There are many forms of arthritis, and symptoms can vary depending on the type, cause and severity of the condition. Of particular concern is osteoarthritis.

What is Osteoarthritis?

For those who aren’t familiar with the disease, osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that can lead to deterioration of the cartilage in joints and cause severe discomfort.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports that 1.8 million Australians are inflicted with this degenerative disease.

The AIHW reports that it is one of the major causes of disability in older people and that it may lead to fatigue, depression and psychological distress.

What are the Symptoms?

Those who suffer from osteoarthritis will know that the disease can make performing even the simplest tasks in daily life difficult.

The more common symptoms include stiffness, joint pain and instability, hard lumps, known as bone spurs around the joint, reduced range of movement, and grating or grinding of the joint are also signs.

Pain is one of the most common indicators and it is no surprise that an increase in pain can be a general indicator of how severe your condition is.

Arthritis Australia suggests that maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and avoiding joint injury and activities that put repetitive strain on a joint, can help to reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

The Three Stages of Osteoarthritis

Stage One

In the early stages, usually round middle age, we begin feeling aches and pains around the joints. Pharmaceuticals for pain relief and inflammation are often the first response. Keeping active can help to reduce symptoms, and improve and maintain mobility.

Stage Two

As the disease progresses, people experience a loss of function and more intensive pain. Cartilage between the joints wears down, and bones begin to rub together without cushioning causing increased inflammations, stiffness, swelling, pain and limited motion.

Medical practitioners have developed interventions in the hope of assisting their patients, such as Viscosupplementation, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Arthroscopic Surgery and/or Lavage.

The first two stages are where stem cell therapy appears to have the greatest effect. For people aged over forty-five who suffer from the debilitating effects of osteoarthritis, effective stem cell therapy appears to help relieve symptoms such as pain and limited movement.

Stage Three

In the third stage, when osteoarthritis and damage is severe, it cannot be repaired or improved by other interventions. People experience relentless pain, joint deformity and mobility problems. At this stage people undertake joint replacement surgery.

The procedure involves removing damaged cartilage and bone and replacing it with an artificial joint (prosthesis). This is a major surgery and, like all surgery, it comes with the risk of infection, blood clots, nerve damage, and joint stiffness and recovery can last several months.

When and Why Should You Consider Stem Cell Therapy?

Consider stem cell therapy as an intervention before joint replacement is required; prior to or alongside, arthroscopic surgery; or to enhance the outcome of surgery when additional healing might be required.

If you are experiencing pain, loss of movement, stiffness or excess mobility in your knee joint, completing the WOMAC and HOOS assessment form will help us determine how far the disease might have progressed and if stem therapy is an option for you.

Importantly, before undertaking any medical procedure, you should consult your doctor and inform yourself fully about the risks and options available to get the best results in managing and treating your condition.

Find out more about Arthritis – Do you have it, can you avoid it?

If you have a question about arthritis and/or stem cell therapy please call us on +61 3 9882 9870 or use the form below. 

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