Stem cell therapy is an innovative treatment option for those suffering from knee pain. It is a minimally-invasive procedure that can help to regenerate damaged tissue and reduce inflammation. Many studies have shown that it can be an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including knee pain. If you are considering this type of treatment, read on to help determine if it would be right for you.
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
There is a lot of excitement surrounding stem cell therapy these days. This is because stem cells have the ability to develop into any type of cell in the body, which means they offer the potential to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are a type of cell that has the ability to develop into any other type of cell in the body. This is because they have not yet “specialized” into a specific cell type, such as skin cells, muscle cells, or nerve cells.
Stem cells are important for two reasons. First, they can replenish dying or damaged cells in the body. Second, they can be used to create specialized cells for use in stem cell therapy.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work?
There are two main types of stem cell therapy: autologous and allogeneic. Autologous stem cell therapy uses stem cells from the patient’s own body. Allogeneic stem cell therapy uses stem cells from a donor.
In both cases, the stem cells are injected into the patient’s bloodstream, where they travel to the site of injury or disease. Once there, they begin to repair or replace damaged cells and tissues.
Stem Cell Injections for Knee Pain
If you're living with chronic knee pain, you may be considering stem cell injections as a treatment option. Stem cells have the ability to repair and regenerate damaged tissue. Injections of stem cells into the knee joint can help to reduce pain and improve function.
There are a few different types of stem cells that can be used for knee injections, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and autologous bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs). MSCs are derived from bone marrow, while BMSCs are extracted from the patient's own fat tissue. Both types of stem cells have been shown to be effective in reducing knee pain and improving function.
Are Stem Cell Injections for You?
The decision to undergo stem cell injections for knee pain is a personal one. If you're considering this treatment, it's important to speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Stem cell injections are generally considered safe, but there are some potential side effects, such as joint stiffness, bruising, and pain at the injection site.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stem Cell Therapy
When it comes to stem cell therapy for knee pain, we know that you have questions. Some of the most common questions, and their answers, are below:
1. How do stem cell injections work? Stem cell injections help to replenish damaged or lost tissue by injecting healthy stem cells into the affected area. The stem cells then begin to divide and grow, creating new tissue and helping to repair the damage.
2. Who is a good candidate for stem cell injections? Those who suffer from chronic pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or spinal cord injury may be good candidates for stem cell injections.
3. Are there any risks associated with stem cell injections? There are always risks associated with any medical procedure, but the risks associated with stem cell injections are low. The most common side effect is temporary pain at the injection site.
4. How much do stem cell injections cost? The cost of stem cell injections varies depending on the severity of the condition being treated and the number of injections required. However, stem cell injections are generally less expensive than other forms of treatment, such as surgery.
5. Are there any other benefits to receiving stem cell injections? In addition to relieving pain, stem cell injections have also been shown to improve joint function and range of motion. They may also help to reduce inflammation and scarring.
6. How long do the effects of stem cell injections last? The effects of stem cell injections are usually long-lasting, but they may vary from person to person. Some people may need to receive multiple injections over time to maintain the pain relief.
If you're living with chronic knee pain, stem cell injections may be worth considering as a treatment option. This treatment can help to reduce pain and improve function, with few side effects. Speak with a doctor at Oregon Medical Centers to see if stem cell injections are right for you.
Dr. Bhasin grew up in Southern California and did her undergraduate work in pre-med at California State University Northridge, as well as Humboldt State University in California. Dr. Bhasin attended the University of Western States in Portland Oregon where she earned her Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. Dr. Bhasin has passed her National boards and her State Boards. Dr. Bhasin loves helping people and finds great joy helping injured people get out of pain and get their life back again. She has helped thousands of patients.
