What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears down over time. This deterioration leads to pain, stiffness, and impaired joint function. OA is one of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting millions globally, especially among older adults, though it can also develop in younger individuals due to joint injuries or repetitive stress. The knees, hips, hands, and spine are the most frequently affected joints.
Symptoms and Impact on Quality of Life
OA significantly impairs mobility and reduces quality of life by making daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and gripping objects increasingly challenging. Left untreated, OA can lead to severe joint deformities and chronic pain, necessitating surgical intervention.
OA symptoms typically include:
- Pain: Discomfort or sharp pain in the affected joint, especially during movement or after prolonged physical activity.
- Stiffness: A feeling of tightness or difficulty moving the joint, often more noticeable upon waking or after periods of rest.
- Swelling: Localized inflammation due to irritation of joint tissues.
- Reduced Flexibility: A limited range of motion that affects daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or gripping objects.
- Grating Sensation: A grinding or cracking sound, known as crepitus, during joint movement caused by cartilage breakdown.
- Bone Spurs: Extra bony growths that may form around the affected joint, leading to discomfort and further restricting movement.
Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a cutting-edge therapeutic option for OA. These multipotent cells can be sourced from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord tissue and offer a novel approach to cartilage repair and inflammation reduction.
Mechanisms of Action
- Cartilage Regeneration: MSCs can differentiate into chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and produce extracellular matrix components to repair damaged cartilage.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: MSCs release cytokines and growth factors that suppress inflammation in the joint, reducing pain and swelling.
- Immunomodulation: By altering the immune response, MSCs help prevent further joint damage caused by autoimmune or inflammatory processes.
- Paracrine Effects: MSCs secrete bioactive molecules that promote tissue repair, stimulate endogenous stem cells, and reduce scarring.
Benefits of Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis
- Minimally invasive and offers the potential for long-term relief.
- May reduce the need for joint replacement surgeries.
- Targets underlying causes rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
- Enhances joint function and mobility, improving overall quality of life.
Take Action to Improve Joint Health
If osteoarthritis is impacting your quality of life, WIH International Hospital offers advanced stem cell treatments designed to target pain and restore joint function.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your personalized treatment plan and start your journey to a pain-free life.
