Consider Stem Cell Therapy for Joint Pain

People of all ages suffer from joint pain and reduced mobility in the knees and shoulders due to arthritis, meniscus tears, rotator cuff injury, traumatic ligament injuries, overuse conditions and other degenerative conditions. In some cases, these conditions can cause severe pain and limit the ability to perform everyday functions like walking.

If you are someone who suffers from constant joint pain, your orthopedist in Las Vegas, NV may suggest a number of treatment options for you. One common option is surgery, but a growing therapy for these degenerative conditions is stem cell therapy.

Understanding stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy can be used as an alternative to surgery to reduce pain and inflammation, or might be used during surgery to enhance the results. In essence, the process involves injecting stem cells into the area affected by joint pain.

Stem cells have the ability to divide and duplicate themselves and can grow into different types of cells. Although the treatment method has not been proven, experts hypothesize that stem cells can meet a certain need when placed in the body. In this case, they anticipate stem cells do one or a combination of things: reduce inflammation causing pain to the joint, regenerate into cartilage and/or release proteins that reduce pain and cartilage degeneration.

Even though stem cell therapy is not a proven treatment method, a growing number of patients have reported a reduction in pain and inflammation in the joints after the therapy, with many regaining the ability to move and function normally.

The procedure

The procedure for stem cell therapy is relatively simple and easy. When you visit your orthopedist in Las Vegas, NV, they will typically provide you with a local anesthetic or sedation. Then, they will harvest stem cells from your bone marrow, blood or fat tissue.

Next, the stem cells will be injected into the area suffering from joint pain, such as your knee or shoulder. After the injection, you may experience some minor swelling or discomfort, and then the results of the therapy should take effect.

Risks and benefits

Stem cell therapy is still undergoing research and development. The potential benefits of the treatment may include reduced joint pain, improved mobility and cartilage regeneration.

Always speak with your doctor about the potential risks and side effects involved with this procedure before making a decision. Experts have found that using stem cells as a treatment for knee or shoulder joint pain usually comes with a lower risk of complications from the injections. Some of the most common side effects of the treatment are temporary joint stiffness and pain and swelling at the injection site.

Typically, the results of stem cell therapy last approximately six months, after which you may receive more injections or try another course of treatments. Many patients undergo stem cell injections once or twice a year for the best results.

If you are interested in stem cell therapy for easing joint pain, visit Bernard Ong, M.D., a premier board certified orthopedist in Las Vegas, NV. Whether you need orthopedic surgery, sports medicine, arthroscopy, meniscus surgery, ACL surgery, knee replacement or another form of treatment, Dr. Ong is prepared to give you a high level of personal and professional care. Call today!

Categorized in: Orthopedist

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