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PRP Therapy for Arthritis in Entebbe

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?

Arthritis means an inflamed joint. It usually shows as pain at rest and at night, stiffness in the morning lasting over half an hour, swelling, redness and a warm joint. Causes differ: autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, gout, an infection or a past 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

After an examination and a look at your scans, a doctor decides if the treatment is right for you

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

First comes an examination of the joint and a look at your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound; then the doctor decides whether the procedure fits your case. Existing scans can be sent before the visit.

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

The doctor numbs the area with local anaesthetic and takes about 30 ml of adipose tissue through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh; stitches are not needed.

Processing in a centrifuge4

Processing in a centrifuge

The sample is placed in a centrifuge, where it splits into layers. From these the stromal vascular fraction is isolated and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.

Injection into the joint5

Injection into the joint

The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps place it precisely.

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

Only your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

SVF, or stromal vascular fraction, is a mix of cells involved in tissue repair, isolated by processing a small amount of your adipose tissue. It is combined with plasma from your own blood and injected into the affected joint.

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

It is used in inflammatory arthritis — once the acute flare is over — for its influence on local inflammation and the 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

We separate plasma rich in platelets and growth factors from a small quantity of your blood and inject it into the joint. There it helps quieten inflammation and sets up better conditions for tissue repair.

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

It may be advised for rheumatoid or other inflammatory arthritis, always as just one part of the overall plan of treatment.

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

  • KneeKneeStair and post-walking pain, worn cartilage and meniscus problems
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderPain when raising the arm, wear of the joint and surrounding tendons
  • ElbowElbowPain after overuse or sports strain, wear of the joint surfaces
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsSmall finger and wrist joints that feel stiff and hurt
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

Treatment without surgery that sets out to keep your own joint instead of replacing it

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

Only your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material

No crutches

No crutches

Punctures, not incisions; local anaesthetic; and rehabilitation that is not long

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

Since the price depends on the joint, the method and the type of arthritis, the doctor gives it after the consultation

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

Other services of our clinic

Arthritis treatment in Entebbe: what you should know

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 Entebbe.

If you are being treated by a rheumatologist, do not stop your prescribed medication without talking to them. In Entebbe, regenerative injections are planned together with your ongoing treatment.

The cost of arthritis treatment depends on the joint, the type of arthritis and the method, so the price is set at the consultation. For patients from Entebbe, the first consultation and review of your scans are free. Leave your name and phone number to book.

Entebbe and the question of joint health

Entebbe is a city in Central Uganda on a peninsula of Lake Victoria, about 36 kilometres southwest of Kampala. It was once the seat of government of the Protectorate of Uganda before independence in 1962, and today it still houses State House, the official office and residence of the President of Uganda. Many people here work in administration, services, education and jobs that need long hours on their feet or at a desk. Joint pain affects all of these routines, and it often goes unnoticed for a long time because people put it down to age, weather or a busy week.

The national census of 27 August 2014 put the population of Entebbe at 69,958. In a city of this size, families, neighbours and colleagues talk to each other, and a person with swollen knees or stiff fingers usually hears the same advice from everyone: wait, rest, take a tablet. That advice is sometimes enough for a sprain, but it does not help when a joint is inflamed by arthritis. Residents of Entebbe who see lasting symptoms are better served by a structured conversation with a specialist, and the City Medical Centre offers that conversation remotely.

This text explains how arthritis treatment is planned, what the procedure involves, and how daily life in Entebbe, with its lake climate and its mix of office and outdoor work, fits into preparation and recovery. It is general information and does not replace a personal examination.

What arthritis is and how to recognise it

With arthritis, the joints are affected by inflammation. The typical picture is pain even at rest and at night, stiffness on waking that lasts more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and a warm joint. This differs from the ache after a long walk or a day of heavy lifting, which usually eases with rest. If your knee, hip, wrist or finger joints hurt while you lie in bed in Entebbe, or if the first half hour of the morning is spent loosening up before you can start the day, that pattern deserves attention.

Possible causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. These are very different problems, and the treatment depends on which one is behind the symptoms. That is why self-treatment with painkillers alone is a poor strategy: it may mask the signal while the cause continues to damage the joint. A correct diagnosis comes first, and only then does it make sense to talk about any procedure.

Patients from Entebbe often describe the problem in everyday terms: trouble climbing stairs, difficulty getting out of a low seat, pain when carrying a bag, a ring that no longer fits. When you write to the coordinators, such details are valuable. They help the doctor understand which joints are involved, how the symptoms behave over the day and what has already been tried.

What the procedure involves

The procedure described here starts with a small and gentle step. 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. For a person in Entebbe who fears a long operation, this is reassuring information: the collection area is small, and the plan does not involve large incisions.

The doctor decides during the consultation whether this approach is suitable for your joint and your diagnosis. It is not a universal answer for every kind of arthritis. In some cases the first priority is to control an autoimmune process or an infection, or to treat gout, and only afterwards to consider supportive procedures. A responsible specialist will tell you this openly rather than offering one solution for everyone.

Ask which joint is being treated, what the goal is (relief of symptoms, support of the tissue, delaying a larger operation), how the result is assessed and what follow-up is planned. Writing these questions down before your online call helps you stay calm and focused during the conversation.

Early stages and the question of joint replacement

One of the most important points for patients is timing. 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 is a plain and honest statement: the earlier the problem is evaluated, the more options remain open.

For residents of Entebbe, this means that postponing a consultation because of a busy month or because the pain comes and goes can be costly in terms of options. If you have hip pain that reaches the groin, pain at night or stiffness that does not clear quickly, do not wait until walking becomes difficult. Imaging results, if you already have them, are very useful for the doctor to judge the stage.

If the joint is already at an advanced stage, the consultation is still worthwhile. The specialist will explain frankly that surgery is usually needed and will help you understand what to prepare for, rather than promising something the procedure cannot do.

Climate of Entebbe and recovery

Entebbe has a tropical rainforest climate with no real dry season. The driest month is July, with average precipitation of 72 millimetres, and the wettest is April, with 264 millimetres. The temperature is moderated by the altitude: the hottest month is February with an average of 22.8 °C, and the coolest is July with 20.6 °C. For recovery this is a fairly gentle background. There are no extreme heat waves in the figures, so you rarely need to fight overheating while healing.

Humidity is still something to think about. A small puncture area on the abdomen or inner thigh should be kept clean and dry as the doctor advises, and in a damp climate this needs a little more attention: change dressings as instructed, wear breathable clothing and do not leave the area in wet fabric after a rain shower. In the rainy period around April, plan how you will get home and move around so that you do not slip on wet surfaces, which is a real hazard for anyone with painful joints.

Cooler, drier months such as July may feel more comfortable for people whose joints ache more in damp weather, but patients differ, and there is no medical reason to wait for a particular month if the diagnosis is already clear. The decision about timing should be based on the stage of the disease, not on the calendar.

Daily life, work and the lake

Life in Entebbe is shaped by its position on the shore of Lake Victoria and by its closeness to Kampala, about 36 kilometres away. Some people commute to the capital, which means long sitting hours in a vehicle, and prolonged sitting is hard on stiff hips and knees. If you commute, talk with your doctor about how to organise the first days after the procedure so that you are not sitting for hours with a sore puncture area.

Office work, teaching and administrative jobs are generally easier to resume than jobs involving heavy lifting or long standing. Ask the specialist specifically about your type of work: how soon you can return, whether you should avoid heavy loads at first and how to arrange breaks to move the joint gently. Do not rely on neighbours or colleagues who had a different procedure; each case differs.

Walks along the lake and time near the water are a pleasant part of life in the city. Swimming pools and open water need caution while any puncture area is healing, because wounds should not be exposed to water until the doctor says it is safe. Ask for your personal instructions and follow them, rather than guessing from general rules.

Family, events and planning the procedure

Family gatherings, weddings, church or mosque events and school occasions are a major part of social life, and many patients try to schedule treatment around them. A sensible approach is to choose a period without long standing, dancing or heavy preparation, so that you can rest while the puncture area settles. Ask relatives to help with household tasks in the first days. This is a good moment to accept support.

Explain to your family what the procedure involves: a small collection under local anaesthetic, no stitches and a specific plan from the doctor. This reduces anxiety and prevents well-meaning advice about remedies that may delay proper treatment. A husband, wife, adult child or close friend can also join the online consultation and help remember the doctor's instructions.

If you are a student, a teacher or a public servant with fixed schedules, talk about the plan with your employer or school early. You do not need to share every medical detail, but a clear plan for a few lighter days at work removes pressure and lets you focus on recovery.

Weight, movement and joint load

Body weight affects joints, especially the knees and hips. The World Health Organization treats overweight and obesity as a significant health issue, and for many people with joint pain, careful weight management is part of the overall plan. This is a supportive measure, not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment, and it should be discussed with the doctor without judgement.

In Entebbe, the daily routine can combine office work, commuting and limited time for exercise. Short, regular periods of gentle movement usually serve inflamed joints better than long inactivity followed by sudden effort. Ask the specialist which kinds of movement are suitable for your joint now and which to avoid until the inflammation is under control.

Return to sport should be gradual and agreed with the doctor. If you play football with colleagues, run or work out, tell the specialist so that the plan fits your real habits. Do not return to full load just because the pain has eased; reduced pain does not always mean the joint is ready.

How the remote consultation works from Entebbe

The consultation is free and online. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on WhatsApp and Telegram, so you can write when it suits you, whether in the evening after work or early in the morning before your day starts. You do not need to go anywhere to begin.

Prepare a short summary: which joints hurt, since when, whether the pain wakes you at night, how long morning stiffness lasts, whether there is swelling, redness or warmth, and what you have already taken or tried. Add any test results, scans or doctor's notes you have. Photographs of swollen joints can also help.

After the specialist reviews your information, you will receive an explanation of whether the described approach could be suitable, what else needs to be clarified and what the next steps are. You decide whether to continue; there is no obligation. Keep your questions in a list and ask for anything that is unclear.

Who is a suitable candidate for this treatment?

Suitability is decided by the doctor after reviewing your diagnosis, symptoms and examination results. 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. Send your details to the coordinators for an initial opinion.

How do I know that my joint pain is arthritis and not simple overuse?

With arthritis, pain is present even at rest and at night, morning stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes, and there may be swelling, redness and a warm joint. Overuse pain usually eases with rest. Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis, so describe your symptoms in detail.

What can cause arthritis?

Possible causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. The cause matters because the treatment plan depends on it, and some causes need separate treatment first.

Is the procedure complicated?

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. Your doctor will explain the next steps and what to expect in your case.

Does the rainy season in Entebbe affect recovery?

Entebbe has no real dry season, and April is the wettest month with an average of 264 millimetres of precipitation. Keep the puncture area clean and dry as instructed, wear breathable clothing and be careful on wet surfaces. Temperatures are moderate, so overheating is rarely the main concern.

When can I go back to work?

This depends on your job and your condition, and the doctor will give you personal guidance. Desk work is usually easier to resume than heavy lifting or long standing. If you commute to Kampala, mention it, because long sitting may need a plan.

Can I swim in the lake or in a pool afterwards?

Do not expose the puncture area to water until the doctor confirms it is safe. Ask for your individual instructions during the consultation and follow them exactly.

What should I ask the specialist during the online consultation?

Ask which joint will be treated, what the goal is, whether your stage is suitable, what other treatment is needed for the cause, how the result is evaluated, how to plan work and sport, and when to report symptoms. Writing the questions beforehand makes the call more productive.

Is a scan necessary before the consultation?

If you already have scans, X-rays or test results, send them, as they help the doctor judge the stage. If you have none, describe your symptoms and the coordinators will explain what is usually needed.

How do I start the consultation?

Write to the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram at any time, 24/7. The online consultation is free, and you can involve your husband, wife or another family member in the conversation.