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Treatment of Inflammatory Joint Conditions in Juba

Cell therapy (SVF) and PRP as one element of arthritis care — knee, hand, shoulder and other joints, with a doctor reviewing your tests beforehand

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

An examination and a review of your scans come first; then a doctor decides whether the treatment suits 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: fever, flu or a cold, or inflamed skin over the joint being 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

Your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound are reviewed and the joint is examined, after which the doctor decides whether this procedure suits you. Already have scans? You can send them in advance.

Blood sample for PRP2

Blood sample for PRP

Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount, later to be turned into platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.

Adipose tissue sample3

Adipose tissue sample

Under local anaesthetic we take roughly 30 ml of adipose tissue through a single puncture on the abdomen or the inner thigh — no stitches required.

Processing in a centrifuge4

Processing in a centrifuge

The sample is spun in a centrifuge and separates into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated and mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.

Injection into the joint5

Injection into the joint

The prepared material is placed precisely: it is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance.

Follow-up6

Follow-up

After the procedure there is no hospital stay and no need for crutches; the doctor stays in touch and follows the joint's progress.

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

We use only your own adipose tissue and blood, with no synthetic or donor material

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

The affected joint receives an injection of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) — a set of cells involved in tissue repair, isolated from a small sample of your adipose tissue — combined with your own plasma.

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

After the acute flare settles, inflammatory arthritis can be treated with it for its action on tissue repair and local inflammation.

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

A small amount of your blood is used to separate plasma rich in platelets and growth factors, which is then injected into the joint. It helps settle inflammation and gives tissue repair better conditions.

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

The doctor looks at your scans and then chooses which joint to treat, which method to use and how many injections — for large and small joints alike

  • KneeKneeWear of the cartilage, problems with the meniscus, pain after walking and on stairs
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderWorn joint and nearby tendons, and pain when the arm is raised
  • ElbowElbowWear on the joint surfaces and pain after overuse or sports strain
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsPain and stiffness affecting the small joints of the fingers and wrist
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

Preserving your own joint, not replacing it, is the goal of our treatment without surgery

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

We use only your own adipose tissue and blood, with no synthetic or donor material

No crutches

No crutches

Local anaesthetic, punctures rather than incisions, and no long rehabilitation

Second opinion

Second opinion

A doctor will give you an independent assessment free of charge — just send your X-rays, MRI or reports

Support after the procedure

Support after the procedure

The result matters to us beyond injection day, so we stay in touch after the procedure

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

After the consultation the doctor names the cost, which depends on the joint, the arthritis type and the method

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

Other services of our clinic

What Juba residents ask about arthritis

Without treatment, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to permanent joint deformity, loss of function and damage to internal organs. Timely treatment matters for every patient in Juba.

No crutches and no hospital stay are needed. The puncture sites are small and covered with dressings, and the doctor stays in touch with patients in Juba after the procedure.

Patients from Juba can start with a free review of their tests and scans: the doctor tells you whether regenerative treatment could suit your type of arthritis and what it would cost.

Juba and arthritis: why joint health matters here

Juba is the capital and largest city of South Sudan, standing on the White Nile and serving as the capital of Central Equatoria State. It had a population of 525,953 in 2017, and the city has kept growing as people from the countryside move in for work and trade. A large, young, busy city puts real demands on the body: long days on foot, carrying loads, climbing in and out of minibuses and motorbike taxis, and standing at market stalls or on building sites. When a knee, hip, ankle, shoulder or the small joints of the hands begin to hurt, it quickly affects income and family life.

Arthritis is not simply wear and tear. In arthritis the joints are affected by inflammation. 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. Because the causes differ so much, the first step is always to find out which kind of arthritis you have, and only then to choose treatment.

City Medical Centre works with patients in Juba through a free online consultation. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on WhatsApp and Telegram, so you can send your questions and records at any hour, including after a long working day or on a quiet Sunday.

Climate of Juba and what it means for joints and recovery

Juba has a tropical wet and dry climate and, because it lies near the equator, temperatures are hot all year. Little rain falls from November to March, which is also the time of the hottest maximum temperatures, reaching 37.8 °C in February. From April to October more than 100 millimetres of rain falls per month, and the annual total is nearly 1,000 millimetres. For anyone planning a procedure, these two halves of the year feel very different.

In the hot dry months, heat is the main concern. Heat can increase swelling in an inflamed joint, and tight compression garments or bandages become uncomfortable when the day is very warm. Choose breathable cotton clothing, stay in shade during the middle of the day, drink enough water and keep the puncture area clean and dry. Dust on unpaved roads can irritate small wounds, so a clean dressing matters more than usual.

In the rainy months the air is humid and the ground is often wet and slippery. For a person with a painful knee or hip, a slippery path is a real risk of a fall. Sturdy footwear with a good grip, an umbrella that leaves a hand free for a walking aid, and careful planning of errands help protect a recovering joint. This is general advice only; your surgeon or rheumatologist will give instructions suited to your own situation.

What the procedure involves, in plain terms

For patients who are considered suitable, the approach discussed on this topic is SVF therapy. 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. The tissue is then processed to obtain the cell fraction that is used in treatment.

Many people in Juba ask whether this means a long stay in a hospital bed. Because the collection is done under local anaesthetic through a small puncture, it is a much smaller step than a major operation. Your doctor will explain exactly what is planned for you, how long you should rest, and when it is reasonable to return to your usual activities. Do not rely on stories from friends or relatives, because every joint and every diagnosis is different.

Keep in mind that this is one option among several. Medication prescribed for the underlying cause, physiotherapy, weight management and, in advanced cases, surgery all have their place. A good consultation will compare these paths honestly rather than promote just one.

Who may be a candidate and who may not

Suitability depends first on the diagnosis and the stage of the joint damage. 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 why scans and a clear description of your symptoms matter so much: the same pain can mean very different things.

General contraindications are discussed individually. An active infection, a joint that is hot, red and swollen because of a possible infection, uncontrolled chronic illness, or a recent serious illness all need to be sorted out before any procedure is planned. Gout and psoriasis also need proper treatment of their own. Tell the doctor about every medicine you take, including anything bought at a pharmacy or market, and any traditional remedies you use.

Body weight is also part of the picture. Extra weight places more load on the knees, hips and ankles, and the World Health Organization treats overweight as a health issue in its own right. A frank conversation about weight, daily activity and diet is not a judgement; it is part of making the result of any joint treatment last as long as it reasonably can.

Planning around daily life, work and family in Juba

Juba is a trading and service city. Many people work in markets, shops, transport, construction, offices, banks, schools and organisations that have a presence in the city. Each job asks something different of the joints. A trader who stands all day needs a different recovery plan from an office worker, and a driver or motorbike rider has different needs again. Tell the coordinator what your work involves and whether you can rest, sit or work lighter hours for a time after the procedure.

Family and community life also shape planning. Weddings, funerals, church services and gatherings often involve long periods of sitting on low seats, standing, dancing or helping to prepare food. If you know that a major event is coming, mention it at the start so that the date of the procedure can be chosen sensibly. Do not hide pain to avoid worrying relatives; ask someone to help with lifting and carrying while you recover.

For students at the universities in Juba, the academic calendar matters. Long hours on benches and walking between lecture rooms can aggravate a painful joint. Plan the procedure for a quieter period and ask the doctor how to sit and move in the first days.

Food, weight and joints in the local setting

Food culture is part of daily life in Juba, and meals are often shared with family and guests. Grain-based dishes, fish from the Nile, stews, vegetables and fruit are all common, and many households cook over charcoal. Nothing here needs to be given up in a dramatic way. What helps joints is steady, practical change: more vegetables and fish, fewer sugary drinks, smaller portions of fried and heavy food, and plenty of clean water.

If gout is a possible cause of your joint pain, the doctor may talk with you about foods and drinks that raise uric acid. Do not stop prescribed medicines or begin a strict diet without medical advice. If rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis is the cause, diet is a support, not a replacement for proper treatment.

Weight loss, even modest, reduces the load on weight-bearing joints. Walking in the cooler early morning or evening, when the heat is less, is a realistic form of activity for many residents, provided the joint can tolerate it.

Choosing the season for treatment

There is no single correct month. The dry period from November to March is the hottest, with temperatures peaking in February, so heat and dust are the things to manage: light clothing, shade, water and clean dressings. Roads are easier to use in dry weather, which can make getting to a local pharmacy or physiotherapy session simpler.

The rainy period from April to October brings humidity and wet ground. Slippery surfaces are a concern for anyone with an unstable knee or hip, and damp conditions mean dressings need changing if they get wet. On the other hand, temperatures can feel less punishing, and some people find recovery more comfortable.

Whichever season you choose, avoid swimming in the river or in a pool, and avoid crowded, dusty places, until the doctor confirms that the puncture area has healed. Ask the doctor about the timing of the result, because the effect is not immediate and should be judged over the period the doctor describes to you, not after a few days.

Return to work, sport and everyday activity

Return to activity should be gradual and follow medical instructions. For a desk job, a return may be possible fairly soon, with sensible breaks to stand and move. For heavy manual work, long walking or standing, you will need a phased return, and the doctor should say clearly which tasks to avoid at first.

Sport is a common question among young people in Juba, especially football and running. Do not return to the pitch simply because the pain has eased. Reduced pain does not mean the joint is ready for sudden turns, jumping or contact. Start with gentle walking and range-of-motion exercises, then add load slowly under the guidance of the doctor or a physiotherapist.

If you have an inflammatory type of arthritis, the underlying condition still needs its own long-term control. A procedure on the joint does not replace the medicines or follow-up your rheumatologist recommends, and skipping them can undo progress.

How the remote consultation from Juba works

The process starts with a message to the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram, which are available around the clock (24/7). You describe the affected joint, how long the pain has lasted, whether it is worse at night, how long morning stiffness lasts, and whether there is swelling, redness or warmth. If you have X-rays, MRI images, blood test results or letters from a local doctor, you can send photographs of them.

The consultation is free and takes place online, from your own home or workplace in Juba. A doctor reviews your records, asks follow-up questions and explains whether SVF therapy could be considered at your stage, whether other treatment should come first, or whether surgery is more likely to be needed. You are free to ask for time to think and to discuss the plan with your family.

Because internet quality can vary across the city, it helps to choose a time and place with a stable connection, and to send your documents in advance. If the call drops, the coordinators can continue by message.

Questions worth asking the surgeon

Prepare your questions before the call and write them down. Useful ones include: What type of arthritis do I have, and how was this confirmed? At which stage is my joint? Is SVF therapy realistic for me, or is another approach more suitable? What exactly happens during the collection of adipose tissue, and where on the body will the puncture be made?

Ask also what to expect afterwards: how the puncture area should be cared for, what swelling or discomfort is normal, which signs mean you must contact the coordinators at once, and when you can resume work, walking and sport. Ask how the result is assessed and when, and what you should do if there is little change.

Finally, ask how the treatment fits with your current medicines and with any physiotherapy you already do in Juba. A clear written plan that you can share with a local doctor is a sign of a well-organised consultation.

Can I have a consultation about arthritis treatment from Juba?

Yes. The consultation is online and free. You contact the coordinators on WhatsApp or Telegram, available around the clock (24/7), send your symptoms and any scans or test results, and a doctor reviews them with you.

What are typical signs of arthritis?

In arthritis the joints are affected by inflammation. Typical are pain even at rest and at night, stiffness on waking that lasts more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and a warm joint. Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis.

What can cause arthritis?

Possible causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. The cause affects the treatment, which is why a proper diagnosis comes first.

How is the tissue collected for SVF therapy?

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.

Is SVF therapy suitable at any stage?

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.

Does the hot weather in Juba affect recovery?

It can. Heat, especially in the dry months when temperatures reach 37.8 °C in February, may increase swelling and make dressings uncomfortable. Wear light breathable clothing, drink water, stay in shade and keep the puncture area clean and dry.

Is the rainy season a problem?

From April to October more than 100 millimetres of rain falls per month. Wet, slippery ground is a fall risk for a painful joint, and damp dressings should be changed. Use sturdy footwear and move carefully.

When can I go back to work?

It depends on your job and on how you feel. Desk work usually allows an earlier return than heavy manual work or long standing. The doctor will give you instructions for your own case, and you should return to heavy tasks gradually.

Can I play football after treatment?

Not straight away. Reduced pain does not mean the joint is ready for sudden turns or contact. Increase activity step by step and only after the doctor or physiotherapist agrees.

Does weight matter for joint treatment?

Yes. Extra weight adds load to the knees, hips and ankles. Gradual weight reduction, regular walking in the cooler hours and a balanced diet support any joint treatment.