Multi-Joint Arthritis: Deciding on Stem Cell Therapy

Degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis is very common as we age. It is estimated that over 50% of those aged greater than 65 will have some form of osteoarthritis.

Trauma may primarily affect one joint with osteoarthritis. These can be potentiated in joints having surgery for that trauma.

Multi-joint arthritis may be multifactorial. Repetitive use over time, genetics, trauma, surgery, and obesity all may play a role in the development of multi-joint arthritis.

Abnormalities of gait (walking patterns), may predispose to multi-joint degeneration in the legs.

The progression of arthritis is variable in patients. Local and systemic (entire body) influences can lead to progression of osteoarthritis.

Local processes include biomechanical factors such as joint laxity, surgical changes, obesity, and inflammation at he cellular level.

Systemic factors also include obesity. Fat tissue can function as a gland secreting inflammatory products which exert many influences. These include systemic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

Obesity also has pronounced effects on joint stress. For every 10 pound weight gain, their is an associated increase in strain on joints, as much as 3 to 5 fold. Conversely weight loss will help with pressure on joints as well as have a beneficial effect on systemic diseases and inflammatory products.

Stem Cell Therapy may help diminish pain, improve mobility, and regulate inflammatory components of multi-joint arthritis.

The Regenerative Medicine approach to multi-joint arthritis, will have more applications in the future as newer methods are employed.

The use of Stem Cell Therapy for degenerative arthritis and arthritis affecting multiple joints, may be considered as an alternative strategy to joint surgery and joint replacement surgery.