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PRP Therapy for Arthritis in Bujumbura

SVF cell therapy and PRP for the knee, hand, shoulder and other joints, used within arthritis care once a doctor has reviewed your tests and case

Knee joint: regenerative treatment without surgery
Joint treatment without surgery. Free consultation and review of your scans

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What it is

What is arthritis
and when does this treatment fit?

Put simply, arthritis is joint inflammation. The joint may hurt at rest and at night, feel stiff each morning for more than half an hour, swell, redden and feel warm. Causes include autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, as well as gout, infection or an old injury.

  • No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
  • Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
  • Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Knee joint: an injection under ultrasound guidance

Who the treatment suits

A doctor examines you, reviews your scans and then decides whether the treatment is suitable

Suitable

A doctor reviews knee X-rays with a patient
  • Pain, crunching or stiffness in a joint
  • Painkillers only help for a short time
  • Recovery after injuries and surgery
  • You need a second opinion on your scans
  • You want to avoid or postpone joint replacement
  • Early or moderate arthrosis or arthritis
  • High load on the joints — sport or physical work

Not suitable

A doctor examines a patient's knee
  • Cancer
  • Pregnancy
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
  • Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
  • Temporary contraindications: a cold or flu, a fever, or inflamed skin over the joint that is to be treated

Not sure the treatment is right for you?

Leave your number — the coordinator will ask for your scans (X-ray, MRI or ultrasound), and the doctor will tell you whether treatment without surgery suits you.

Find out if it suits me

What we treat

Conditions we treat

How it works

How the procedure goes: step by step

Consultation and scan review1

Consultation and scan review

The doctor checks the joint, goes through your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides if the procedure suits you. If you have scans already, feel free to send them before you come.

Blood sample for PRP2

Blood sample for PRP

We take a small amount of blood from a vein; platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from it later.

Adipose tissue sample3

Adipose tissue sample

Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed.

Processing in a centrifuge4

Processing in a centrifuge

Centrifuging the sample separates it into layers, after which the stromal vascular fraction is isolated and mixed into the platelet-rich plasma.

Injection into the joint5

Injection into the joint

Under ultrasound guidance, which helps with precise placement, the prepared material is injected straight into the affected joint.

Follow-up6

Follow-up

You go without crutches or a hospital stay, while the doctor keeps in touch after the procedure and follows the joint's response.

Book a consultation

Call or message us — our coordinator will contact you shortly and book your consultation

A doctor talks with a patient about joint treatment
Book a consultation
A doctor talks with a patient about joint treatment

Results

After the procedure

  • Doctor talking warmly with a patient after the procedure

    1 week

    The joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction.

  • Doctor consulting an older patient one month after treatment

    1 month

    The pain usually eases.

  • Doctor explaining progress to a patient using a knee joint model

    ~3 months

    Mobility and activity improve.

  • Doctor and patient walking together at a follow-up visit

    ~6 months

    The full effect develops.

How long it lasts differs from person to person and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — no one can promise a fixed result.

Comparison

Methods we use

The treatment relies only on your own blood and adipose tissue, not on donor or synthetic material

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

We take a small sample of your adipose tissue and process it to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a mix of cells that take part in tissue repair. It is then combined with your own plasma and injected into the affected joint.

A doctor explains SVF cell therapy for the knee to a patient on a tablet

In cases of inflammatory arthritis it comes in once the acute flare has eased, for its effect on local inflammation and repair of tissue.

Material
Your adipose tissue and plasma
How it is given
Into the joint, under ultrasound
Duration
The whole procedure is done in one day.

PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood

Plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is taken from a small amount of your blood and injected into the joint, where it helps calm inflammation and improves the conditions for tissue repair.

A doctor explains PRP therapy for joints to a patient on a monitor

As a single element of the wider plan, it can be advised in rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis.

Material
Your blood from a vein
How it is given
Into the joint, under ultrasound
Duration
The whole procedure is done in one day.

The benefits and timings shown are averaged and given for guidance: the plan and recovery depend on your joint and individual features, and the doctor confirms them at the consultation.

At the consultation the doctor will review your scans and suggest a treatment plan

Free consultation

Book a consultation

Joints

Joints we treat

Small joints as well as large — the doctor reviews your scans and then chooses the joint, the method and how many injections to give

  • KneeKneeWorn cartilage, meniscus issues and pain climbing stairs or after a walk
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderWorn joint and nearby tendons, and pain when the arm is raised
  • ElbowElbowOveruse or sports-strain pain and wearing of the joint surfaces
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsStiffness and pain in the small joints of the fingers and wrist
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

We try to keep the joint you have rather than replace it — with treatment without surgery

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

The treatment relies only on your own blood and adipose tissue, not on donor or synthetic material

No crutches

No crutches

Punctures in place of incisions, under local anaesthetic, without a long rehabilitation

Second opinion

Second opinion

Your X-rays, MRI or reports can be sent for an independent assessment by a doctor, free of charge

Support after the procedure

Support after the procedure

After the procedure we keep in touch and follow the result, not only the day of the injection

About the clinic

A clinic where you can feel at ease

Modern equipment, comfortable rooms and care for every patient

A doctor and a patient at the clinic

Contact us the way that suits you

We will answer your questions and find a convenient time for a consultation

Request a free call

Price

Arthritis treatment prices

The doctor names the cost after the consultation, because it depends on the joint, the type of arthritis and the method

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

Other services of our clinic

Choosing arthritis treatment in Bujumbura

SVF contains cells that can modulate the local immune response and support the repair of damaged tissue. Research is ongoing, so the doctor discusses realistic expectations with every patient in Bujumbura.

Pregnancy is a contraindication to joint injections, including PRP and SVF. For patients from Bujumbura, arthritis treatment during pregnancy is decided only with a rheumatologist and an obstetrician.

Arthritis treatment in Bujumbura: price at consultation, free case review, own tissue only. Leave your name and phone number, or message us in any messenger.

Bujumbura and why joint health matters here

Bujumbura is the economic capital, former political capital, largest city and main port of Burundi. It lies on the north-eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, at the mouth of the Ruzizi River, with the smaller Mutimbuzi, Ntahangwa, Muha and Kanyosha rivers also reaching the area. The city has about 769317 inhabitants. It is a working city: port workers, traders, teachers, students, office staff, drivers and market vendors all spend long hours on their feet, climbing into minibuses, lifting loads or sitting at desks. Every one of these routines puts demands on the hips, knees, ankles, hands and spine.

When a joint starts to hurt, many people in Bujumbura first blame age, heavy work or the weather and wait before seeking advice. With arthritis this waiting can be costly, because the joints are affected by inflammation and not simply by wear. Typical signs are pain even at rest and at night, stiffness on waking that lasts more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and a warm joint. If you recognise several of these signs, an assessment is worth arranging sooner rather than later.

City Medical Centre does not have an office in Bujumbura. What we offer is a free online consultation that you join from your own home or workplace in the city. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on WhatsApp and Telegram, so you can write when it suits your day, whether that is after work at the port, between lectures or in the evening once the family is at home.

What arthritis actually is, and what can cause it

Arthritis is a name for inflammation in the joints. It is not a single disease. Possible causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Each of these needs a different approach, which is why a clear diagnosis comes before any decision about treatment. A person from Bujumbura who has had a swollen, hot knee for weeks needs a proper evaluation, not only a painkiller bought at a pharmacy counter.

The pattern of symptoms helps the doctor. Pain that continues at rest and wakes you at night points more towards inflammation than towards simple overuse. Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes is another typical feature. Swelling, redness and a joint that feels warm to the touch complete the picture. Keep a short diary for a week or two: which joints, when the pain is worst, how long stiffness lasts after waking, and whether swelling comes and goes. This is very useful for a remote consultation.

Our online specialists work with the results you already have: reports from local doctors, laboratory tests and imaging. If you have none, the coordinator will explain what is usually requested first so that you can arrange it locally in Bujumbura before the discussion.

Climate of Bujumbura and its effect on joints and recovery

Bujumbura has a tropical savanna climate bordering on hot semi-arid, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season runs from October to April. Because the city is close to the equator, temperatures change little through the year, and the moderate altitude keeps them lower than many expect. The high is around 29 °C and the low around 19 °C. This steady warmth is kind to stiff joints in the sense that there is no harsh cold season, but it brings its own points to consider.

During the wet months, humidity and sudden downpours make people move less, and many patients report that their joints feel heavier and stiffer on grey, damp mornings. Take this as a reason to keep gentle movement in your daily routine at home, not as a reason to stop moving. In the dry season, dust on the streets can irritate and make wound care harder, so keep any treated area clean and covered as the doctor instructs.

If you undergo a procedure that involves a small puncture, heat and sweating matter. Light, breathable clothing, shade, and avoiding long exposure to the midday sun help the treated area stay comfortable. Any compression garment you are asked to wear should be loose enough to be tolerable in the warmth, and you should ask the surgeon how to manage it in Bujumbura's climate. Follow the exact instructions you are given for bathing, lake or pool use and sport.

SVF therapy: what it is and who may be considered

In this programme, SVF therapy is discussed for joint problems at early stages. At early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered to support blood supply to the femoral head and delay the need for joint replacement. At later stages surgery is usually required. This distinction is the heart of the conversation: the earlier a problem is evaluated, the more options remain open. We do not present it as a cure for every form of arthritis, and the specialist will tell you honestly if it is not suitable for you.

The material comes from your own body. Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed. Patients in Bujumbura often ask whether this is a major operation. It is a small collection procedure, but it still needs a clean setting, a qualified team and clear aftercare instructions.

Who is generally a candidate? People with a confirmed diagnosis, joint changes at an early stage and realistic expectations. Who may not be? Anyone with an active infection, an uncontrolled underlying illness, or joint damage that is already advanced. Gout, psoriasis, infection and autoimmune arthritis each have their own medical management, and SVF therapy would be discussed only alongside that management, never instead of it.

Daily life in Bujumbura: planning work, study and family

Bujumbura is a city of commerce and study. The port is the largest on Lake Tanganyika, and many households depend on trade, transport and services. If your work involves standing at a stall, loading goods or driving, tell the specialist exactly what a normal day looks like. The advice on returning to work depends on how physical the job is. A desk-based colleague at an office and a person who lifts cargo should not expect the same schedule.

The city also hosts a large student population, with the University of Burundi and many other universities and institutes, as well as several international schools. Students and teachers with joint pain can plan around the academic calendar, choosing a quieter period for the procedure so that lectures, practical work and exams are not disrupted. Parents who drive children to school can arrange help with the morning routine for the first days after the procedure.

Family events and shared meals are central to life in the city. Weddings, gatherings and long days of hosting mean hours of standing and carrying. Plan the procedure so that it does not fall right before a major family occasion, and ask relatives to take over the heavier tasks while you recover. Being open with your family about what you are doing makes recovery easier.

Getting around the city during recovery

Public transport in Bujumbura mainly consists of taxis and mini-buses known locally as Hiace. Taxis are abundant across the city and are considered the safest form of transportation. Motorcycle taxis and bicycle taxis exist in certain parts of the city. When you have just had a small puncture procedure, or when your joints are inflamed and painful, the choice of transport matters.

Crowded mini-buses involve stepping up, standing and being jostled, which is hard on a painful hip or knee and could irritate the treated area. A taxi with a seat that lets you sit comfortably is usually the gentler choice for the first days. Motorcycle taxis are best avoided while you are healing, because of the jolting and the difficulty of mounting the seat with a stiff joint. Ask the specialist when you can safely return to your usual way of getting around.

If you do not drive, arrange in advance for a relative or colleague to accompany you on the day of the procedure, and for rides to any local check-ups. Having this planned removes stress and keeps your attention on recovery.

Sport, lake and pool: what to ask before returning

Sport is part of life in Bujumbura. The city has the Intwari stadium, mainly used for football, along with many basketball and tennis courts and a multitude of indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Lake Tanganyika is also a strong draw for walks along the shore. For people with arthritis, gentle movement is often helpful, but after a procedure the timing of each activity must come from the surgeon.

Ask directly: when can I walk longer distances, when can I swim in a pool or the lake, and when can I return to football, tennis or basketball? Swimming in particular needs a clear answer, because a healing puncture area must not be exposed to water or dust until the doctor allows it. Follow the specific guidance you receive on pool and sport rather than what a friend did.

If you are a regular player or a member of a team, tell the specialist how often you train and at what intensity. Joints with active inflammation need rest during a flare-up, and returning too fast can set you back. A gradual return, starting with light walking, usually serves joints better than a sudden restart.

Choosing the season and preparing for the remote consultation

There is no cold season in Bujumbura, so the choice of timing is less about temperature and more about practicality. The wet season from October to April brings heavy rain, which can complicate getting around and keeping a wound dry. The dry season brings more dust. Neither is a barrier; each simply asks for a slightly different routine. Choose a period when your work and family duties are lighter and when you can rest at home.

The online consultation is free and takes place from Bujumbura. Write to the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram at any hour, since they work 24/7. Prepare your history: when symptoms began, which joints are affected, any diagnosis you have received, medications you take, and past reports or imaging. Mention allergies and chronic illnesses. A clear description of your daily routine, work and sport will help the specialist judge what is realistic.

After the discussion you will know whether the specialist considers you a candidate, what further tests are needed locally, and what the next step looks like. You are under no obligation to decide immediately. Take time, talk to your family and write again with any questions.

Can I have the consultation without leaving Bujumbura?

Yes. The consultation is online and free, and you join it from home or work in Bujumbura. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on WhatsApp and Telegram, so you can send your documents and questions at a time that suits you.

How do I know that my pain may be arthritis?

Typical signs are pain even at rest and at night, stiffness on waking that lasts more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and a warm joint. Possible causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis, so share your symptoms and any test results during the consultation.

Is SVF therapy suitable for every stage of arthritis?

No. At early stages (1–2), SVF therapy may be considered to support blood supply to the femoral head and delay the need for joint replacement. At later stages surgery is usually required. The specialist will assess your stage during the remote review and tell you honestly what is appropriate.

How is the tissue collected?

Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh. No stitches are needed. Ask the surgeon how to care for the puncture area in Bujumbura's warm and humid conditions.

Does the warm climate of Bujumbura affect healing?

The city has a tropical savanna climate with a high around 29 °C and a low around 19 °C. Heat and sweating can irritate a healing area, so wear light, breathable clothing, stay in the shade and keep the area clean. Ask about any compression garment and how to wear it comfortably in the heat.

When can I swim in the lake or a pool?

Bujumbura has many pools and the lake shore is close, so this is a common question. Do not enter water until the surgeon explicitly allows it, because a healing puncture area should not be exposed too early. Follow the exact instructions on pool and sport that you receive.

How should I plan work or study around the procedure?

Describe your daily routine to the specialist. A desk job, teaching, lectures or heavy physical work in trade or at the port each call for a different plan. Many people choose a quieter period in their calendar and arrange for colleagues or relatives to cover heavier tasks at first.

What should I prepare before writing to the coordinators?

Gather your history: when symptoms began, which joints hurt, any diagnosis, current medicines, allergies and previous reports or imaging. Add a short note on your work, sport and family duties. The more precise the information, the more useful the remote consultation will be.

Who should not consider this approach?

People with an active infection, an uncontrolled underlying illness or advanced joint damage that already needs surgery are generally not candidates. Gout, psoriasis, infection and autoimmune arthritis also need their own medical management. The specialist will explain your situation individually.