The Benefits of Stem Cell Arthritis Treatment

There are a number of forms of arthritis, or joint inflammation, including traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and infectious arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the progressive degeneration of cartilage in joints. It is a chronic, sometimes debilitating condition strongly associated with age and heredity. Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are a number of methods to control the symptoms and allow patients to live full, healthy lives. Stem cell treatment for arthritis is an excellent choice for patients who have not responded to other treatments.

Arthritis Treatment Basics

Since there is no cure for osteoarthritis, the goal of treatment is to maximize quality of life and minimize the amount of damage to the joints. The majority of cases can be resolved with completely non-invasive methods. Physical therapy is often a cornerstone of treatment, providing patients with exercises that they can continue to use for years to come. Doctors may also prescribe medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

If non-invasive methods fail to completely manage symptoms, then doctors may recommend minimally invasive treatments such as joint injections. For example, steroid injections can be used to treat inflammation in joints throughout the body. Synvisc can supplement the fluid in the knee joint. Stem cell treatment is an example of a joint injection with anti-inflammatory effects. 

In most cases, surgery is the last course of treatment considered for arthritis. Whenever possible, physicians will use minimally invasive surgical techniques in cases where surgery is necessary. However, in cases where joint degeneration is severe and the symptoms can't be managed with other methods, major surgeries such as spinal fusion or joint replacement may be required. In such cases, the downsides of surgery are worth the benefits.

Stem Cell Treatment

Stem cells are cells in the body that have the potential to divide to become any other type of cell. Stem cells have long been studied for their research and clinical applications. During stem cell treatment for arthritis, stem cells from the patient's own body are collected, concentrated, and injected into the affected joint(s). This treatment can be used for osteoarthritis of the spine, knees, shoulders, and other joints. 

Stem cell treatment for arthritis has a number of advantages over other arthritis treatments: 

• Minimally invasive - Stem cell treatment requires only small incisions to be made, in contrast to the large incisions and major procedures performed during surgical treatment.
• Powerful anti-inflammatory effects - Stem cell treatment produces a powerful reduction in inflammation, often even more than can be achieved with steroid injections.
• Little downtime - Patients can return to most normal activities soon after treatment, although strenuous activities should be avoided. 
• Safe - There is some risk of side effects with any medical treatment. However, stem cell treatment for arthritis has a low risk of side effects and is generally regarded as quite safe.

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