Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis
There are several different types of arthritis, and all of them can affect your mobility and stability, as well as cause significant amounts of pain. When arthritis progresses to this point, there are not many treatments available to improve the condition. Many arthritis patients eventually have joint replacement surgeries. But now there are stem cell therapies that can treat arthritis and possibly help you avoid surgery altogether.
Stem cells are used to treat arthritis by stimulating the body’s own healing processes. In the two most common types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, the cartilage of the joint wears away and degenerates. Stem cells can help stop this degeneration from becoming worse. Some patients have even seen an increase in cartilage tissue after successful stem cell treatments.
How It Works
Stem cells are harvested from your own body for most of these treatments. The stem cells are processed, grown, and programmed in a clinical laboratory before they are injected into the affected joint. The stem cells are often suspended in your own plasma for the injection, and may be combined with platelet rich plasma, which is plasma that has been placed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets that are important for healing.
Finding a Doctor
Not all doctors are participating in these stem cell therapies for arthritis. While there are some clinical trials underway, there are other doctors who are already offering these treatments in their practice. Finding a doctor that will use stem cell therapy to treat arthritis could be difficult, but with our resources you will be able to find a doctor who can help you.
