What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses the body's own cells to repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation. In knee care, stem cells are typically harvested from bone marrow or fat tissue and injected into the joint to promote healing. This therapy is particularly useful for conditions such as osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, and ligament injuries.
When is Stem Cell Therapy Recommended?
Stem cell therapy may be recommended for individuals who:
- Suffer from chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis or injury
- Have not found relief with physical therapy, medications, or injections
- Are looking to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery
- Want a non-surgical option to improve joint function and mobility
How is Stem Cell Therapy Performed?
The procedure involves:
- Extracting stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow or fat tissue
- Processing the cells to concentrate their healing properties
- Injecting the stem cells into the knee joint using image guidance for accuracy
- Allowing the body to naturally repair and regenerate damaged tissues
Recovery After Stem Cell Therapy
Most patients can resume normal daily activities within a few days. Some key points about recovery include:
- Mild swelling or soreness at the injection site is common but temporary
- Strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks
- Full benefits may take several weeks to months as the healing process continues
Risks of Stem Cell Therapy
While generally safe, potential risks include:
- Temporary pain or swelling at the injection site
- Infection (though rare)
- No guarantee of symptom relief for all patients
Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy
Patients may experience several benefits, such as:
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Improved joint mobility and function
- Potential cartilage regeneration
- A non-surgical alternative to knee replacement
- Minimal downtime and a faster recovery compared to surgery