Knees play an important role in mobility, as they are needed for walking around, as well as bending down. Due to how often most people use their legs, it is only natural for the cartilage that surrounds the knee joints to begin to wear out. Worn out knee cartilage might not seem too major at first, but it can actually progress into a lot of pain that isn't easy to cope with. When cartilage begins to disintegrate in the knees, it is commonly related to a condition known as osteoarthritis, but can usually be treated via platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy. If you suspect that you are suffering from knee osteoarthritis, it is wise to learn more about the condition and seek medical attention.
Symptoms You Should Know About
There are a few symptoms that can give you a good idea of whether or not you have knee osteoarthritis, but you will still need a diagnosis by a physician. Pain is one of the main symptoms of the condition, but you should pay attention to whether or not it gets worse when you are using your legs. If the pain increases, it is a sign that there is less cartilage than usual and that your knee joints are possibly rubbing together. Stiffness in the knee that makes it more difficult to move them is one of the other symptoms of osteoarthritis. You might also notice that your knees are swollen.
PRP and Stem Cell Therapy as Treatment
PRP therapy is sometimes used for treating knee osteoarthritis, but you might need more than one injection to see satisfactory results. Basically, PRP injections consist of your own blood platelets that are used to assist with healing the damaged cartilage in your knees. On the other hand, stem cell therapy can be used to produce new cells that will assist with new cartilage development. Stem cell therapy can be done via injections as well. Your physician might actually use both PRP and stem cell therapy together as a way to obtain the best results possible.
Risks That Are Involved With Treatment
There almost no risks when it comes to PRP therapy, as it is basically making use of your own blood as a healing technique. There is a slight chance that the area of your skin in which the needle is injected will become infected, but it should be easy to treat if it happens. There are more possible risks with stem cell therapy because you might have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment during the process. Some of the possible side effects of stem cell therapy include vomiting, mouth sores, and difficulty breathing.
To learn more about PRP stem cell therapy, contact a medical professional in your area.
