Is Stem Cell Therapy Advisable While Suffering From Arthritis?

Posted on Wed, 3 Feb 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 3 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 2 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been advised to have stem cell therapy instead of knee replacement. Both knees have arthritis, one bone on bone, the other getting there. I'm 69 and active, and not crazy about knee replacement. I will have to pay the price of stem cell therapy, while my insurance would pay for replacement. Any advice.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Stem cells therapy is still in experimental phase

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case . Knee replacement is definitive cure of knee arthritis. It gives you immediate and long lasting benefit. Stem cell therapy is still in experimental phase and results are not predictable. Before I advised you any further I would like to know little detail of the illness.
1.Are you having difficulty in activities of daily living?
2.Do you take Pain killer daily?
3.Can you send me images of your X-rays?
Please send me answers of these questions.I will try my best to help you.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (10 hours later)

Thanks for your answer. I have some difficulty with daily living, but I put up with it. Most pain comes from walking and climbing stairs. I do take pain pills daily. diclofenac sodium & misoprostol. And I receive a steroid shot in my spine every 3 months. I'll try to send x-rays &/or MRIs.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Better to get knee replacement

Detailed Answer:
hello,
If you are taking pain killer daily then it means that you are having very severe disease. In that condition there is no role of stem cells therapy and you should get knee replacement. This will be better for you as taking pain killer daily can cause damage to your kidney and heart.
Also once your knee pain will improve then you will be better with your spine pain also because your gait will improve and your weight will also decrease due to walking.
So go for knee replacement as soon as possible. Wish you a fast recovery.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar