Meniscus Tears
our areas of focus
If you have a swollen, stiff, or inflexible knee after playing sports, it could be caused by a torn meniscus. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber inside the joint. Each knee has two menisci, which can be torn by sudden torsion or injury to the knee (called a medial meniscus tear or lateral meniscus tear depending on the side). Meniscus tears caused by sports injuries can cause knee pain that may not go away with time, which is where stem cell therapy can help.
Meniscus Tear Symptoms
Knee pain can indicate many things, but most commonly is caused by a torn meniscus and articular cartilage, causing the bone to scrape against bone. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing a torn meniscus:
- A popping or clicking sensation
- Stiffness
- Inability or difficulty straightening the knee
- Sensation of knee weakness
- Swelling
- Pain
People who are likely to suffer from meniscus tears are active individuals who frequently twist and bend their knees. Some of the most common sports which cause meniscus tears to include football, skiing, basketball, and baseball.
Stem Cell Therapy for Meniscus Tears
Stem cells can have a restorative effect on people who suffer from a torn meniscus due to their ability to regenerate diminished cartilage, decrease inflammation, and improve their range of motion. This can lead to a faster recovery time and a quicker return to an active lifestyle.
When discussing stem cell therapy, it is important to explore different sources of stem cells with your stem cell expert to decide which source is best for you. Autologous stem cells will be harvested from a patient’s own fatty tissue or bone marrow, which are then processed in the office for re-injection into the body. This can be done in a single session, with the harvested stem cells being re-injected directly into the knee with image-guided technology by our expert providers. Another option is the use of Allogeneic stem cells which are derived from a healthy umbilical cord tissue donor. These are highly concentrated and clarified, which can be combined with your own PRP prior to injection in the office.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work?
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can repair, replace, and stimulate the regeneration of cells when injected into specific tissue. The cells communicate through cell mediation and work to form the progenitor or young cell of the tissue in need. MSCs are very good at developing bone, cartilage, nerve tissue, and blood tissue. The transformation is determined by the tissue needed. Our board-certified stem cell providers stay completely up to date with the latest in stem cell research, ensuring that our patients receive the evidence-based care they deserve.
Recovery and Results of Stem Cell Therapy
After therapy recovery is fairly mild and uneventful especially when paired with things like heat therapy, massage, and stretching of the area. The patient will experience very mild soreness and stiffness for a few days following the injection and the knee will continue to improve day by day. Typically around 3-6 months post-injection, patients can expect growth and repair of tissue to be underway.
Stem Cells for Meniscus Tears in Seattle, WA
With locations in Seattle WA and St. Petersburg, FL, Axis Stem Cell Institute is the premier choice for the latest in stem cell therapies and techniques. Get your lifestyle back on track by solving the symptoms of a torn meniscus with stem cell therapy. To schedule a consultation at our Seattle or St. Petersburg office call 206.823.0960 or fill out our online form.
