Does Stem Cell Treatment For Arthritis Really Work

Stem cell treatment for arthritis is transforming the treatment of the widespread, sometimes debilitating condition. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of pain and disability in the United States. Cases vary in their severity and in how many joints are affected. For people who experience osteoarthritis in a knee or other major joint, and who have not responded well to conventional treatments, stem cell treatment for arthritis may provide long-lasting anti-inflammatory effects. Below, we'll explore how it works, as well as how to find out whether you're a good candidate.

How it Works

Stem cell therapy for arthritis consists of two main parts. First, stem cells are harvested from one part of the body, and they are concentrated and allowed to multiply. Next, the stem cells are injected into the affected joint. This method has been shown to produce long-lasting symptom relief in patients suffering from osteoarthritis in a small number of major joints.

How does stem cell treatment for arthritis provide relief? The precise mechanisms are not fully understood, but the effects are undeniable. Stem cell therapy does not cause the damaged tissue to heal, but it does produce a powerful reduction of inflammation, which is the principle cause of arthritis symptoms. The improvement is typically more dramatic and more long-lasting than could be achieved with steroid injections.

Harvesting the Stem Cells

Stem cell treatment for arthritis uses your own stem cells, harvested and concentrated from other parts of your own body. Stem cells may be harvested from the fat or from the blood. They are not typically collected from the bone marrow. The procedure for harvesting blood cells is not very invasive; nor is the injection of the cells into the joint.

What to Expect

One of the advantages of stem cell therapy for arthritis is the fact that it is a minimally invasive procedure. For the most part, you should be able to continue your normal activities after treatment. The procedure is usually performed in the office under local anesthesia. You'll be able to return home the same day.

After the procedure, your doctor will provide some guidelines on what activities you should participate in. Strenuous physical activity that involves the affected joint should be avoided in the post-procedure period. In some cases, the joint may be immobilized with a splint or supported with other devices for a day or longer, to allow the joint to rest and reduce inflammation. You will usually be able to continue normal activities such as walking or working a desk job the same day.

Who is a Candidate?

Stem cell therapy for arthritis is a good choice for patients who have osteoarthritis that has not responded to lifestyle changes and medication, but for whom surgery is not preferred or is not an option. For such patients, stem cell therapy has the potential to provide better relief of symptoms than non-surgical methods, without the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.

Your Consultation

Only a doctor can tell you whether or not stem cell treatment is a good choice for your arthritis, based on your symptoms, the extent of your condition, your medical history, and your response to past treatments. Your consultation will include discussion of these issues and a physical examination. The physician may also order medical imaging if your symptoms have changed and there are no recent images of the affected joint.

No procedure is without risks, and part of your physician's role is to go into an in-depth discussion of the risks and benefits of treatment with you. After recommending stem cell therapy or any other treatment for your arthritis, your doctor will discuss how likely he thinks success is, the potential risks associated with the procedure, the alternative options, and what you can expect if you choose not to undergo the treatment. Based on this information, you will be able to use your own values to make a decision on the right choice for you.

Dr. Sukdeb Datta of the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery & Pain Center is the top NYC and NJ provider of stem cell treatment for arthritis. Dr. Datta would be happy to meet with you about whether stem cell treatment is right for your arthritis. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at (212) 430-0312.