Stem Cell Treatment For Arthritis - The Future of Arthritis Treatments

Stem cell treatment for arthritis is a cutting-edge option for relieving stubborn osteoarthritis symptoms. Many patients have seen success with this treatment, and more and more doctors are beginning to offer it. Below, we'll explore the basics about stem cell therapy for arthritis.

About Stem Cells

Most of the cells of the body are highly specialized; the cells of the heart and the cells of the liver have very different functions. Stem cells are cells that have the potential to become multiple types of cells. For example, the cells of the bone marrow can divide to become all of the parts of the blood. Stem cells can now be harvested from fat, blood, and bone marrow in adults. 

Stem Cell Treatment for Arthritis

Stem cell treatment for arthritis is showing great promise for the relief of osteoarthritis in a limited amount of joints that has not responded to other treatments. The injection of stem cells, gathered from the patient's own body, has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

This treatment has several advantages: 

• Can help patients avoid invasive surgeries such as joint replacement
• Only small incisions are necessary
• Fast, long-lasting results - relief may occur in days 
• Low risk of side effects
• No need for powerful drugs such as steroids
• Compatible with all other arthritis treatments, like physical therapy
• Short recovery time

Who is a Candidate?

You may be a candidate for stem cell therapy for arthritis if you have osteoarthritis in a major joint, such as the knee, and have not responded well to traditional treatments. Stem cell therapy is less appropriate in cases where many joints are affected, or where very small joints are affected. 

Only a doctor can tell you whether or not you are a good candidate for stem cell therapy for arthritis, based on your symptoms and medical history. Even if you receive stem cell therapy, you may still continue to receive other treatments for arthritis in order to get more comprehensive care. Osteoarthritis is a chronic, often progressive condition, which means that treatment should always be long-term and multi-faceted. It's usually a combination of several treatments that helps patients get their symptoms under control and regain their quality of life.

Cost & Insurance Coverage 

The cost of stem cell therapy varies based on the number of joints treated, the number of sessions needed, and from office to office. Unfortunately, stem cell therapy for arthritis is still considered an experimental treatment by the FDA. Because of that, the majority of insurance providers to not cover stem cell therapy for arthritis. 

If you cannot afford the cost of stem cell therapy, there are some financing options to help you manage the cost. Third-party financing companies, health care credit cards, and loans are all options. Be sure to carefully consider whether any financing option is sustainable for you in the long run.

Risks & Benefits 

As with all medical treatments, there are some risks associated with stem cell therapy for arthritis. There is a potential for issues like infection and bleeding to arise. In addition, there is no guarantee that the procedure will relieve symptoms in all patients. Prior to your procedure, your doctor will go over the risks in detail with you.

It's important for all patients to understand the potential risks of treatment before deciding to undergo stem cell therapy, and to weigh the risks and costs in relation to the benefit. Because the risk of side effects is low while the benefits or relief from arthritis are high, many people decide that stem cell therapy is worthwhile for them.

NYC Arthritis Treatment

Dr. Sukdeb Datta of the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center offers the best stem cell treatment for arthritis in New York City. Dr. Datta is an experienced pain and arthritis physician who uses minimally invasive, cutting-edge treatments whenever appropriate. Dr. Datta takes a multidisciplinary, comprehensive approach to care, which helps ensure that each patient gets treatment that is tailored to their unique needs.

Dr. Datta would be happy to meet with you about whether stem cell treatment for arthritis is right for you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and enter your information or give us a call at (212) 430-0312.