Regenerative Medicine for Different Types of Arthritis

There are over 100 different types of arthritis, from rheumatoid to osteoarthritis, to psoriatic, and gout. The two most prevalent types are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Arthritis is a broad term for ailments that affect joints and the tissues that surround them. Most types of arthritis either fall into one of two categories: degenerative arthritis (like osteoarthritis) or inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis). These typically occur in areas such as the hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows and wrists.

Although we have heard that arthritis is just something that we have to deal with as we age, there is good news. Many types of arthritis can be treated by regenerative medicine, allowing for better functionality of the joint and reduced pain symptoms. However, before we review the treatment options, let’s take a look at the different types of arthritis that can be helped by regenerative medicine:

Different Arthritis Types

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can be caused by aging, injury, or it can be a result of being overweight. This type is probably the most common and is usually quite painful. It can cause swelling of the joints leading to pain that occurs during the simplest tasks. Cartilage is a substance that helps protect the bones in joints and acts as a padding or shock absorber. When the cartilage starts to break down due to stress on the joint, the bones begin to rub together. This causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and makes it difficult to perform chores, work or other activities.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

This type of arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints in the ankles, feet, knees, thumbs, fingers, wrists, shoulders, and elbows. Rheumatoid arthritis is not caused by injury or aging like osteoarthritis. It is caused by enzymes produced by the body that attacks and destroys joint linings. This arthritis causes swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints and can also cause flu-like symptoms.

3. Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis typically occurs as a secondary disorder in people with psoriasis of the skin. It most frequently affects joints in the hands and feet as a result of skin rash. Often the fingernails appear discolored or pitted in someone with psoriatic arthritis. Although many people have only one joint that is affected by psoriatic arthritis, it can work on more than one.

How can Regenerative Medicine Help these Types of Arthritis?

Regenerative medicine treatments include prolotherapy, stem cell therapy, and platelet-rich plasma therapy, which have all shown to be beneficial for treating different types of arthritis. Stem cell therapy, in particular, has demonstrated to have a great impact in resolving pain symptoms from arthritis.

Structural support cells/Medicinal signaling cell treatments are based on harvesting one’s own fat and reintroducing them into the areas where cushioning and healing support are needed, for instance, in the knees. These aid in the healing process and have been beneficial in combating the effects of osteoarthritis.

While the greatest impact of structural support cells on arthritis is of osteoarthritis, they can help those afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory forms of arthritis as well. Ultimately, the treatments aim to promote healing and try to reverse the effects caused by the inflammation of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.

Preferably, regenerative medicine should be employed earlier rather than later when treating arthritis. When performed early, it can considerably reverse many types of joint pain, impairments, and symptoms. The rehabilitation time is far less and the risk of side effects is very low. Performing this treatment as soon as possible may also increase your chances of avoiding surgery for arthritis.

If you suffer from arthritis and would like to know if regenerative medicine treatments can help you, please call our office at 1-864-235-1834. We will be happy to answer any concerns or questions you have!