When living with osteoarthritis, the simple joys of life—taking a walk in the park, spending time with loved ones, or dancing at a celebration —become difficult, if not impossible. Traditional treatments may only mask the symptoms, offering little lasting relief.
But what if there was a way to actually address the damage, not just mask the pain? Stem cell therapy directly targets worn-out cartilage and inflamed joints, restoring what’s been lost.
In this article, you’ll learn about:
- how stem cells work;
- what makes them a promising treatment for osteoarthritis;
- who might benefit from stem cell therapy;
- stem cell therapy costs;
- what the procedure involves;
- safety considerations;
- success rates and findings from clinical trials;
- similar treatments in regenerative medicine;
- traditional treatments for osteoarthritis;
- how to choose the right doctor for your treatment.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are the body’s master cells—they can develop into specialized cells, such as cartilage, bone, or muscle. Unlike regular cells, they can regenerate and repair damaged tissue. Essentially, they act as the body’s natural repair system, restoring function and reducing pain where other treatments fall short.
This makes them a key player in regenerative medicine, an innovative field that aims to replace damaged tissues or organs, in contrast to traditional clinical strategies that primarily focus on treating symptoms.
Can stem cells treat osteoarthritis?
Stem cells offer a unique approach to treating osteoarthritis by addressing the root cause—cartilage damage. When injected into the affected joint, stem cells can regenerate damaged cartilage, reduce inflammation, and slow down disease progression.
What happens in osteoarthritis?
To understand how stem cells can help, it’s important to clarify why the disease occurs and how it progresses in the first place. Osteoarthritis is primarily caused by wear and tear on joints over time, but several factors increase the risk:
- ⏳ Age. Most common in people over 50, as joints experience more wear with age.
- 🧬 Genetics. A family history of osteoarthritis can increase your risks.
- 🔗 Joint injuries. Even if healed, past injuries can leave joints more prone to developing arthritis.
- ⚖️ Obesity. Extra weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.
- 🛠️ Repetitive stress. Jobs or activities that involve repetitive motions or excessive joint use can wear down articular cartilage faster.
As osteoarthritis progresses, the following occurs:
- Articular cartilage breakdown. The smooth, protective tissue between bones starts to wear away.
- Bone friction. Without articular cartilage, bones rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and loss of mobility.
- Inflammation. The body responds to cartilage damage with inflammation, which worsens the condition.
- Limited regeneration. Cartilage doesn’t naturally regenerate well, so once it’s damaged, the joint continues to deteriorate.
Commonly impacted areas include:
- knees;
- hips;
- hands and fingers;
- feet and ankles;
- lower back;
- neck and shoulders.
Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that worsens as the articular cartilage continues to degrade, which is why treatments targeting the root cause—like stem cell therapy—are so promising.
How can stem cell therapy help with osteoarthritis?
Regenerative therapies offer a new way to counteract the damage caused by osteoarthritis. Here’s what stem cells do for osteoarthritis:
- 🦴 Regenerate joint cartilage. Stem cells can develop into cartilage cells and replace worn-down tissue.
- 📉 Reduce inflammation. Stem cells release anti-inflammatory molecules called cytokines, which can ease pain and reduce swelling.
- 🩹 Stimulate healing. Stem cells can activate the body’s natural healing processes, encouraging tissue repair and slowing further joint damage.
Who Is the Right Candidate for Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis may turn out to be a game-changer for the following:
✅ Mild to moderate osteoarthritis sufferers. Those with mild to moderate cartilage damage may benefit the most, as their joints still have some healthy tissue to work with.
✅ People looking for alternatives to surgery. Patients who want to avoid joint replacement surgery or are not yet ready might opt for stem cell therapy as a less invasive option.
✅ Patients unresponsive to conventional treatments. If pain relief from medications, physical therapy, or injections is no longer effective, stem cell therapy might offer a new approach.
✅ Healthy adults. Candidates should generally be in good health, without significant underlying conditions like severe heart disease, as these could affect the procedure's success.
✅ Non-smokers. Smoking can interfere with the body’s healing process, so non-smokers, or those willing to quit, are better candidates.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if stem cell therapy is right for you is through a thorough evaluation by a qualified doctor. They will assess the severity of your osteoarthritis, your overall health, and whether this treatment aligns with your goals.
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How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis Cost?
Stem cell treatment of osteoarthritis costs between $4,000 and $10,000 per injection in the US, mainly due to high demand, regulatory hurdles, and lack of FDA approval.
However, international clinics offer regenerative therapy at significantly lower costs—up to 50% more affordable. Bookimed has analyzed data from our partner clinics and the broader market to provide a comparison of stem cell therapy costs in several popular destinations:
Country | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
United States | $4,000 - $10,000 (per injection) |
$3,000 - $5,000 | |
$3,000 - $6,000 | |
$5,000 - $9,000 | |
$4,000 - $6,000 | |
$1,500 - $4,000 |
Clinics in these countries also offer comprehensive treatment packages, which can cost between $4,500 and $15,000. They can include a course of several injections, additional therapies, accommodation, transfers, and other perks.
🤔 Does insurance cover stem cell therapy?
In most cases, insurance does not cover stem cell injections for osteoarthritis. This is because stem cell treatments are still considered experimental in the US, and the FDA has not yet approved them for osteoarthritis.
How Is Osteoarthritis Treated with Stem Cells?
Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis usually involves intra-articular (IA) injection, i.e., stem cells are injected directly into the affected joint. The treatment process follows these steps:
1️⃣ Stem cell sourcing. Stem cells can be harvested from the patient’s own body (autologous) or a donor (allogeneic). Autologous stem cells are often extracted from fat and bone marrow, while donor cells may come from umbilical cord blood or tissue.
2️⃣ Processing the stem cells. Once collected, the stem cells are processed to concentrate them and prepare for injection. This step ensures the highest possible number of viable cells is used for treatment.
3️⃣ Stem cell injection. The processed stem cells are then injected into the affected joint, such as the knee or hip. The goal is to deliver the cells directly to the area of cartilage defect and inflamed tissues for maximum effect. The procedure is performed under local anesthetic to minimize discomfort.
4️⃣ Post-injection healing. After the injection, stem cells begin to regrow cartilage, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair.
🤔 How many injections are needed for successful outcomes?
Clinical trials show that even a single stem cell injection can improve osteoarthritis symptoms. However, multiple injections at proper intervals are often more effective, as they ensure more viable cells remain active in the joint. Repeated doses have been shown to produce better outcomes.
Types of stem cells for osteoarthritis
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely considered the most effective cell type for treating osteoarthritis. These adult stem cells offer several key advantages in treating degenerative joint diseases over other cell types:
- Paracrine signaling. The key to MSCs' effectiveness lies in the process called paracrine signaling—they release signaling molecules that positively stimulate the surrounding tissues and the joint’s microenvironment.
- Easier to culture and expand. MSCs multiply rapidly, which makes them more suitable for treatments requiring larger cell quantities.
- Ability to differentiate. MSCs can become all types of tissues within the joint, including cartilage cells (chondrocytes).
- Anti-inflammatory effects. MSCs reduce inflammation and modulate the immune system, which helps repair damaged joint tissues and prevent further degeneration.
- Prevention of cell death. MSCs can prevent chondrocyte apoptosis (cell death), thus slowing down the degeneration of articular cartilage.
Mesenchymal stem cells can come from different sources:
🧫 Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). These adult stem cells come from adipose tissue (fat). ASCs have strong regenerative properties and are commonly used in osteoarthritis treatments due to their ease of collection and effectiveness.
🧫 Umbilical cord-derived MSCs. Sourced from donated umbilical cord tissue, these MSCs are highly regenerative cells. Since the collection does not require any invasive procedures for the patient, this option is gaining popularity, especially for patients who cannot use their own stem cells.
🔍 Recent study findings suggest that umbilical cord MSCs and MSCs derived from adipose tissue offer the greatest potential for treating osteoarthritis, especially in cases of knee osteoarthritis.
🧫Bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs). These cells are extracted through bone marrow aspiration, a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the bone (usually the hip) to withdraw liquid marrow. This marrow contains a high concentration of growth factors and stem cells, but the procedure is more invasive than other methods.
🔜 Future perspectives. As the population ages, adult stem cells lose their repair ability. A potential solution involves induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)—adult cells reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells, capable of developing into any tissue. While iPSCs haven't been widely used in clinical studies, researchers are working on stem cell technology to make these cells safer for osteoarthritis treatments.
What to Expect After Stem Cell Therapy?
After stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis, patients experience a gradual improvement in their symptoms rather than an immediate change. Here's what you can expect:
1. 🛌 Initial recovery. The procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients can return home or to the hotel on the same day. You’ll likely feel some stiffness, swelling, and pain in the treated joint for the first 2–3 days, making it difficult to move around.
2. 📅 Managing early symptoms. While you don’t have to stay completely inactive, it’s best to avoid excessive walking or physical activity during the first few days. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help with discomfort. Most patients feel ready to resume normal activities within 4–7 days.
3. 🚶♀️ Activity limitations and exercise. While you can gradually return to normal activities, avoid strenuous exercise or excessive strain on the joint. Your doctor may instruct you to start a home exercise program to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness. Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen, Aleve, or Celebrex) for 8–10 weeks, as these can interfere with the regenerative process.
4. 📈 Gradual improvement. Growing new cells and repairing tissue takes time. Many patients notice mild improvement within the first month, but significant results can take 2–3 months or longer. As the stem cells work, you should gradually see less pain and improved joint mobility over the coming weeks and months.
5. 🏥 Follow-up care. Regular check-ins with your doctor are important to monitor progress and adjust your recovery plan if needed.
Is Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis Safe?
Published research supports that stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis is effective and safe, with a low risk of significant side effects.
- Long-term safety and effectiveness. A large two-year case series demonstrated that stem cell therapy is a safe treatment for knee osteoarthritis that could delay or even prevent the need for knee joint replacement.
- Safety at higher doses. Studies confirm that mesenchymal stem cell injections are safe and well-tolerated even at higher doses (50-150 million cells). Adipose-derived stem cells have also been proven safe in high doses of up to 100 million cells.
Risks and Side Effects
While mild discomfort, such as joint pain and swelling, may occur after the injection, there is no evidence linking MSC therapy to severe complications.
👉 Common side effects
In one analysis, 89% of the reported side effects were mild, and 11% were moderate. These adverse reactions typically resolve on their own within a few days. They include:
- joint pain (69%);
- stiffness (52%);
- and swelling (66%).
👉 No severe side effects
- An extensive review of 36 clinical trials, involving over 1,000 participants, showed no evidence of severe side effects.
- Similarly, a review of 8 clinical trials covering 844 procedures with a mean follow-up of 21 months found no association with serious risks.
🛡️ Bookimed ensures your safety by partnering only with accredited specialists experienced in managing possible side effects.
Success Rate of Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis: Clinical Trials
Stem cells have shown remarkable results in osteoarthritis treatment across multiple clinical trials. Here are just some of them:
📈 Chronic pain relief and functional improvement
- In a systematic review of multiple clinical trials, 67% reported that patients thought their health had improved by more than twice after treatment.
- In one large study, patients experienced an average 54% reduction in knee pain over 24 months. Moderate OA patients saw a 70.2% improvement, and severe OA patients—a 44.8% improvement.
- At a 24-month follow-up, 87.9% of patients felt they had improved after the treatment 24-month follow-up. 10.8% said they recovered completely, and 56.2% thought they were much better.
- In a study on hip osteoarthritis, patients’ pain level was cut more than in half—they showed a reduction in pain scores from 7.6 pre-treatment to 3 post-treatment after 6 months (on a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 is the worst pain).
- In a preclinical and clinical trial using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), patients experienced a 64.8% decrease in WOMAC scores (a measure of pain, stiffness, and impaired physical function) over 2 years.
📅 Improvements timeline
- Short-term benefits. Noticeable improvements in pain and joint function were typically observed 3 to 6 months after the mesenchymal stem cell injection.
- Moderate-term benefits. More pronounced improvements in cartilage quality and stability, pain relief, and mobility were seen around 12 to 24 months.
- Long-term benefits. Some studies reported sustained benefits lasting 7 to 10 years.
☀️ Real-life impact
- A clinical trial found that 63 out of 70 patients with severe knee osteoarthritis avoided total knee replacement (TKR) surgery after receiving stem cell therapy.
- They remained active in jobs that required moderate to heavy physical activity 2 years after the treatment.
🦴 Cartilage regeneration
- Radiological studies confirm that stem cell therapy can reduce cartilage defects and stimulate the growth of new, healthy cartilage.
- In another study, MRI scans showed improved cartilage volume and quality 12 months after 1 intra-articular injection.
Are There Similar Treatments in Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine offers several alternatives to stem cells, with some of the most popular ones being:
1️⃣ Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of the patient's platelets into affected joints. Platelets contain growth factors that help promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation. However, studies suggest that stem cells provide longer-lasting benefits compared to platelet-rich plasma, where effects typically last only up to 12 months.
2️⃣ Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the joint fluid that helps lubricate the joints. HA injections aim to supplement this fluid, improving joint movement and reducing pain.
However, studies show that the benefits of hyaluronic acid alone may not be long-lasting. In one clinical trial, patients receiving HA combined with bone marrow stem cells experienced improvements in pain and function 20 weeks earlier than those receiving only HA.
3️⃣ Exosome therapy
Exosomes are tiny particles released by cells that play a role in cell communication. Exosome therapy uses these particles to deliver signals encouraging tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. While still experimental, early research suggests exosomes may help treat osteoarthritis.
4️⃣ Orthokine therapy
In Orthokine therapy, a patient's blood is processed to extract anti-inflammatory proteins. These proteins are then injected into the affected joint to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing.
You may be interested in this Orthokine therapy package from Sourasky Medical Center, one of the 10 most popular clinics for medical tourism in the world:
What Are Other Treatments for Osteoarthritis?
Traditional treatments for osteoarthritis help manage symptoms to relieve pain and improve function.
- 💊 Medications. These include topical creams (anti-inflammatories, lidocaine), oral pain relievers (acetaminophen, anti-inflammatories), and injections (e.g., steroids) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- 💪 Physical therapy. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles around the affected joint, improves flexibility, and reduces stiffness.
- 🏊 Lifestyle changes. Weight loss can significantly reduce pressure on weight-bearing joints, like the knees and hips, easing pain and slowing osteoarthritis progression. Regular exercise, especially low-impact activities like swimming or walking, helps keep joints flexible and strengthens surrounding muscles.
- 🔪 Surgery. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery, such as a total knee or hip replacement, may be necessary to restore function and reduce pain. Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery can also repair joint damage in less severe cases.
How to Choose the Right Doctor for Osteoarthritis Stem Cell Treatment
Choosing the right doctor for stem cell therapy is essential for both safety and successful outcomes. Here are some practical tips to help guide your decision:
1. Look for specialization in regenerative medicine 🔬
Ensure that the doctor specializes in stem cell therapy and has experience treating osteoarthritis. Their background in regenerative therapies will significantly impact the results.
2. Check clinic accreditation ✔️
Make sure the clinic is accredited and meets international standards for safety and quality. A reputable clinic will have certifications from relevant health authorities and offer a safe environment for stem cell procedures.
3. Review experience and credentials 👨🏻⚕️
The doctor should have a proven track record of successfully performing stem cell treatments for osteoarthritis. Check their credentials, patient testimonials, and the number of procedures they have performed.
4. Schedule a consultation and ask the right questions 🤝
During your consultation, it’s important to ask the doctor detailed questions about the treatment. Consider asking:
- What safety protocols do you follow during stem cell treatments?
- How many injections will I need, and what is the expected recovery time?
- What are the risks, and how do you handle complications?
5. Understand what’s included 📋
Some clinics offer comprehensive packages that may include additional therapies, accommodation, and transfers. Make sure to fully understand what’s included in the cost and whether follow-up care or physical therapy is part of the plan.
💚 If you need help finding a trusted doctor, you can rely on Bookimed. Leave a request, and your personal medical coordinator will help you choose the best match from over 100 certified centers and doctors worldwide.
Key Takeaways
👉 Stem cells are the body’s master cells, capable of regenerating damaged cartilage tissue, reducing joint inflammation, and promoting natural healing for osteoarthritis patients.
👉 The best candidates for stem cell treatment are those with mild to moderate osteoarthritis and no underlying severe conditions, patients seeking surgery alternatives, and non-smokers.
👉 Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most effective type for osteoarthritis due to their regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. These stem cells can be sourced from fat, bone marrow, or umbilical cord tissue.
👉 Studies show stem cell treatment has a high success rate, with 80-88% of patients reporting significant improvement in pain and function.
👉 Recovery from stem cell therapy is gradual, with noticeable improvement occurring within 3 to 6 months and long-term benefits continuing over 12 to 24 months. Results can last up to 7 to 10 years in some cases.
👉 Studies show stem cell therapies for osteoarthritis are safe, with most side effects, like joint pain and swelling, being mild and temporary.
👉 International clinics offer stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis at up to 50% lower costs than in the U.S., often with comprehensive treatment packages.