Do you remember when it was easy to open a jar of jelly, play with the kids, and participate in fun-filled sports, like a friendly game of baseball?
Unfortunately, many Americans’ suffer from joint pain and arthritis, which limit mobility. According to a study reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22.7% of the American population have arthritis and joint pain located in various parts of the body, which may include knee, hip, back, and neck pain. Body aches are not limited to the maturing individual, but may include those who suffered injuries or illness, as well. Consequently, joint pain makes it more difficult to move and affects overall quality of life.
Arthritis is a general term that literally means “inflammation of the joints.” Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among individuals, and is caused by wear and tear on the joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis not only reduces elasticity and lubrication in the joints, but weakens muscles and loosens ligaments as well.
Cartilage, the soft tissue on the end of bones, cushions joints and helps them move smoothly with ease. When cartilage degeneration begins, chronic inflammation sets in the joint, causing further breakdown. If left untreated, the cartilage may wear away completely.
How does a physician treat chronic joint pain? In previous years, doctors were limited to traditional treatments, which included medication, corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections, surgery, or Osteotomy – a bone-removal procedure.
Fortunately, newer treatments, such as regenerative therapy offer hope to those who suffer chronic join pain or arthritis. Regenerative therapy is a growing area of medicine that has shown remarkable results with a large number of patients who suffer from joint pain and arthritis by aiding the natural healing process in the body – Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) being a leader in restorative therapy.
Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) is a treatment derived from your own blood. After filtering out the rest of the cells and plasma, a small amount of platelets remain. These highly concentrated platelets can be injected into the damaged area and catalyze the growth of new soft tissue. These blood platelets contain growth factors, which begin tissue repair and regeneration processes. PRP has the potential to greatly accelerate the normal healing process, naturally, restoring soft tissue to a healthy condition.
With medical research advancing, you now have the option to explore various regenerative treatments, bringing an end to pain in your worn-out joints and arthritis.
Are you tired of living in pain, seek the lifestyle you deserve by consulting with Dr. Kamson. His friendly patient advocates are waiting to speak with you, call the Spine Institute Northwest today at (206) 496-0630.