Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 32.5 million adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This condition appears most often in the hands, knees, and hips. It causes the cartilage inside a bone to start to break down, changing the bone itself. There are many treatment options for osteoarthritis, but one of the most promising for managing symptoms and possibly even reducing the condition’s effects is regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy.
What Is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is an incurable and chronic degenerative disease of the joints. With time, the cartilage that works to cushion the ends of the bones begins to wear down. Ligaments and tendons break down, as well, and inflammation increases.
Some of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis include the following:
- Loss of flexibility
- Joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Joint tenderness
- Grating sensations
- Swelling
People who have joint or stress injuries, who have a genetic predisposition to osteoarthritis, or who are obese are at a higher risk of developing this condition. It is also more common in women than in men.
There are two types of osteoarthritis. The first type is primary osteoarthritis, which affects the fingers, hips, knees, spine, and big toes.
Secondary osteoarthritis appears with a pre-existing joint abnormality from trauma or injury. It can also stem from inflammatory arthritis, infectious arthritis, metabolic disorders, or genetic joint disorders.
Regenerative Medicine for Osteoarthritis
Stem cells are cells that are not mature. They can divide and change into different cells with specialized functions. Using adult mesenchymal stem cells instead of embryonic cells is the most common option for osteoarthritis. These stem cells are present in bone marrow, umbilical cord, and fat tissues.
By using stem cells, it is possible to promote the regeneration of cartilage. This regeneration can help reduce pain while also improving joint function.
Stem cells have the capability of replacing damaged cells anywhere in the body. Depending on the tissue that surrounds them, stem cells can become bone, cartilage, tendon, muscles, or fat.
These cells also release anti-inflammatory factors to combat pain and support healing. When injected into the joints, they can potentially improve flexibility and movement.
Choose Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis Relief
Although stem cell therapy is a new and alternative option for the treatment of conditions like osteoarthritis, it shows promising results. Stem cell therapy has the ability to reduce symptoms of this degenerative disease, helping you regain movement in the affected joints while reducing pain. If you would like to learn more about how stem cell therapy can help with the treatment of osteoarthritis, contact Stemedix today!
St. Petersburg, Florida
