As we age, many of us start to experience joint pain. This pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including arthritis, injury, and overuse. Joint pain can be extremely debilitating, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
There are several treatments available for joint pain, but they all have their own risks and drawbacks. Surgery is often invasive and carries the risk of complications. Pain medication can be effective in masking the pain, but it does not address the underlying issue.
Now, there are new treatments available that offer relief for joint pain without the risks associated with surgery or medicated pain relief. These new treatments focus on addressing the underlying causes of joint pain, rather than simply masking the pain. Some of these treatments include regular physical therapy, lifestyle changes like losing weight or reducing stress, regenerative medicine, and injections of natural compounds that have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation.
PRP Therapy
Regenerative medicine is a relatively new field that is still being developed, but there are already several promising treatments that show great promise for relieving joint pain. One such treatment is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP therapy involves taking a small sample of your blood and then separating out the platelets. The platelets are then injected into the affected joint, where they release growth factors that help to stimulate the healing process.
Stem Cell Therapy
Another regenerative medicine treatment that is showing great promise for joint pain relief is stem cell therapy. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into various types of cells, including cartilage cells. There are two main types of stem cells that are being studied for their potential to treat joint pain: mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). MSCs are found in adults and can be obtained from bone marrow or fat tissue. iPSCs are created from adult cells that have been genetically reprogrammed to revert to an embryonic state. These cells can then be differentiated into any type of cell that is needed, including cartilage cells.
While regenerative medicine treatments are still in their infancy and not yet widely available, they offer hope for those who are looking for non-surgical treatment options for arthritis pain.
If you are suffering from joint pain and want to explore your options, consult with a doctor at Oregon Medical Center about regenerative medicine therapies that may be right for you.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for joint pain can help to reduce pain and improve function. It can also help to prevent further joint damage and improve quality of life. Physical therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other treatments such as medication or surgery.
Injections
Injections are one treatment option that can supply relief for joint pain and arthritis. There are different types of injections that can be used to treat joint pain, and the best option for each person will depend on the cause of their pain as well as other factors. Some of the most common types of injections used to treat joint pain include:
• Corticosteroid injections: These are typically used to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. They can help to reduce swelling and pain in the affected joints.
• Hyaluronic acid injections: These are usually used to treat osteoarthritis. They work by lubricating the joints and helping to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Local anesthetic injections: These are used to provide temporary relief from severe joint pain, such as that experienced with gout. They help to numb the nerves in the affected area, providing immediate relief from discomfort.
If you are struggling with joint pain and are looking for a non-invasive way to address the issue, it may be worth considering one of these new treatments. Whether you choose to pursue physical therapy, make some lifestyle changes, or try an injection approach, there is sure to be something that can help alleviate your joint pain and improve your quality of life.
Contact Oregon Medical Centers at (503) 390-1552 or online for services in the Aloha and Salem, Oregon communities and put a stop to joint pain today!
