Did you know osteoarthritis affects over 30 million adults in the United States?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that surrounds a joint begins to break down over time, which causes bones to rub against one another. The hips and knees are at the greatest risk of developing osteoarthritis due to carrying our body’s weight; however, elbows, ankles, and the spine can be affected too. The symptoms of osteoarthritis develop slowly and can worsen over time.
Some of the signs include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Loss of movement
- Bone spurs
Over time, the cartilage that protects the bones in our joints starts to deteriorate. Cartilage is a firm, flexible tissue that allows our joints to move effortlessly. When the cartilage wears down completely, bones will rub together, causing a grating sensation, in which you may hear a “popping” or “cracking” sound. There are some factors that can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis, which includes:
- Age
- Obesity
- Injuries to joints
- Genetics
- Bone deformities
- Certain metabolic diseases
Unfortunately, there are limited traditional options when it comes to treating severe osteoarthritis, other than medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Over-the-counter supplements (e.g., glucosamine, chondroitin) and steroid injections typically provide only temporary relief for pain and inflammation.
Consider an alternative
If traditional treatments haven’t worked for you, it’s time to try something new. Have you considered regenerative medicine? The experts at GIOSTAR Chicago provide patients with alternatives to unnecessary surgeries and other traditional therapies. Studies have shown that regenerative cell therapy may provide potential improvements in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS), even for patients with severe osteoarthritis!
Earlier this year, researchers conducted a clinical trial that demonstrated the potential benefits of administering mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to patients with treat severe knee osteoarthritis. During the study, patients were injected with 1, 10, or 50 million MSCs directly into the knee. Multiple short-term and long-term osteoarthritis tests were completed during the trial, and data was collected from biomarkers such as MRI scans, collagen levels, and cartilage turnover rates over a 12-month period. Those who had injected higher doses of MSCs showed the most improvement with reduced inflammation and pain, protection of existing cartilage, and a decline of osteoarthritis progression.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
GIOSTAR is comprised of world-renowned researchers, doctors, and scientists who have won several awards, conducted pioneering studies, and published extensive research in leading medical journals.
All GIOSTAR patients undergo a thorough, multi-factorial analysis to develop a unique and customized protocol to help rediscover activities they once cherished and enjoy life again. If you are suffering from osteoarthritis, you may be eligible for regenerative medicine therapy. To get started, please complete the Medical History Form.
