By: Kate Sloan
Explore a Non-Surgical Option for Managing Chronic Knee Pain
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of chronic knee pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. As symptoms progress, everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, exercising or simply getting up from a chair can become more difficult.
Traditional treatment options for knee arthritis may include activity modification, physical therapy, medications, injections and, in more advanced cases, knee replacement surgery. For some patients who are looking for another approach, stem cell therapy for knee pain may be an option to explore.
At Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center (KRMC), stem cell procedures use the patient’s own stem cells as part of an individualized regenerative medicine treatment. Each patient is evaluated to determine whether treatment may be appropriate based on factors such as symptoms, medical history, imaging and treatment goals.
What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs as cartilage within a joint changes over time. In the knee, these changes can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling and decreased mobility.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the knee and occurs most often in people age 50 and older, although younger people can also develop the condition.
Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis may include:
- Knee pain that increases with activity
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Swelling around the knee
- Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
- Pain or difficulty when walking or climbing stairs
Symptoms and severity can vary considerably from one person to another, which is why an individual medical evaluation is important.
How Is Knee Osteoarthritis Usually Treated?
Treatment for knee arthritis depends on the severity of the condition, symptoms and how much the knee pain interferes with everyday life.
Non-surgical approaches may include changes in activity, exercise, physical therapy, weight management when appropriate, medications and certain types of injections.
When arthritis becomes severe and non-surgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend knee replacement surgery.
For patients who aren't ready to pursue major surgery, regenerative medicine may be another option to discuss with a qualified medical provider.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Arthritis Work?
Stem cell therapy is one form of regenerative medicine being explored for orthopedic conditions such as knee pain and osteoarthritis.
At KRMC, treatment uses the patient's own stem cells. The procedure is performed as an outpatient treatment, and the cells are introduced into the area being treated according to the patient's individualized treatment plan.
Research into stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis continues to evolve. Studies have examined outcomes involving knee pain, mobility and joint function, but individual responses to treatment can vary.
Stem cell therapy should not be viewed as a guaranteed way to rebuild cartilage, reverse arthritis or eliminate the possibility of future knee surgery.
Is Stem Cell Therapy an Alternative to Knee Replacement?
For some people with knee osteoarthritis, regenerative medicine may be an option to explore before deciding whether to undergo knee replacement surgery.
However, stem cell therapy and knee replacement are very different procedures, and regenerative medicine is not an appropriate substitute for surgery in every patient.
Factors that may influence treatment options include:
- Severity of knee arthritis
- Location and extent of joint damage
- Current pain and mobility limitations
- Previous treatments
- Overall health
- Personal treatment goals
A medical evaluation can help determine which options may be appropriate for an individual's condition.
Who May Be a Candidate for Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Pain?
Someone experiencing chronic knee pain or osteoarthritis may consider an evaluation if conservative treatments have not provided the results they hoped for or if they are interested in exploring options before major surgery.
Being diagnosed with knee arthritis does not automatically mean someone is a candidate for stem cell therapy. KRMC evaluates each patient individually, taking into consideration medical history, symptoms, imaging and other relevant factors.
Patients can also learn more about whether they may be a candidate for stem cell therapy.
Explore Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in Kansas
Living with knee arthritis doesn't mean every patient follows the same treatment path. Understanding the available options can help you have a more informed conversation about what may be appropriate for your condition and goals.
Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center provides regenerative medicine evaluations for patients with knee pain and osteoarthritis at locations in Manhattan, Kansas, and Kansas City, Kansas, serving patients from across Kansas and the surrounding Midwest.
If you're interested in exploring stem cell therapy for knee arthritis, call 844-320-4700 to schedule an evaluation and learn whether you may be a candidate.
Individual results vary. Regenerative medicine treatments for orthopedic conditions such as knee osteoarthritis are not FDA-approved. Treatment is not guaranteed to relieve pain, reverse arthritis, regenerate cartilage or eliminate the need for future medical or surgical treatment.
As with any medical procedure, stem cell therapy has potential risks and side effects. Patients may experience temporary pain, soreness or swelling following treatment, and there is also a risk of infection or other complications. Before treatment, the KRMC medical team reviews potential risks, expected recovery and other considerations based on each patient's health and treatment plan.
Individual responses to stem cell therapy for knee pain vary. Some patients report improvements in pain, mobility and function following treatment, while others may experience less improvement than they hoped for. Research into regenerative medicine for knee osteoarthritis and other orthopedic conditions continues to evolve. Stem cell therapy cannot be guaranteed to regenerate cartilage, eliminate knee pain or prevent the need for future surgery.
At Kansas Regenerative Medicine Center, stem cell therapy uses the patient's own stem cells as part of an individualized regenerative medicine procedure. During your consultation, the KRMC medical team can explain the procedure, what to expect on treatment day and answer questions about how your own cells are collected and used.
Candidacy for stem cell therapy depends on the individual and the condition affecting the knee. Patients experiencing knee pain associated with osteoarthritis, certain injuries or other orthopedic conditions may be evaluated to determine whether regenerative medicine is an appropriate option. Factors such as medical history, symptoms, imaging and treatment goals may be considered. You can learn more and have your questions addressed during a consultation.
Stem cell therapy for orthopedic conditions is generally not covered by health insurance. Patients should expect treatment to be an out-of-pocket expense. During your consultation, the KRMC team will explain treatment costs so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.
