The Reality of Meniscus Tears
A meniscus tear can be a debilitating injury, causing significant knee pain, swelling, and restricted movement. This common injury often occurs from sudden twists or turns, particularly in sports or physical activities. Effective treatment is crucial to manage symptoms and restore knee function.
After suffering a meniscus tear, chances are that you’ve thought about reaching for Voltaren gel for meniscus tears. Sure, it’s a well-known anti-inflammatory that’s been around for years and is available over-the-counter. However, is it a safe and effective solution that’s going to work for your permanently? Let’s dig into the details.
Voltaren Gel: It May Work, But It’s Not a Permanent Solution
Taking anti-inflammatory medications is the equivalent of putting a band-aid over a wound without addressing the root cause of the issue. Voltaren Gel (diclofenac sodium topical gel) is often recommended for relieving pain and inflammation associated with meniscus tears. While it offers some benefits, there are several drawbacks to consider:
- Temporary Relief: Voltaren Gel provides only short-term relief. It addresses the symptoms rather than the underlying issue, meaning the pain and inflammation will likely return once the application is stopped.
- Harsh Side Effects: Although applied topically, Voltaren Gel can still cause significant side effects, including skin irritation, dryness, and rash. More concerning, it can be absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially leading to systemic issues such as elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.
- Messy Application: The gel can be messy to apply, often leaving a residue that can stain clothing or necessitate frequent hand washing.
- Increased Blood Pressure: NSAIDs, including Voltaren Gel, can lead to increased blood pressure, which is particularly concerning for individuals with preexisting hypertension or cardiovascular risks.
At the end of the day, when you put these symptoms aside, Voltaren at best will numb your pain for a few hours. It won’t help your body heal, and it’s not a long-term solution. Given these limitations, it’s worth exploring alternative treatments that offer more sustainable and holistic benefits.
Stem Cell Therapy: A Superior Alternative
At GIOSTAR Chicago, we believe in leveraging advanced regenerative medicine to provide better outcomes for our patients. Stem cell therapy stands out as a promising alternative to traditional pain relief methods like Voltaren Gel for several reasons:
- Regenerative Potential: Unlike Voltaren Gel, which merely masks the symptoms, stem cell therapy targets the root cause of the problem. Stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types, including those that make up the meniscus. This means they can potentially help repair and rebuild the damaged tissue.
- Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Stem cells possess strong anti-inflammatory properties, reducing pain and swelling more effectively and for a longer duration than topical gels. Studies are consistently proving that stem cell therapy has the ability to help knee patients regain their function, reduce inflammation, and potentially regenerate the cartilage in their knee.
- Minimally Invasive: Stem cell therapy involves injecting concentrated stem cells directly into the affected area, promoting natural healing without the mess and inconvenience of topical applications.
- Fewer Side Effects: Since stem cell therapy uses cells derived from the patient’s own body, the risk of adverse reactions is significantly lower compared to synthetic medications like Voltaren Gel.
How Stem Cell Therapy Works at a Glance
Stem cell therapy for meniscus tears typically involves the following steps:
1. Harvesting
Stem cells are harvested from the patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue (fat).
2. Processing
The collected cells are processed to concentrate the stem cells.
3. Injection
The concentrated stem cells are injected into the damaged meniscus under guided imaging for precise delivery.
This procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Voltaren Works, But Only Temporarily – Contact GIOSTAR Chicago for a Safer, More Permanent Solution
While Voltaren Gel may offer temporary relief for meniscus tear symptoms, its harsh side effects, messy application, and potential to raise blood pressure make it a less than ideal solution. Stem cell therapy, on the other hand, provides a more effective and sustainable treatment option by addressing the root cause of the injury and promoting natural healing.
At GIOSTAR Chicago, we are committed to providing cutting-edge regenerative treatments that enhance the body’s ability to heal itself. Contact us today to learn more about how stem cell therapy can help you recover from a meniscus tear and regain your quality of life.
About GIOSTAR Chicago:
GIOSTAR Chicago is dedicated to developing the most advanced stem cell-based technologies and providing the best regenerative medicine for people who want to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.
