Image Credits: Eickmeier Foot and Ankle Clinic
“A fit body, a calm mind, a house full of love. These things cannot be bought – they must be earned.”- Naval Ravikant
Article Authors: Gordon Slater|Tandose Sambo
So you have arthritis. As a patient, you probably have realized that not all arthritis treatments are the same. Once you start your treatments, you realize that how you feel varies per day. You have your highs, and then you have your lows. With even the advanced treatments, you realize that not all cutting edge arthritis treatments are the same. You may opt for surgery in some instances, or even attempt something new and daring like…stem cell therapy or even growth factors. If your pain point is high enough, you’ll be better able, with the help of your orthopaedic surgeon, to find a path that will result in the best restorative treatment.
The beauty about science and technology is that knowledge is continuously evolving. While researchers have attempted to identify the root causes of various arthritis symptoms, so that the treatment path can be identified there still remains some variation in the results of the treatments. That being the case, the results are favourable enough that it will be worth an attempt at improving your health, in a manner that allows it to actually self-heal.
How does Stem Cell Therapy Heal My Arthritis?
With the advent of ortho-biologics, arthritis treatments with the facilitation of cartilage restoration is now a modern-day possibility. With options ranging from total joint replacement, to distraction arthroplasty, stem cell therapy and growth factors there are a myriad of evolving technologies and minimally invasive methods that can heal the arthritic site.
As a word of caution, many new therapies are not covered by insurance due to their recency, and the fact that the methods are still being approved by various medical bodies globally. Check with your doctor to find out if it will be possible to be rebated for your therapy. Talk to your orthopedic surgeon about stem cell therapy, and find out how the treatments can be financed. Your doctor may have their own payment options so investigate with them how your therapy can be financed.
How do Stem Cells or Growth Factors Regenerate the Body?
The stem cell has long been identified as the regenerative life force in our bodies. With their ability to divide and duplicate, as well as generate new and different stem cells that are relevant to a healing site, it is possible to regenerate cartilage cells and even bone cells. This is great news for the arthritic foot. Over time, the joint can wear away, and with the ability to rebuild it naturally, it will save the individual time from having to go through processes like harvesting.
How are Stem Cells Administered?
Stem cells are administered either surgically, or via injection into the arthritic joint. Much like the image above, your orthopaedic surgeon will utilize medical imaging in order to identify where on the body the stem cells are to be administered. Depending on the severity of the injury, either of the two options will be applied. When the stem cells are being administered, your orthopaedic surgeon will more than likely utilize mesenchymal stem cells that have been harvested from the individual’s body.
When To Approach Your Doctor for Stem Cell Therapy
As a patient, it is very useful to be proactive. Many times, doctors will offer you therapies that are standard practice. If you feel that you want to try something new, you can personally push the envelope and ask them about these next generation therapies. As a transition from external treatments, to natural self healing methods, you may save yourself many months and years of pain. As the field embraces this evolving technology, it will be a joint decision between yourself and your doctor that determines how the therapy progresses.
Reference Articles:
Cartilage Restoration: http://www.cartilagerestoration.org/stem-cell-ortho-biologics-and-regenerative-medicine-program
Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis: https://www.arthritis-health.com/treatment/injections/stem-cell-therapy-arthritis
Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy for Foot and Ankle Pain: https://www.stemcellctr.com/procedures/foot-ankle/