Stem cell therapy is a type of orthopedic treatment that is sometimes used to help reduce the symptoms of arthritis—the extraordinarily common degenerative condition characterized by the age- or injury-related deterioration of cushioning joint cartilage.
What is Orthopedic Stem Cell Therapy?
First things first—you’ve undoubtedly heard plenty about stem cell therapy, but what exactly is it? Stem cell therapy in the field of orthopedics uses stem cells, which can be harvested from a variety of sources including amniotic fluid from elective C-section births and even the patient’s own bone marrow.
What’s exciting about stem cells is their potential to duplicate and develop into other types of cells. It is believed that, when injected into the joint space near damaged cartilage, the stem cells may help produce healthy cartilage tissue. Some research indicates that stem cell therapy may also reduce inflammation and increase special proteins (cytokines) that can help slow cartilage degeneration. While more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for arthritis, promising results have been shown among some patients.
What Does Stem Cell Therapy Treatment Involve?
Stem cell therapy for arthritis involves administering stem cells into an arthritic joint. This treatment can be performed during surgery, but it is usually done through injections that are given in an outpatient setting. Many physicians use ultrasound or other imaging technologies to help administer the stem cells directly into damaged cartilage for maximum effectiveness.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Because stem cell therapy uses naturally occurring stem cells and does not involve potent drugs, side effects are minimal. Some patients may experience temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site.
Our Approach to Stem Cell Therapy & Arthritis Treatment
Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group provides stem cell therapy and many other progressive treatments to patients with arthritis. A division of Florida Medical Clinic and the longest-operating orthopedic in the Tampa area, our practice can be your first choice for world-class musculoskeletal treatment. Our team is led by two board-certified specialists—orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Daniel Murphy and sports medicine physician Dr. Arnold Ramirez—who collaborate with other specially trained practitioners to deliver personalized and compassionate care to patients.
At Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group, we take a conservative approach to arthritis by encouraging non-surgical methods like stem cell therapy, platelet rich plasma therapy, knee gel injections, and other innovative treatments. In the even that surgery is clinically appropriate, Dr. Murphy utilizes the latest advancements in minimally invasive techniques to achieve optimal outcomes with less post-surgical discomfort.
Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today to schedule an appointment, during which you can learn more about stem cell therapy for arthritis and whether it’s right for you. We accept most health insurance plans and proudly serve adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout the Tampa area.
