The human body possesses an amazing capacity for self-healing— it can fix broken bones, close up cuts, and recover from illnesses like the flu. However, if the damage or illness is too much for the body to handle on its own, regenerative medicine could be the answer.

How regenerative medicine helps with knee pain treatment in Houston

Regenerative medicine is rapidly evolving. Treatments that were once standard, like microfracture for knee cartilage problems, are now rarely used in the US. Researchers continue to develop and test innovative new therapies, and even established concepts like stem cell treatments are subject to ongoing discussion and debate as our understanding of their potential continues to evolve.

Here’s a quick overview of some current and possible regenerative treatments. While not all of these are FDA-approved for knee pain treatment in Houston yet, many are already being used to care for patients at leading medical centers across the U.S.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Blood is taken from the patient and placed in a machine called a centrifuge, which spins it to separate the platelets and concentrate them in the plasma, the liquid part of the blood. This platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the area of the body that is injured, aging, or affected by disease. While the platelets don’t stay active for long, they release growth factors, anti-inflammatory proteins, and signals that can help the body heal, control immune cell activity, and reduce symptoms.

Stem cells

Stem cells are injected straight into the joint affected by osteoarthritis. They can also be used during surgeries or with special structures designed to support the regrowth of cartilage in the joint. For knee pain specifically, stem cells have shown some promising results in the lab, but there is still a need for more research and clinical trials to fully understand their effectiveness.

Learn more about knee pain treatment in Houston

At Houston Spine & Joint Pain Consultants, we specialize in advanced treatment options for knee pain, including regenerative therapies like PRP and stem cell injections. Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physicians by calling 832-777-7246 today.