-certified providers who stay completely up-to-date with the latest techniques and technologies makes us the best choice for regenerative medicine in Washington state and Florida. Call us today or contact us online to get started with your unique stem cell therapy plan. To schedule a consultation at our Seattle or St. Petersburg office by calling 206.823.0960 or filling out our online form.
