Is Stem Cell Treatment Effective for Arthritis

Arthritis is a very common condition, especially in older adults. Although many people are able to manage their symptoms using traditional treatments, sometimes osteoarthritis symptoms remain uncontrolled. In such cases, stem cells are an effective but experimental treatment option.

Traditional Arthritis Treatments

Traditional treatments for arthritis focus on controlling symptoms and slowing down damage, rather than reversing the damage to the joint. For example, lifestyle changes play a major role in treatment regardless of what other treatment options are used. Exercising regularly, eating well, and maintaining a healthy weight are all important in keeping symptoms under control.

Doctors may also recommend pharmacological or surgical treatments. Medications are usually aimed at reducing inflammation, which reduces the symptoms associated with arthritis. Sometimes, medications can be injected directly into the joint for longer-lasting and more dramatic results.

In severe cases, patients may undergo a joint replacement for joints such as the knee and shoulder. During this procedure, damaged cartilage is removed and replaced with a prosthesis.

Stem Cell Treatments

Stem cells can help to heal the damage from arthritis, because stem cells have the potential to grow into any other type of cell in the body. When you receive stem cell treatments for arthritis, your doctor will harvest your own stem cells from another part of the body, either the fat or the bone marrow. These stem cells are concentrated and then injected directly into the damaged joint.

Many doctors and patients have reported success with this type of treatment, which can be used when other conservative treatments fail. However, the use of stem cells for arthritis is still in its earliest stages, and there are few studies on its use. Although stem cells are approved by the FDA for use in leukemia and some other diseases, they are not FDA approved for use in the treatment of arthritis.

Your doctor can help you determine whether or not stem cells might be right for you. To schedule a consultation about whether or not stem cell treatments are right for your arthritis, please click below and enter your information or call the Datta Endoscopic Back Surgery and Pain Center at (646) 374-1799.