Arthritis in Bloemfontein: When This Treatment Fits

Arthritis is a disease in which the joints become inflamed. Its typical signs are pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Among the causes are autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, as well as infections, gout and psoriasis.

In rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis, PRP may be used to help ease local inflammation, pain and swelling. The growth factors that platelets release affect the immune response and tissue repair. It adds to, but does not replace, the treatment your rheumatologist prescribes.

As a chronic disease, psoriatic arthritis cannot yet be cured completely; treatment works towards long remission, controlled inflammation and prevention of joint deformity. Regenerative injections can be part of that plan.

SVF contains cells that can modulate the local immune response and support the repair of damaged tissue in the joint. Research in this area is ongoing, so the doctor will discuss realistic expectations for your type of arthritis.

If you have an active joint infection, a severe flare, cancer or a blood clotting disorder, or are pregnant, the procedure is not done; the doctor postpones it or offers another option.

Knee arthritis is inflammation caused by gout, an infection or an autoimmune reaction, with redness, warmth, marked swelling and tenderness to touch. Osteoarthritis is cartilage wear and usually shows as aching pain and a dry crunch on movement.

Inflammation stimulates the pain receptors in the joint constantly — on movement, at rest and at night. Treatment that aims to reduce inflammation, PRP and SVF included, can ease this pain.

No. Pregnancy rules out joint injections, including PRP and SVF, and arthritis treatment in pregnancy is decided only jointly with a rheumatologist and an obstetrician.

Yes. A doctor will review your X-rays, MRI, ultrasound or blood test results free of charge and tell you if regenerative treatment could suit your type of arthritis — just send them.

Untreated, it can result in permanent joint deformity, lost function, osteoporosis and damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys and other internal organs. These complications are prevented by timely treatment.