Knee pain is so common among adults that few active patients are surprised when knee pain occurs. However, while daily activities like walking, bending, standing, and lifting may cause knee pain, those who engage in exercises that involve jumping and pivoting are even more likely to suffer from knee conditions. In the past, the solution for all knee conditions was knee replacement surgery. Now, patients have new options with regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy for knee conditions.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cells live in most of the body’s tissues. Under the right conditions, these cells divide to form more stem cells or specialized cells throughout the body, such as blood cells or nerves. Stem cells are the only cells that can become a new cell type.
In stem cell therapy, researchers extract and concentrate stem cells, then implant them back into an area of concern in the body. Those cells then have the potential to heal or replace damaged tissue.
Regenerative Medicine For Knee Conditions
Many knee conditions result from soft tissue damage. For example, when a patient loses cartilage from osteoarthritis, bones no longer glide smoothly, resulting in friction, pain, and inflammation.
Stem cell therapy uses the body’s innate healing process to repair soft tissues and slow their deterioration. As a result, knee conditions caused by ligament injuries, tendonitis, or osteoarthritis can all potentially benefit from stem cell therapy. The goals of stem cell therapy in treating knee conditions include:
- Repairing damaged tissues
- Slowing the degeneration of cartilage
- Decreasing inflammation
- Reducing pain
- Delaying or preventing surgery
Many studies conclude that stem cells improves the symptoms of conditions like arthritis in the knee. However, further research is underway to determine treatment frequency, dosage, and longevity.
Benefits of Choosing Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Conditions
Patients looking to avoid knee replacement surgery often turn to it after exhausting their non-surgical treatment options. Benefits of choosing stem cell therapy include:
- Less pain from osteoarthritis or past injuries
- Reduced dependency on pain medications
- Reduced joint stiffness
- Better mobility
- Faster recovery
Additionally, many patients choose stem cell therapy for their knee conditions to try to avoid the extensive rehabilitation needs required after joint replacement surgery.
Stem cells may offer a safe and effective alternative to previous treatments for common knee conditions. Both clinical trials and anecdotal evidence provide positive outcomes for patients seeking a knee surgery alternative. If you are interested in learning more about Stem Cell Therapy, contact a care coordinator at Stemedix today!