Stem cell treatment is a rapidly expanding field that shows great promise for the treatment of arthritis in the knee and other joints. While it is not currently considered standard practice as it is a pioneering new field, a lot of doctors already utilize stem cell therapy to treat arthritis, as it has shown many effective results as a non-surgical option for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis. There are many questions and misinformation that patients often have regarding stem cell treatment, which is why it’s important for potential patients to be informed and have an understanding of what stem cells are and the issues surrounding their use in arthritis therapy. Read on to learn more about stem cell for arthritis from Mattos Medical Group, a top provider of stem cell therapy Tampa residents trust. Call Mattos Medical Group to find out more and schedule an appointment today!
What Makes Stem Cells Special
Stem cells are cells that are distributed all throughout your body. The defining traits of stem cells are that they are able to divide and duplicate themselves, and are able to develop into different types of cells. A stem cell on its own doesn’t serve the body in any way, but it is able to develop into a cell that does, such as a cartilage cell or a liver cell. Scientists who study stem cell treatments hypothesize that, when injected into a certain environment, stem cells are able to transform and produce more of the cells needed in order to suit its environment. For example, stem cells that are placed near damaged cartilage can turn into cartilage tissue. Stem cells are able to be applied during a surgery (such as the surgical repair of a torn knee meniscus) or be injected directly into the arthritis joint. Many physicians use medical imaging when administering stem cell injections, such as ultrasound, in order to deliver cells precisely to the site of cartilage damage.
Where Do Stem Cells Come From?
When it comes to treating arthritis, the most common type of stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells. Mesenchymal stem cells are typically collected from the patient’s fat tissue, blood, or bone marrow. The process of collecting cells for treatment is often labeled “harvesting.”
- Adipose (fat) stem cells- These are usually harvested using surgery or liposuction
- Peripheral blood stem cells- Found in the bloodstream and are harvested by taking a blood sample from the patient
- Bone marrow stem cells- These are taken from one of the patient’s bones. Bone marrow is typically taken from the pelvic bone through a needle and syringe, in a process called bone marrow aspiration. The patient is given a local anesthetic and may also be given a sedative prior to the procedure.
While there are currently no professional medical guidelines for who can and cannot receive stem cell therapy for arthritis, you need to discuss with your doctors in order to seek advice regarding stem cell therapy Tampa residents may be interested in. There is evidence that people who suffer from severe arthritis can benefit from stem cell therapy. The majority of research shows that younger patients who have relatively mild cases of osteoarthritis or cartilage damage may see the most benefit.
Contact Us Today
Stem cell for arthritis treatment can be an effective non-surgical option to treat arthritis. If you’re looking for stem cell therapy Tampa residents trust, call Mattos Medical Group today!