If you can move, jump, and bend without pain in your joints, then your body still possesses healthy cartilage that is serving its purpose as smooth, rubbery connective tissue to cushion your joints. However, since you are reading this, you are likely experiencing joint pain that is limiting your range of motion and causing chronic discomfort.
Cartilage is easily lost over time, but now regenerative medicine is making it possible to prevent widespread cartilage loss and even encourage accelerated cartilage growth. Here’s what you should know!
What Is Cartilage?
Cartilage is a very unique substance. It exists in the body in a few different forms. Elastic cartilage, for instance, is the springy substance that forms parts of the nose and the outer ears. Fibrocartilage, meanwhile, is the very toughest type that can endure heavy weights, which is why it is located in the spine. Hyaline cartilage is a tough, elastic form of cartilage that cushions the joints and ribs.
Why Does Cartilage Suffer Such Extensive Damage?
Most tissue in the body receives direct blood flow, but cartilage lacks a direct blood supply. This means that it cannot heal quickly or efficiently. When cartilage does become damaged through immediate or gradual injury, the resulting symptoms include stiffness, limited range of motion, and intense inflammation. There are two prevalent causes of cartilage damage, which include direct damage and long-term wear and tear.
Direct damage typically occurs during a fall or accident, particularly in sports. However, wear and tear is the most common cause of cartilage damage. Known as osteoarthritis, the cartilage can become inflamed, break down, and gradually disappear, leaving the joints vulnerable and significantly more painful.
Cartilage Regeneration Using Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells have been proven as one of the most efficient tools in the realm of cartilage regeneration. Injecting mesenchymal stem cells into the impacted joints has been found in studies to generate healthy cartilage with as much efficiency as a cartilage implant. Yet stem cells are able to deliver results without the need for any invasive surgery or extensive recovery period. All of this means that mesenchymal stem cell therapy offers those with painful arthritis conditions and cartilage injuries a second chance at a normal, healthy life unencumbered by chronic pain.
Don’t just trust anyone with the outcome of your stem cell therapy. Call (813) 868-1659 to make an appointment at Regenerative Orthopedic Institute and benefit from the expertise of Dr. Erick Grana in Tampa, Florida.