Age, Arthritis, and Stem Cell Therapy
Age and arthritis can take their toll on the body, especially joints such as the knees, elbows, ankles, and knuckles of the hand. It may seem as though this is a natural progression of life, and there is little that you can do about it. However, there are some new treatments for arthritis that could improve mobility and reduce pain.
Stem cell therapy is a newer treatment that is being used to treat arthritis in the joints. These stem cells are frequently taken from the patient’s own body, usually from the blood or from the hip. Stem cell therapy is sometimes also combined with PRP, or platelet rich plasma, to boost the body’s own healing process as well as “program” the stem cells to their purpose in regenerating the joint.
There are not many doctors performing this type of regenerative medicine. While it is becoming more common, it still isn’t a standardized treatment. This is in large part due to a lack of regulation when it comes to stem cell research and treatments. However, with the newest news from the FDA, approval for certain stem cell treatments may be in the works.
If stem cell and PRP treatments are approved by the FDA for the treatment of arthritis and other orthopedic problems, it will open the door for patients of all ages to get regenerative therapy that could stop or reverse the effects of aging and arthritis.
