Athletes and Knee Stem Cells
When traditional Sports Medicine modalities fail to alleviate knee pain and debility, Dennis M. Lox, MD, comments that Stem Cell Therapy may offer an opportunity to continue sports participation or maintain a professional sports career. Dr. Lox an expert in Sports and Regenerative Medicine, cites as our understanding of inflammation, cartilage breakdown, and the healing response has grown, outdated medical models need to be addressed in order to provide the best care and advice to athletes with knee ailments.
The nature of cartilage breakdown, once thought to be solely a wear and tear effect, is now known to be more complex. Factors such as genetics, repetitive trauma, biomechanics (weight and joint laxity) and even surgery play a role in the development and progression of joint arthritis (osteoarthritis).
The interplay of these factors on the development of osteoarthritis will continue to be carefully evaluated, with future strategies employing earlier preventative treatment and screening to alter the degenerative course over time. The role of Stem Cell Therapy will be integral Dr. Lox notes as a treatment strategy that may retard the aging of the joint, will lengthen sports participation. Professional sports careers that often are prematurely derailed by early knee osteoarthritis may be maintained by altering the progression of arthritis.
Stem cells can exert their therapeutic effect via several mechanisms. Stem cells can markedly reduce inflammation by their immunomodulatory capabilities. Cell signaling and Cytokine regulation are important pathways for the development of pain and debility, as well as the healing cascade. Stem cells may modulate the negative catabolic actions and help restore a healing environment as well as promote regeneration. Faster healing while retarding the degenerative cascade process are all favorable for maintaining sports participation and a longer sports career.