Throughout the United States, stem cell therapy is being touted as a miracle cure for everything from wrinkles to spinal repair.
Though very few of these applications have any scientific backing, stem cell therapy for knees has been the subject of quite a few promising studies.
Arthritis develops when the cartilage lining the joints starts to deteriorate, causing pain and limiting function. Osteoarthritis is incredibly common. Arthritis and similar conditions are a major cause of disability in the United States.
Every year about 600,000 Americans get a knee replacement, a number that could rise to 3 million by 2030. Until recently, treatment options were either temporary or surgical.
Now, in numerous cases, stem cell therapy for knees is reducing pain and repairing cartilage. As a result, many people have been able to improve their quality of life and avoid surgery.
As studies continue, the forms and combinations of stem cell preparations are improving, and outcomes are expected to improve as well.
The job of adult stem cells is to maintain and heal tissues by replenishing damaged and dying cells. In some areas of the body, such as the knee, blood supply is limited, so stem cells dont work as well as they should.
Alternatively, though, they can be injected, at which point they appear to initiate the self-recovery process.
The usual job of joint cartilage is to promote smooth movement of joint surfaces and protect bones from friction. This process allows for shock absorption of up to 20 times the weight of the body. Its essential to physical movement, especially in athletics.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common chronic degenerative disorders and it very often affects the knee, causing deterioration of its joint cartilage over time.
Osteoarthritis can also begin as a result of a knee injury, such as a ligament tear, tendon damage, or a fracture.
In the face of damage, the joint becomes unstable and this wears down the articular cartilage. From there, the bone can suffer damage as well, in addition to the synovial joint lining, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Stem cell therapy for knees is minimally invasive. Its a procedure that can decrease inflammation, slow and repair all these forms of damage from arthritis, and delay or prevent knee replacement surgery.
Adult stem cells can be extracted from bone marrow or fat through simple methods. Its then concentrated and injected into the knee with image guidance, usually to successful results.
In one study, patients experienced improvement in both knees even though only one knee was injected. Although natural deterioration of the knee continues, at five years, those knees that are injected with stem cells are in better shape than they were before the injections.
Researchers believe that stem cell therapy for the knee works by:
Ongoing research is striving to determine which stem cell knee therapy techniques, cell choices, and dosages yield the most effective and consistent results.
While some seem more potent than others and overall results are promising, more research is needed.
Stem cell treatment for knees is noninvasive and rarely painful. Side effects are minimal.
The most frequent experiences after the procedure include mild pain at the injection site, swelling, and some joint stiffness.
A review of multiple medical institutions reveals an average cost for stem cell treatment for knees of approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per knee, depending largely on geographical location.
Most insurance companies dont cover stem cell injections yet, but that may be starting to change as more research accumulates showing the effectiveness of the process.
People typically complete the procedure in one visit, but usually have an initial consultation and a follow-up appointment. The injections take approximately two to three hours.
Although stem cell therapy can pose serious risks when performed on other parts of the body, such as the eyes or the spine, its relatively safe when performed on the knees.
Stem cell therapy using adult stem cells is safest because the stem cells are collected from the persons own body. This reduces the risk of a bad reaction.
Risks are increased if:
Because this is such a new area, new research is released frequently.
While the FDA is closely watching stem cell therapy developments, the only applications that are approved involve embryonic stem cells to treat blood or immune system disorders.
If youre experiencing knee pain or limited knee mobility, alternative initial treatments might include anti-inflammatory medications, opioid pain medications, or physical therapy.
Alternative treatments include injections with platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, or steroids.
Surgical treatments may be tried as well, such as arthroscopy, subchondral bone drilling, or microfracture.
Stem cell therapy for knees is still very new and the FDA is proceeding with caution, but studies so far are very promising.
Many people have successfully avoided knee surgery and side effects are minimal for this particular body part.
Read more here:
Stem Cell Therapy for Knees: Process, Efficacy, and Cost
- SIRA: Could Stem Cell Therapy Renew Your Body Cells? - Private ... [Last Updated On: April 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: April 23rd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Series: Part 1 [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Huntington's Disease: Stem Cell Treatment Strategies at UC Davis [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Tianjin heart hospital the largest in Asia with stem cell treatment as well.mp4 [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Researchers hope stem cell treatment can improve heart healing [Last Updated On: August 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 4th, 2011]
- Testimonial for Fetal Stem Cell Treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy [Last Updated On: August 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 5th, 2011]
- MS Views and News Podcast - Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: August 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 6th, 2011]
- Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy Stem Cell Treatment - Reelabs India [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2011]
- Stem cell treatment for Macular Degeneration - Graham Leach [Last Updated On: August 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 7th, 2011]
- The New World of Medicine: Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: August 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 8th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Cerebral Palsy (Periventricular Leukomalacia) [Last Updated On: August 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 8th, 2011]
- Medra Inc - Breakthrough Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: August 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 9th, 2011]
- Patricia VS Autism: Adult Stem Cell Treatment Part 1 [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis - Community Outreach San Diego: Xenia C. [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Cerebral Palsy at the XCell-Center in Germany [Last Updated On: August 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 11th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Aspiration - Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: August 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2011]
- Dr. William Rader - Breakthrough Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: August 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2011]
- Clinical Advances in Adult Stem Cell Therapy - Dr. Jorge Paz Rodriguez (Miami) [Last Updated On: August 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 14th, 2011]
- Stem cell treatment on horse a success, vet says [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Patricia VS Autism: Adult Stem Cell Treatment Part 2 [Last Updated On: August 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 15th, 2011]
- Adult Stem Cell Therapy Clinical Advances - Dr. Jorge Paz in San Diego, CA March 2011 [Last Updated On: August 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 17th, 2011]
- Dr. Ulrich Friedrichson, Geneticist, and Stem Cell Therapy pioneer [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2011]
- Bone Marrow Stem Cells/Gene Therapy [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2011]
- Regenerative Medicine With Stem Cell Therapy Injections at an Arizona pain clinic (602) 507-6550 [Last Updated On: August 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 19th, 2011]
- Diabetes - Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: August 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 21st, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatments for Autism: Community Outreach Miami, Florida - Juliana Ubinas [Last Updated On: August 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 22nd, 2011]
- Post Stem Cell Therapy Testimony of Cerebral Palsy [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2011]
- VetCell's StemRegen - the original and best stem cell therapy for equine tendon injuries [Last Updated On: August 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 26th, 2011]
- Stem cell treatment cures blind girl. More at http://www.stemcellfusion.com [Last Updated On: August 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 30th, 2011]
- ALS Patient Interview, Stem Cell Treatments and ALS www.stemcellregenmed.com [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis - "I got my life back" [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Autism: Community Outreach Miami, Florida - May 2011 [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2011]
- Rylea returns home after stem cell treatment in China [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatments and ALS - www.StemCellRegenMed.com [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- Patient with ALS Receiving Stem Cell Treatment - www.StemCellRegenMed.com [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy Success [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Lisa Ray Opens Up About Her Stem Cell Treatment Experience [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- Repair Your Joint Injuries With Stem Cell Therapy | Los Angeles | Beverly Hills | Hollywood [Last Updated On: September 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 18th, 2011]
- What could stem cell therapy do for Peyton? [Last Updated On: September 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 21st, 2011]
- Peyton Manning Stem Cell Therapy: Some Doctors Cry Foul Over European Treatment [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2011]
- Adickes: Stem cell therapy [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Webinar 1, Stem cell therapy basics, what is available today? [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Leukemia at UCH [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Testimonial 4 of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy after Stem Cell Therapy [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- The Spinal Cord Journey - Stem cell therapy stories from three spinal cord injury patients [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Parkinson Stem Cell Treatment [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- " Embryonic" and "Adult" Stem Cell Research explained by David Kupelian [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Heart Failure [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy for Sickle Cell Anemia - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy Skin Repair and Anti-Wrinkle Cream - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis - Community Outreach, San Diego: David Oliver - Video [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2011]
- Spinal Cord Injury Patient after Stem Cell Treatment - Juan Carlos Murillo - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2011]
- Macular degeneration - Stem Cell therapy (English subtitles) - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- stem cell research - Video [Last Updated On: October 18th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 18th, 2011]
- Diabetes- Stem cell therapy (english) - Video [Last Updated On: October 19th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 19th, 2011]
- First Spinal-Cord Surgery With Stem Cells - Video [Last Updated On: October 21st, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 21st, 2011]
- The Skin Gun - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- Heart Congestion Failure- stem cell therapy (english) - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Improvement seen in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy after Stem Cell Therapy - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Joseph, Friedreich's Ataxia, before stem cell treatment at Tiantan Puhua Hospital Beijing - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- Ataxia - Stem Cell Treatment TV Special (Part 1) - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- COPD and Stem Cell Treatments - www.StemCellRegenMed.com - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Stem Cell Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Stem Cells Repair Joint Cartilage - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Soon stem cell cure for hearing loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Extra: The Promise of Stem Cell Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Batten Disease: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - A Father's Story - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Stem cell treatment by Adiva Health Care India after Spinal Cord Injury - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Macular Degeneration: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Mark Humayun - Video [Last Updated On: October 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 29th, 2011]
- Stem Cells to Treat Acne Scarring | Los Angeles | Hollywood | Beverly Hills - Video [Last Updated On: October 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 30th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment Kidney Failure - Video [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 5th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Miracle From Cord Blood - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Therapy: Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]
- Deafness: Spotlight on Stem Cell Research - Karen Doyle - Video [Last Updated On: November 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 9th, 2011]
- Daniel Deeter Testimonial for Fetal Stem Cell Treatment at Kyiv, Ukraine - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment Fibromyalgia - Video [Last Updated On: November 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 13th, 2011]
- Stem Cell Treatment Kidney Disease - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2011]
- Heart patient sees results in stem cell study - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2011]
- Heart health: Patient's own stem cells repaired damage - Video [Last Updated On: November 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 15th, 2011]
- StemCellTV Daily Report-November 15, 2011 - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2011]