Joint Pain

Imagine your life without chronic knee pain. You could comfortably walk up the stairs, take a long walk, and do chores around the house. This pain-free life could be yours!

If you’ve tried other treatments for chronic knee pain without success it may be time to consider a different option. Stem cell treatment is a novel form of treatment for chronic knee pain. It uses stem cells to address the causes of knee pain. 

The process is simple and relatively pain-free. Stem cell treatment has been studied for arthritis, general joint pain, and inflammation.

If you’re thinking of stem cell treatment for knee pain relief, you probably have a few questions. Read this article for all the information you’ll need about stem cell treatment for chronic knee pain.

What Is Stem Cell Treatment?

Every human being has stem cells, without them, we would die. A stem cell is a cell in the body that has the potential to differentiate to replace damaged or dying cells.   Stem cells can become muscle cells, skin cells, or any other type of tissue.  This is why stem cells are so useful for the human body. Stem cells also have the ability to sense where they are most needed.

Humans produce fewer stem cells as we age.  This is why we have more aches and pains as we get older.  We do not have enough stem cells to regenerate the damaged tissue that comes with wear and tear.  Stem cells can be found in bone marrow, adipose tissue, and the perinatal tissue from live healthy births.  

The treatment triggers damaged tissue to repair it. The stem cells recruit other cells in the body to promote regeneration and reduce the inflammation that causes pain. The regenerative nature of stem cell treatment makes it effective for organ transplant treatment or to repair nerves in the body too.

Only recently has stem cell treatment been studied as a way to alleviate chronic knee pain. Current research suggests that when stem cells are used on joints the stem cells may develop into cartilage cells. They help to reduce swelling (inflammation) that makes the pain worse.

Long term, researchers hope to see how stem cell treatment could help the body release proteins to slow the process of cartilage degeneration. More research on stem cell treatment and joint pain is being done to find out exactly how stem cells can alleviate knee pain.

Types of Chronic Knee Pain

There are a few common causes of chronic knee pain including arthritis, injury, and overuse. If your knee pain is from an acute injury, the pain may go away on its own. However, if your knee pain is from arthritis or overuse you should consider treatment options.

Osteoarthritis in the knee is caused by worn-down cartilage. Cartilage serves an important function to cushion joints. Without proper cartilage, you could experience inner knee pain. Resting, applying ice, and taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory might help but only temporarily. 

Unlike osteoarthritis, arthritis is not caused by overuse. And you may feel inside knee pain or pain behind knee because of arthritis. It is caused by inflammation that damages the structure of the joint over time. Back of knee pain is a common symptom of arthritis.

If you have knee pain running it could also be an IT band issue. Excessive stress to the IT band can cause swelling and pain. Usually, a few days of rest will relieve IT band syndrome. So, if you continue to have knee pain it could be a more serious issue.

Stem Cell Treatment for Chronic Knee Pain

So, how exactly does stem cell treatment work for chronic knee pain? The process is actually relatively simple. First, a trained professional will use imaging guidance to locate the joint space, and then using a small needle will inject the stem cells into the knee.  

People seeking stem cell treatment for knee pain are often looking for pain relief or to delay knee replacement surgery. They hope the effects of the stem cells will reverse the deterioration of the cartilage.

Side Effects

Stem cell treatment is non-invasive and has no known serious side effects. Some people have experienced swelling or redness near the injection site. Others had temporary pain and swelling.

If you have questions about what to do before and after treatment, talk to your doctor. So far, research on stem cell treatment and chronic knee pain is promising.

Does It Work?

If you are dealing with chronic knee pain you may be feeling desperate for a solution that works. Stem cell treatment, like other forms of treatment, does not always work for everyone. 

Current research suggests that stem cell treatment could be an effective solution to chronic knee pain. Researchers are still studying whether individuals would need multiple treatments and over what period of time. 

Treatment specialists can measure the effectiveness of stem cell treatment using an MRI. They look at the amount of cartilage before and after stem cell treatment. They also rely on the patient’s self-reported experience. 

Is Stem Cell Treatment Right for Me?

Your treatment decision is up to you. But if you have tried other forms of treatment for knee pain and they haven’t worked, you could be a good candidate for system cell treatment. Talk to your doctor or schedule a consultation at a stem cell treatment facility if you still have questions.

Life Without Chronic Knee Pain

Hopefully, you feel more knowledgeable about stem cell treatment and chronic knee pain. Initial findings suggest that this process could be an effective way to reduce the symptoms of knee pain including those caused by arthritis and osteoarthritis. 

You don’t have to live with chronic knee pain. And at the StemCell Institute of Hawaii, we are here to help! Contact us at info@stemcellihi.com or over the phone at 808-731-1689. Or you can check out our schedule of upcoming events!

Do you have joint degeneration due to arthritis? Are you wondering if the damage can get reversed?

Joint pain can be tricky to live with. It can leave you feeling tired and interfere with your mobility. Yet, there are ways to get back on your feet again.

Keep reading to learn what you need to know.

What Is Joint Degeneration?

Joint degeneration is also known as “wear and tear” arthritis. As your joints wear down, your bones begin to rub against each other and cause stiffness, pain, and swelling.

As you get older, your muscles and joints will begin to break down and lose their ability to function. As joint tissue rubs against the bone, you will develop stiffness and pain. Problems with joint degeneration are the most common in the knees.

Joint degeneration can get diagnosed with a complete physical exam in which your doctor will examine your range of motion, tenderness, and strength. Your doctor may also use diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, or bone scans. They may also take a look at your walking ability and talk about your self-care habits.

Once your doctor has diagnosed you with joint degeneration due to arthritis, they can recommend a tailored treatment plan that will help you regain some of your strength and motion.

What Causes Joint Degeneration?

Joint degeneration is often quite common in those over age 50. Factors that increase your risk include repetitive motion, infection, or hormone disorders. Obesity can also add stress to your hips and knees.

Women are more likely than men to experience joint degeneration. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion. You may also experience bone spurs and a loss of flexibility.

If you don’t treat joint pain, your joints could become deformed and lose their function. However, the right treatment can restore joint function and prevent long-term damage.

Can Joint Degeneration Get Reversed?

Unfortunately, joint degeneration due to arthritis can’t get reversed. You can, however, help to slow its progression and manage your condition.

The right treatment can help you manage your pain, maintain your flexibility, and restore your range of motion.

What Home Treatments Are Available for Joint Degeneration?

Some common pain remedies such as CBD and turmeric, have been known to help some with mild to moderate joint pain. CBD oils and ointments can be used to improve inflammation, pain, and nerve damage.

Tumeric is known for having anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties. It can also help prevent other diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Turmeric supplements are available.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend prescription medication.

A splint or brace can be used to reduce the amount of pressure you’re putting on your joints. You can also try various ointments.

Exercise can also help by stabilizing your joints. You can talk to your doctor about exercises that are gentle and effective for those with joint pain.

Walking, stretching, and water exercises can all help to relieve pain and joint stiffness. The key is to keep the impact low and move gently. In some cases, it may help to use some ice afterward.

You can use heat to ease your pain with a heating pad, wraps, or patches. Cold therapy can also help.

What Other Treatments Can Help?

In some cases, physical therapy can provide exercises that will help with osteoarthritis pain. It can help target joints and restore your range of motion. A physical therapist can also teach you how to use cold and heat therapy effectively at home.

Occupational therapists can help. They may be able to provide splints and recommend other devices, such as doorknobs, canes, and walkers. These could aid with bathing, dressing, and driving.

In addition, your occupational therapist can recommend ways to modify your home and workplace to avoid motions that could aggravate arthritis. They can help you to avoid positions that strain your joints and use your stronger joints to support your weaker ones.

Stem cell therapy can also be used to help regrow cartilage in your knees and joints. It can decrease inflammation and reduce pain. In some cases, it may delay or even eliminate your need for knee replacement surgery.

Acupuncture can also help. It serves to stimulate the chemicals that reduce swelling and relieve pain and may also aid immune system function.

Ozone therapy increases your levels of oxygen. It can help relieve joint pain by inhibiting inflammation. A qualified therapist can help you find the right treatment for you.

How Can I Afford Treatments for Joint Pain?

Pain treatments are sometimes covered under health insurance. If they aren’t, however, you can talk to your specialist about available financing options. You may, for example, be able to pay off your treatment a little every month so it fits more easily into your budget.

If your pain treatment isn’t covered, you may want to consider options such as a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Both an HSA and FSA allow you to put aside tax-sheltered money each month that can be used for healthcare treatments.

Getting Moving

Joint degeneration can really limit your ability to live life to the fullest. The pain and stiffness can make it difficult to work, live, and stay active. With the right treatment, however, you can get back on your feet in no time.

Don’t stop learning about effective treatments for joint pain now. For excellent natural remedies that don’t involve surgery, contact us today.

Over 90 million Americans suffer from arthritis, which the National Institutes of Health describes as “multiple conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joints, and other connective tissues.” Arthritis can cause joint pain and mobility issues, and is a leading cause of disability.

Whether you have been diagnosed with arthritis or your joints just feel stiff and sore, there are some simple steps you can take. For example, try avoiding foods that cause joint inflammation. Today we’re taking a look at what those foods are.

Consider an Elimination Diet

Of course, not all foods that cause inflammation in someone will necessarily present problems for you. So it’s not as easy as simply following a particular diet, becoming a vegetarian or vegan, or eating exactly what your super-healthy spouse consumes. Instead, you’ll need to do some experimentation.

One way to do that is to try an elimination diet. That will help you figure out which foods cause issues in your joints (and the rest of your body!) and which ones make you feel good. In a standard elimination diet, you cut out the usual culprits for about 23 days.

Those culprits are gluten, soy, eggs, dairy, processed food (including fast food), sugar, and alcohol. After the 23 days are up, you can add each of these back into your diet, one at a time. Paying close attention to how you feel after eating a piece of white bread or some cheese will help you identify the foods that trigger inflammation in your body.

Foods That Cause Joint Inflammation

You can approach the problem from a different perspective, too. Start by slowly eliminate the following foods from your daily diet. You will likely find that your joint pain and mobility begin to improve.

1. Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the best foods for joint health. However, experts advise that you steer clear of their unhealthy counterparts, Omega-6 fatty acids. The primary sources of these are corn, peanut, and soy oils, as well as red meats.

To get the heart-healthy benefits of Omega-3s, opt for avocado oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil. If you choose to continue eating meat, you’ll be better off using it as a “condiment” or flavor enhancer. A little lean beef in a veggie-packed stir-fry is a better choice than, say, a steak or chop.

2. Partially Hydrogenated Oils

Also known as “trans fats,” partially hydrogenated oils, or PHOs, are another no-no. That’s because they wreak havoc with your cholesterol levels and your heart health. One easy way to avoid them? Steer clear of processed foods.

That means saying goodbye to margarine, microwave popcorn, frozen pizza, anything made with shortening, coffee creamer, and many types of chips and cookies.

Of course, cutting these items from your diet also means that you will be avoiding other unhealthy ingredients. Think artificial colors and flavors, sugar, high amounts of sodium, and preservatives.

3. Fast Food and Fried Food

Foods that come from the drive-thru and the deep fryer are definitely tempting. However, you probably already know that these are two of the worst possible options for your meals and snacks.

In addition to being high in trans fats, deep-fried items and anything that comes from a fast-food franchise (or convenience store, or hot dog cart) are high in sodium. They are highly caloric and offer little to no nutritional value.

4. Sweeteners

Stay away from sugar, too. Refined sugar causes certain proteins, called cytokines, to be released in the body. These are directly linked to inflammation, and therefore to joint pain.

It’s not just white sugar that’s bad for your knees and hips, though. Look out for corn syrup, sucrose, maltose, and fructose. And if you think that artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose (Splenda) are healthy alternatives, think again. These, too, can trigger inflammatory responses — among other dangers.

5. White Carbs

You know how marathoners and other elite athletes will “carbo-load” on huge plates of pasta with a generous side of garlic bread? That’s because these foods cause a spike in blood glucose. Athletes use this source of energy as a performance boost.

The rest of us, however, experience a crash in blood sugar that leaves us feeling more tired and logy than before. Moreover, carbohydrate-rich flour products exacerbate inflammation. If you eat bread, crackers, and pasta, make sure to choose whole-grain versions that may help with joint pain.

These foods may pack a one-two inflammatory punch, as well. The carbs are one culprit; another is the gluten. Gluten, a protein found in some grains, has been linked with symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and soreness of the muscles and joints.

6. Dairy

Many of us were raised to think of dairy products as wholesome. After all, dairy is rich in the calcium that builds strong bones and teeth. But it’s also just plain rich, and the high levels of saturated fat are notorious for spiking inflammation.

Eat cheese, cream cheese, cream, milk, and butter sparingly. Not all dairy is evil, though. Some dairy products that contain active and live cultures, like yogurt and kefir, are good foods for joint health.

7. Nightshades

Vegetables are all safe and beneficial for joint pain sufferers, right? Not so fast. Unfortunately, some veggies called nightshades contain the chemical solanine. Solanine has been proven to cause inflammation.

Nightshades include tomatoes, eggplants, peppers of all varieties, and white potatoes. Have you successfully purged sugar, white bread, and fast food, and processed snacks from your diet but are still experiencing arthritis symptoms? Consider cutting out these vegetables too.

What Can You Eat to Avoid Inflammation?

What is left for you to eat? Plenty! Some foods that help joint pain include cold-water fish, whole grains, leafy greens, nuts and seeds, green tea, mineral water, turmeric, and ginger.

It may seem daunting to embark on this nutritional experiment. But remember that not all foods that cause joint inflammation will be verboten for you. Listen to your body and eat accordingly, so that you can live an optimal life of optimal health.

Are you interested in learning more about alternative treatments for your arthritis or other health conditions? Give us a call to learn about the services we provide.