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Osteoarthritis in Scottsdale, AZ

The Scottsdale Stem Cell Treatment Center offers treatment for osteoarthritis to the residents of Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the surrounding Arizona communities.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage. As the disease progresses, bones rub against each other, resulting in pain and stiffness as well as difficult movement of the joints. In addition to the effects on the joints, osteoarthritis can harm muscles, ligaments, and menisci.

Osteoarthritis is defined as primary and secondary. Primary osteoarthritis is usually a result of the aging process and represents normal “wear and tear.” Getting older increases the likelihood that you will have some type of primary osteoarthritis, but it is not inevitable. Secondary osteoarthritis usually develops earlier in life—usually a decade or more after a certain trigger, such as an injury.

The chief cause of osteoarthritis is limb misalignment, as well as genetic, metabolic, and developmental factors that result in cartilage loss that can damage and even expose the underlying bone. Because the resulting pain can make exercise too painful, muscle atrophy is often a result.

The knees, hands, and hips are places where osteoarthritis most often develops. Other joints, such as shoulders, may also be affected. Osteoarthritis does not normally affect other joints but can sometimes affect them due to injury or obesity. The disease can result in pain and stiffness that makes it harder to perform normal activities and exercise.

Over time, osteoarthritis progresses to the point where it increases the bone density surrounding a joint, leading to a definitive diagnosis. As the disease enters the later stages, the joint cartilage protecting a given joint wears away completely. When the protective cartilage is no longer present, the bones in that area begin painfully rubbing together without the protective cushioning that once existed.

Today’s osteoarthritis treatments mainly focus on symptom relief. Although no cure presently exists, many therapies and treatments are available to control pain, maintain joint movement, and relieve stiffness. Medicines such as acetaminophen, narcotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories are often used to relieve various symptoms. Topical pain relievers are also often employed to ease the discomfort of damaged joints. Joint replacement and other surgeries are options for extensive joint damage. Other approaches for managing symptoms include assistive devices, occupational therapy, physical therapy, weight loss, meditation, and nutritional supplements.

Osteoarthritis Causes

Osteoarthritis results when the cartilage that cushions the bones inside the joints begins to deteriorate. Normally, cartilage is firm and slippery tissue that allows the bones and joints to move without friction. When an individual experiences osteoarthritis, the surface of the joints is rough. Over time, the cartilage wears away leaving only bone on bone.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis may slowly develop and worsen over time. Symptoms may include the following:

  • Pain: A joint may be in pain following movement.
  • Tenderness: A joint may feel tender after the application of pressure.
  • Stiffness: Most people notice this after getting up in the morning or a period of inactivity.
  • Reduced Flexibility: You may be unable to effectively move a joint through its complete range of motion.
  • Grating Feeling: You might feel or hear a grating feeling when using the joint.
  • Bone Spurs: Extra bone mass may form around the joint.

Osteoarthritis Adult Stem Cell Therapy

Adipose stem cell therapy is an exciting newly developed therapy designed to help osteoarthritis sufferers more effectively manage their symptoms. A patient’s stem cells offer the possibility of replacing numerous cells in their body that have been damaged by osteoarthritis. New studies of adult stem cell therapy have demonstrated that restoring these damaged cells is possible with this advanced treatment. This regenerative medical breakthrough offers more hope to those suffering from this degenerative condition.

The new treatment has seen the following improvements in the condition of patients:

  • Increased energy
  • Reduced or eliminated joint pain
  • Reduced or eliminated joint tenderness
  • Reduced or eliminated joint stiffness
  • Improved joint flexibility
  • Reduced or eliminated joint swelling
  • Reduction in grating sensations

Our board-certified doctors are encouraged by the possibility that this new treatment can help improve the lives of those suffering from osteoarthritis. Although no current cure exists for osteoarthritis, our techniques can help improve the quality of life for sufferers and help them better manage their symptoms.

Adipose stem cell therapy offers a promising new alternative to those who have been unresponsive to traditional drug therapy or conventional methods that produce less than optimal results. Scottsdale Stem Cell adult stem cell therapy holds the promise of allowing you to begin rebuilding your health.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of osteoarthritis, please contact us at Scottsdale Stem Cell to find out whether STV or another form of stem cell treatment is right for you and your unique condition.

Written by Scottsdale Stem Cell Center