Advances are being made in medicine daily, with regenerative medicine being a great example. It is shown to be a promising treatment in many medical disciplines, including orthopedics. As such, regenerative medicine has revolutionized the way healthcare providers treat orthopedic injuries and diseases.
Let’s talk about how it is used in orthopedics, its benefits, the potential risks associated with it, and where you can find the best orthopedic surgeon in Naples, FL.
How Regenerative Medicine Is Used in Orthopedics
Orthopedic surgeons can use regenerative medicine to help heal bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
The two major types of regenerative medicine used in orthopedics nowadays are stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
Stem Cell Therapy
In stem cell therapy, the patient’s own living cells are extracted from their body. These cells are then injected into the damaged area of the tissue.
The body responds by sending signals to repair and heal the affected area, promoting natural healing.
Stem cells are used to treat various orthopedic conditions. These cells are considered “origin cells,” meaning they can differentiate into other cell types, such as cartilage, bone, and muscle. That means stem cells can turn into what your body needs to promote healing.
For example, suppose a patient has a damaged ligament in their knee. In that case, stem cells are extracted from their body and injected into the injured area.
The cells will then differentiate into new cartilage and ligaments, which helps repair the injury faster than traditional treatments.
Stem cell therapy can help with the following conditions:
- Degenerative joint diseases
- Tendon tears and injuries
- Cartilage damage
- Osteoarthritis
- Ligament sprains and strains
- Spinal cord injuries
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
In PRP therapy, the patient’s blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge to separate platelets. Platelets are cells that contain growth factors that help promote tissue healing. These platelets are then injected directly into the injured area of the body.
By injecting platelets directly, the body’s natural healing process is accelerated.
PRP therapy can help treat tendon and ligament injuries like rotator cuff tears and joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. It can also help speed up the healing process after surgery, such as ACL reconstruction.
PRP therapy is also widely known to help with muscle recovery and sports injuries. In addition, it can be used to treat chronic conditions, such as plantar fasciitis.
The Benefits of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics
The primary benefit of regenerative medicine in orthopedics is that it can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
This is because the healing process is accelerated, allowing patients to return to normal activities faster.
Another benefit is that it can help reduce the need for surgery in some cases. Thus, it can minimize the risk of complications associated with surgery. In addition, regenerative medicine can reduce inflammation and scarring in the affected area.
The Potential Risks of Regenerative Medicine
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with regenerative medicine. The most common side effects include swelling, redness, discomfort, and pain at the injection site.
Other potential risks include infection and allergic reactions to the injected materials.
When to Visit an Orthopedic Surgeon for Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine can be a great option for those suffering from chronic pain or mobility issues due to orthopedic conditions. If traditional treatments have not worked or the risk of surgery is too high, regenerative medicine may be an alternative.
It is important to talk to your orthopedic surgeon about the potential risks and benefits of regenerative medicine. They can help you decide if the treatment is right for your condition.
Before they recommend a form of therapy, they will consider the following:
- Your health condition or injury
- The severity of your symptoms
- Your age and overall health
- Your medical history
- Your lifestyle, activities, and habits
Lastly, make sure to ask your orthopedic surgeon any questions you may have about regenerative medicine. They will be able to answer them thoroughly and provide you with the best care possible.
With their help, you can regain mobility and reduce pain while avoiding surgery.
The Best Orthopedic Surgeons in Naples, FL
Are you looking for the best orthopedic surgeons in Naples, FL? You can rely on the experienced and compassionate team of providers at Joint Replacement Institute. Here at the Joint Replacement Institute, our orthopedic surgeons are committed to treating all forms of orthopedic issues, from arthritis to chronic joint pain. Our team provides outstanding care with the utmost compassion for our patients with orthopedic conditions and injuries.
If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation, call us at (239) 261-2663 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you.
We look forward to helping you achieve the best state of health!
