Knee replacement surgery is a major surgery requiring a long and significant recovery period. Many people with chronic knee pain seek less invasive treatment options with a realistic possibility of delaying or preventing knee replacement. Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee may offer a treatment option to delay or prevent the need for joint replacement. Stem cell therapy is a procedure that uses your body’s own repair cells to repair and rebuild the tissue of the knee, and in many cases can be considered alongside other regenerative options like bone marrow stem cell therapy.
Stem cells can remodel themselves into specific cells needed by your body for tissue regeneration. When injected into an injured knee, stem cells can differentiate into new cartilage, bone, or tendon cells to rebuild the damaged tissue. Second, they release anti-inflammatory proteins that help reduce pain and swelling. They also send out signals that recruit other healing cells in your body to the area, creating a supportive environment for regeneration.
What the Research Says
The medical community is actively studying stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis, and the results are mixed and promising. Research highlights that the primary goal is to help the knee heal itself and restore normal cartilage function, which is something traditional treatments often struggle to do. The idea is to address the root cause of the degeneration rather than just masking the pain. For a deeper dive into how these cells work in joints, you can review detailed explanations on how stem cells reduce inflammation and how stem cells make natural hyaluronic acid, both of which are important for knee function.
Understanding the Risks and Side Effects
No medical procedure is entirely without risk, but stem cell therapy is currently considered a safe, minimally invasive option. The most common side effects are temporary and related to the injection itself, such as mild pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Since the procedure uses cells from your own body, the risk of an allergic reaction is extremely low. As with any injection, there is a very small risk of infection, but this is rare when proper sterile techniques are used. Serious complications are uncommon. If you would like to review more about the clinic’s overall approach, you can learn about Dr. Marc Darrow, MD, JD and his background in regenerative orthopedics.
Free phone consultation
With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Marc Darrow and his team are pioneers in regenerative treatments, offering expert insights and personalized care for chronic pain. To discuss whether knee stem cell treatment is appropriate for your situation, you can contact the Stem Cell Institute to schedule a free phone consultation.
Read the research
Treating knee pain – Stem Cell Therapy, PRP or Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injections?
Marc Darrow, M.D., J.D., is one of the world’s most experienced Regenerative Medicine doctors. He has more than 30 Years of expertise in regenerative medicine techniques and has treated thousands of patients. He uses non-surgical therapy to reduce pain in joints, tendons, ligaments, and a variety of other ailments and disorders throughout the body, including back and neck discomfort. He taught at UCLA and received Board Certification in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
