Stem Cell Therapy for Knees: What to Know & Where to Go
Breakthrough knee care starts here—understanding your treatment options
Knee pain and injuries can significantly impact your quality of life, limiting mobility and causing chronic discomfort. Most of us expect our joints to heal on their own, and in many cases, this is true. However, a knee that doesn’t heal properly can lead to a lifetime of issues.
Fortunately, advancements in medical science have paved the way for innovative treatments such as stem cell therapy. Using stem cell treatment after a knee injury or to treat chronic pain can lead to a much higher quality of life. But where to start? This article explores where to find stem cell treatment for knee injuries, highlighting different types of clinics and what to expect from each.
Finding the Right Clinic for Knee-Focused Stem Cell Therapy
When seeking stem cell treatment for knee injuries, it’s essential to understand that not all clinics offer the same services. Here’s a breakdown of the different categories of clinics and what they provide:
Primary Care Practices
Primary care practices focus on general health and preventative care. While they are excellent for managing overall wellness, they typically do not offer specialized treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy.
Specialized PRP Clinics
These clinics concentrate on providing PRP therapy, a treatment that involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets to accelerate healing. While PRP is beneficial for various injuries, it differs from stem cell treatment for knee injuries in its approach and scope.
Comprehensive Functional Medicine Practices
Clinics such as Root Causes in San Antonio offer a holistic approach by combining stem cell therapies with functional medicine. This integration ensures that patients receive biologically derived therapies that use the body’s own materials for healing, promoting overall well-being alongside targeted treatment. Knee pain is also affected by nutrition, lifestyle, hormone balance, and more. Our goal is to fully personalize the healthcare journey so that you feel your very best.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are the body’s raw materials from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. These undifferentiated cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. Additionally, in many tissues, they serve as an internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive.
In the context of stem cell treatment for knee injuries, these cells are harvested from the patient’s body, typically from bone marrow or adipose tissue (fat). Bone marrow–derived stem cells are rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are known for their ability to differentiate into bone, cartilage, and fat cells. Adipose-derived stem cells also contain a high concentration of MSCs, which can be easily extracted through a minimally invasive liposuction procedure.
Not all clinics offer all varieties of stem cells. For example, Root Causes uses biologically derived material, such as the platelets found in PRP, to accelerate healing.
Knee Injuries Addressed by Stem Cell Treatments
Stem cell therapy can be a viable treatment option for various knee injuries, including the following:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that leads to the gradual breakdown of cartilage, the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones in the knee joint. As the cartilage deteriorates, bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. OA can severely impact mobility and quality of life, making everyday activities challenging. Stem cell treatment for knees can help manage osteoarthritis by promoting the regeneration of cartilage.
Meniscus Tears
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia). Meniscus tears are common knee injuries, often resulting from sports activities or traumatic events that cause the knee to twist or turn awkwardly. With stem cells, the injected materials promote healing by differentiating into cartilage cells and repairing the torn meniscus tissue.
Ligament Injuries
The knee contains several important ligaments, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which provide stability and support to the joint. Ligament injuries, such as tears or sprains, are common in athletes and can occur due to sudden twists, impacts, or overuse. Biologically derived therapies can improve joint stability and function, reducing the risk of further injury and helping patients return to their normal activities more quickly. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects of stem cells can help reduce pain and swelling associated with ligament injuries.
Tendon Injuries
Tendon injuries around the knee, such as patellar tendinitis (often known as “jumper’s knee”), occur when the tendons connecting the kneecap to the shin bone become inflamed or damaged due to overuse or sudden stress. These injuries can cause significant pain, tenderness, and difficulty in extending the knee. The stem cells help to repair the micro-tears and inflammation within the tendon, enhancing its strength and elasticity.