One kind of joint disease called osteoarthritis is brought on by the degeneration of bone and cartilage in the joints. Usually, the ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, and spine exhibit it. It has been demonstrated that stem cells and other growth factors included in umbilical cord blood can heal and even cure various illnesses.
A large number of patients are undergoing more traditional forms of treatment, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy and steroid injections. These need to be stopped before infusion because they can disrupt stem cell activity.
How Osteoarthritis Is Treated Using Stem Cells:
- Cartilage Regeneration:
- Stem cells, in particular mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, or the umbilical cord, possess the ability to develop into multiple cell types, including chondrocytes, which are the cells that create and preserve cartilage.
- Osteoarthritis can be slowed down or even reversed by injecting stem cells into the injured joint. This will encourage the rebuilding of damaged cartilage.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
- The development of osteoarthritis is significantly influenced by inflammation. Because of the potent anti-inflammatory qualities of MSCs, joint inflammation can be reduced, hence reducing pain and swelling.
- Stem cell therapy can help maintain the current joint structure and stop additional degeneration by lowering inflammation.
- Tissue Repair:
- Growth factors released by stem cells aid in the repair of surrounding tissues, such as tendons and ligaments. This may lessen the symptoms of osteoarthritis by enhancing the joint’s general stability and functionality.
- Moreover, they can lessen the development of scar tissue, improving the flexibility and functionality of joints.
- Pain reduction:
- By modifying the pain pathways and decreasing inflammation, stem cells have been demonstrated to support pain reduction in individuals with osteoarthritis. The quality of life for those with osteoarthritis-related persistent joint pain can be greatly enhanced by this effect.
Method:
- Stem Cell Injection: The afflicted joint is directly injected with the stem cells. This is a minimally invasive technique that is usually performed as an outpatient. To guarantee precise injection placement in the joint, ultrasonography or image guidance is frequently used during the procedure.
- Aftercare: Patients can need to refrain from strenuous exercise for a few weeks following the procedure, but they can usually get back to their regular routines very quickly. It might be suggested to undergo physiotherapy in order to optimize the therapeutic outcomes.
Benefits of Osteoarthritis Stem Cell Therapy:
- Non-surgical: A less intrusive option to surgery for joint replacement.
- Regenerative: Promotes the body’s own healing mechanisms to restore and rebuild tissues and cartilage that have been damaged.
- Safe: Research has indicated that stem cell injections for osteoarthritis are often free of adverse effects and safe.
In summary, stem cell therapy presents a promising avenue for treating osteoarthritis, with possible advantages including reduced inflammation, increased joint function, cartilage regeneration, and pain alleviation. Although there is no assurance of a cure, it could be a useful choice for individuals who are not responding to traditional treatments or are looking for alternatives to surgery.