Knee pain is often caused by damage to the underlying tissue that makes up this bodily structure. Osteoarthritis can degrade the cartilage in your knee. Insufficient cartilage can cause your bones to grind against each other, which can be highly painful. Knee replacement is the usual course of action for severe knee pain, but this surgery is highly invasive and requires a long healing period. Stem cell therapy is a good alternative for people suffering from severe knee pain.

Your own stem cells are used during the procedure.

Some people have concerns when they hear the phrase "stem cells." They may be worried that the stem cells are harvested unethically. Fortunately, all the stem cells used in this treatment are harvested directly from your own body. There are two methods that can be used. Ideally, the stem cells will be harvested from your own fat tissue. The fat is usually withdrawn from your abdominal area. If you have insufficient fat, stem cells can be taken from your bone marrow.

The stem cells are injected into your knees.

Once your tissue has been harvested, the stem cells gathered will be placed back into your body. Your doctor will use a hypodermic needle to strategically inject it around the affected parts of your knee. Stem cells can be withdrawn and injected during the same doctor visit. This saves you an additional trip to the doctor, and it also ensures the stem cells are as fresh as possible for your use.

Stem cell therapy is more effective when started early.

It's best to get stem cell therapy for your knees when you are still early in the progression of your arthritis. Arthritis is a degenerative condition, which means it wears away your joint tissue and causes progressive damage over time. Your body can use stem cells to regrow lost cartilage, but this is most effective if your joint has not completely eroded. Patients who begin stem cell treatment sooner see better overall results.

Your pain should diminish.

In addition to healing the underlying damage caused by arthritis, stem cell treatment can also reduce your knee pain. This can lead to a reduced reliance on habit-forming opiates. It can also allow you to take fewer corticosteroids, which have many unwanted side effects. Stem cells are an innovative and effective arsenal in your body's fight against arthritis. Ask your doctor if this treatment is a good option for you.

For more information, contact a clinic that offers knee pain stem cell therapy.