Arthritis is the general term for numerous conditions involving joint degeneration. They result when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones is damaged. The chance of developing arthritis increases with age (due to wear and tear). Still, even young athletes who stress the same joints over and over again may eventually start to show signs of arthritis.
All 100+ arthritis varieties cause joint inflammation. If this inflammation is not treated correctly or is ignored, it can lead to chronic discomfort and impairment.
Arthritis pain medicines and surgical procedures are effective, but they can be expensive, have unpleasant side effects or require a significant recovery time. Fortunately, we live in an era of outstanding scientific achievements, one which gives us another non-invasive option for dealing with arthritic pain that bears no side effects: stem cell therapy.
Advantages of Stem Cell Therapy Over Medication or Surgery for Arthritis
Stem cell therapy falls under the category of “regenerative medicine.” It promotes your body’s natural healing mechanisms, which is its key advantage over traditional treatments.
The procedure uses stem cells harvested from your body, so there is no risk involved. To compare, implants used during joint replacement surgery are foreign substances to the body (albeit made of biocompatible materials), so there is a chance of rejection. Also, taking medications is a never-ending, daily process that, if stopped, causes arthritic symptoms to come back.
People who have tried stem cell therapy say it lessens their pain, and several clinical studies show that it helps people with early and advanced stages of arthritis feel less pain for a long time. Research also shows that it can encourage the growth of new cartilage to replace cartilage that has worn out, which could help restore joint function.
How Stem Cells Work to Reduce Arthritic Pain
When injected into a joint with arthritis, stem cells have the potential to transform into functional cartilage cells, reduce the inflammation that exacerbates the condition and release proteins that help prevent cartilage deterioration and minimize pain.
Scheduling an Appointment to Treat Arthritic Pain with Stem Cell Therapy
Dr. Steven Struhl of Regenerative Orthopaedics offers the most advanced stem cell therapy for arthritic pain at both of his New York medical facilities. If you are looking for a non-surgical and non-medicinal method to treat arthritis, please contact one of our offices to schedule a consultation. During the meeting, Dr. Struhl can determine if you are a suitable candidate for this life-enhancing treatment.