One of the most common causes of joint pain and limited mobility is damaged or lost cartilage. Cartilage covers the bones that meet within the joints, providing protection from rubbing and friction during movement. Injuries, arthritis, wear, aging and disease can all impact the effectiveness of cartilage in the joints. Stem cell injections can help you combat lost cartilage with little or no negative side effects.
Cartilage is one of the tissues in the body that does not regenerate on its own. When wear and tear cause cartilage to become thin, the body does not automatically grow new cartilage. Treatments for lost cartilage usually involve surgery to stimulate healing in the joint through drilling or mini fractures. A less invasive and more promising treatment option is using the patient’s own stem cells to stimulate healing with only an injection.
Stem Cell Joint Treatment
Stem cells are found in the fatty (adipose) tissue, bone marrow and synovial tissue, as well as other areas in the body. These cells are special because they can be used to repair almost any tissue – they are blank cells that can change into the same makeup as the cells around them. Stem cells can be harvested from a patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue, then concentrated and sterilized for injection into areas of the body that need repair, including joints with lost or damaged cartilage.
Stem cell injections for cartilage restoration or preservation have had significant results for many of Dr. Steve Struhl’s patients. The stem cell injection can be performed with local anesthesia and most patients require minimal downtime after their injection. The stem cells automatically hone to the areas that need repair. This can help replace lost cartilage, preserve existing cartilage and slow down loss from disease.
Stem cell injections for joint pain caused by cartilage damage can reduce pain and inflammation while improving mobility. If you have joint pain caused by cartilage loss or damage, stem cell treatment may be right for you. To learn more about stem cell therapy for cartilage loss, contact us at Regenerative Orthopaedics to schedule a consultation with Dr. Struhl at one of our New York locations.