Osteoarthritis

When your doctor injects stem cells and/or PRP into an arthritic joint, those cells signal to the body that it’s time to build new, healthier cells in the area. Several studies support the power of stem cells to restore arthritic joints, including bone, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

Both stem cells and PRP work in different ways to activate your body’s natural healing process. Prior to the availability of these treatments, a joint replacement would be one of your limited options. Stem cells and PRP are different because they can actually repair the joint without surgery.

Several studies support the power of stem cells to restore arthritic joints, including bone, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. One study showed that the thickness if cartilage improves with treatment. Loss of cartilage is one of the reasons arthritis is so painful.

A small but well-controlled study on 156 knees showed that PRP can reduce pain and stiffness in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Participants showed statistically significant improvement in both knees that lasted for about six months after which most participants needed a second treatment to maintain the results.

When stem cells and PRP are done together, however, a patient can expect longer-lasting results.

How does your doctor perform the therapy

To acquire PRP, your doctor puts your own blood into a centrifuge to separate the platelet cells from the red blood cells. He or she then injects the PRP in your arthritic joint from several angles.

Your doctor acquires stem cells in two primary ways. Some healthy mothers and their babies choose to donate these cells during childbirth to further stem cell science and help others. Stem cells are extracted from the umbilical cord of a healthy mother and infant. Doctors can also use Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are a type of adult stem cell, drawn from your own blood. Your doctor discusses which option is best for you.

I have been advocating for this several years, because I had prp and I believe it’s why I have not had a new replacement due to Osteonecrosis and Osteoarthritis.

So before jumping into replacements check into prp and stem cell injections.

Wishing you a pain free day.