Hesitate before climbing stairs? Need breaks during shopping trips? These aren't just minor inconveniences - they might be signs of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and must not be ignored.
Joint Pain
Stiffness & loss of movement
Swelling with warmth around the joint
Cracking of the joint
Do you hesitate before climbing stairs? Do you need breaks during shopping trips?
These aren't just minor inconveniences - they might be signs of knee osteoarthritis (OA) and must not be ignored.
Joint Pain
Stiffness & loss of movement
Swelling with warmth around the joint
Cracking of the joint
Knee OA happens when the cartilage between bones starts to break down resulting in bones rubbing together. This leads to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. Here’s what you need to know.
Pain that starts deep within the joint, typically worsening with activity and easing with rest.
Swelling and a feeling of warmth around the joint, often a result of cartilage damage and irritation.
Stiffness that restricts range of motion, sometimes causing the joint to lock in a bent position.
Crunching or cracking sounds when moving the joint, caused by roughened cartilage.
Recognising and addressing knee osteoarthritis early is key to better outcomes. A standing-position X-ray can provide critical insights into the stage of your knee OA, helping medical professionals recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Consulting a doctor at the earliest signs of discomfort is highly recommended. Early intervention not only helps manage symptoms but can also slow disease progression and delay the need for knee replacement surgery.
Grade I
Early cartilage wear often begins with morning stiffness and mild discomfort, making this the perfect time for light exercises and supplements to maintain healthy knee function.
Grade II
As cartilage damage progresses, you'll notice more frequent pain and stiffness during daily activities, making this the crucial time for targeted exercises and Stem Cell therapy to help restore joint health.
Grade III
With significant cartilage loss causing frequent pain and limiting daily activities, targeted pain management combined with Stem Cell therapy offers a powerful alternative to help delay surgical intervention.
Grade IV
Severe cartilage loss results in chronic pain and restricted movement, typically requiring advanced medical intervention and surgical options for joint repair or replacement, supported by rehabilitation.
How can it help in Grade II and III Knee Osteoarthritis
Minimally Invasive Treatment
Improved Quality of Life
Effective for Grade II & III Knee OA
Quick Recovery Time
Stem cell therapy is an innovative medical treatment that uses specialized cells to repair damaged tissues, offering a minimally invasive solution for conditions like knee osteoarthritis. These cells, with their unique ability to transform into other types of cells, help reduce pain, inflammation, and improve mobility naturally—making them ideal for patients with moderate osteoarthritis who want to avoid surgery.
However, not all stem cell therapies are created equal. Patients must be cautious of unregulated treatments that promise miraculous results but lack scientific backing. Avoid clinics offering unproven therapies without clinical evidence, treatments without regulatory approvals like DCGI, or procedures performed by unqualified professionals. Transparency about risks and outcomes is essential.
Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells are derived from healthy donors. Unlike cells taken from the patient’s own body, these donor cells are carefully processed in a controlled laboratory environment to ensure they are safe and effective.
These stem cells are particularly effective for knee osteoarthritis.
The cells release factors that naturally calm inflammation in the joint, reducing pain.
Stem cells aid in repairing cartilage tissue, which is crucial for smoother joint function.
Over time, these cells help improve joint mobility and stability, enabling patients to regain an active lifestyle.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is the regulatory authority responsible for approving medical therapies and ensuring they meet strict safety and efficacy standards. For patients, DCGI approval acts as a seal of trust, ensuring that the therapy:
1. Is Clinically Tested: Only therapies that undergo rigorous clinical trials proving their safety and effectiveness are approved.
2. Is Free from Risks: DCGI compliance ensures that the stem cells used are processed under strict quality controls, minimizing risks like infections or contamination.
3. Meets Ethical Standards: DCGI approval guarantees ethical sourcing of donor stem cells and adherence to international medical guidelines.
Speak to an expert to understand your condition and a suggested course of action.
Alkem Laboratories, established in 1973, is a leading Indian pharmaceutical company with a presence in over 40 countries worldwide. With a diverse portfolio of over 800 brands, many of which rank among India’s top 50 pharmaceutical products, Alkem is dedicated to improving lives through cutting-edge healthcare solutions. It operates 21 world-class manufacturing facilities across India and the United States, adhering to stringent cGMP guidelines from global regulatory authorities. Its innovation is driven by a robust R&D team of over 500 scientists across six global centres.
Stempeutics Research brings groundbreaking expertise in stem cell therapy. Stempeutics is at the forefront of developing advanced therapies for chronic conditions, including knee osteoarthritis.
Together, Alkem and Stempeutics have partnered to revolutionize care for individuals suffering from chronic knee pain. Through a marketing agreement, Alkem distributes Stempeutics’ advanced knee osteoarthritis product across India. This collaboration unites Stempeutics’ research-driven innovations in stem cell therapy with Alkem’s extensive pharmaceutical legacy, delivering cutting-edge solutions aimed at improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
Disclaimer: Results may vary for each individual, and this treatment should be undertaken under medical supervision. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
References
1. Singh A, Das S, Chopra A, et al. Burden of osteoarthritis in India and its states, 1990-2019: findings from the Global Burden of disease study 2019. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2022;30(8):1070-1078. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2022.05.004
2. Rastogi A. Osteoarthritis. National Health Portal [Internet]. 16 Feb 2017. Available from:
https://www.nhp.gov.in/disease/musculo-skeletal-bone-joints-/osteoarthritis Accessed on 16 Sep 2022.
3. Narasimha BC, Ravish KS, Ranganath TS, Navya Sri S. Int J Community Med Public Health. 2016 Jun;3(6):1554-8.