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Regenerative Arthritis Care in Kisumu

For arthritis in the knee, hand, shoulder or another joint, PRP and SVF cell therapy form one part of care — starting with a doctor's review of your tests

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 is inflammation of a joint. Typical signs are pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness that lasts longer than half an hour, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. The causes vary: autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, 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

Whether this treatment fits you is a doctor's decision, made after an examination and a scan review

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 examines the joint, reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure suits you. If you already have scans, you can send them before the visit.

Blood sample for PRP2

Blood sample for PRP

A small blood sample is taken from a vein. Later, platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared from this blood.

Adipose tissue sample3

Adipose tissue sample

About 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, under local anaesthetic; the puncture needs no stitches.

Processing in a centrifuge4

Processing in a centrifuge

The sample goes into a centrifuge and separates into layers; next, the stromal vascular fraction is isolated and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.

Injection into the joint5

Injection into the joint

Using ultrasound guidance to place it precisely, the prepared material is injected directly into the joint that is affected.

Follow-up6

Follow-up

The doctor follows how the joint responds and stays in touch after the procedure — and you need no crutches or hospital stay.

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

Your own adipose tissue and blood are the only materials used, never donor or synthetic ones

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

Processing a small sample of adipose tissue from your body isolates the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) — cells that play a part in tissue repair. This is combined with your plasma and injected straight into the affected joint.

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

Once the acute flare has settled, it is used in inflammatory arthritis for its effect 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

Injected into the joint, plasma rich in platelets and growth factors — separated from a small amount of your blood — helps calm inflammation and makes conditions for tissue repair better.

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

It may form one part of the overall treatment plan in rheumatoid and other types of 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

From large joints to small ones — which joint, which method and how many injections is decided by the doctor once your scans are reviewed

  • KneeKneeMeniscus issues and cartilage wear, with pain after walking or on stairs
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderRaising the arm hurts; the joint and the tendons around it are worn
  • ElbowElbowOveruse or sports-strain pain and wearing of the joint surfaces
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsSmall joints of the fingers and wrist that stiffen and hurt
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

We work on keeping your own joint rather than replacing it — treatment without surgery

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

Your own adipose tissue and blood are the only materials used, never donor or synthetic ones

No crutches

No crutches

Local anaesthetic and punctures in place of incisions mean 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

We stay in touch after the procedure and follow the result, not just 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

How PRP and SVF work in arthritis for Kisumu residents

The causes of arthritis vary: autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, gout, infection or an old injury. In Kisumu, the doctor first confirms the type of arthritis, because treatment depends on it.

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 Kisumu after the procedure.

The price depends on how many joints are treated and on the method. For patients from Kisumu, the doctor explains the plan and the cost at a free consultation.

Kisumu and the question of joint pain

Kisumu is the third-largest city in Kenya and sits on the shores of Lake Victoria, at the northeastern edge of the Winam Gulf. It is the capital of Kisumu County and the former capital of Nyanza Province. The city has a population of 438,588 according to the recent 2026 population estimates. The metro region, including Maseno and Ahero, had a combined population of 457,160 people in the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census. Behind these figures are thousands of people who work on their feet, carry loads, climb stairs in busy commercial streets and then come home to families where several generations live close together. Joint pain in such a setting is rarely a minor nuisance. It decides whether a person can keep a market stall open, teach a full day of classes, or walk to the matatu stop without stopping to rest.

This text is written for residents of Kisumu who are looking into arthritis treatment and want to understand the options calmly, before taking any decision. It explains how arthritis differs from ordinary tiredness of the legs, what a regenerative approach such as SVF therapy can and cannot do, and how the whole process can be planned around real life in a lake-shore city: the weather, the work week, the church and family calendar, and the food on the table.

The consultation itself is held online and is free of charge. Coordinators are available 24/7 on Telegram and Telegram, so a person in Kisumu can send questions in the evening after work, attach earlier results, and receive a considered answer without rearranging the day. Nothing here replaces a personal assessment by a doctor, and no text can promise a result for a particular joint.

How to recognise arthritis and not simply 'old age'

Many people in Kisumu describe aching knees, hips or hands as something that simply comes with age or with hard work. Sometimes that is true, but arthritis is a different thing: the joints are affected by inflammation. The 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 a knee wakes you in the night, or your fingers cannot close into a fist for the first half hour of the morning, that pattern deserves a proper medical look rather than another round of over-the-counter tablets.

The possible causes are varied. They include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Each of these needs its own diagnosis and its own main treatment, usually led by a rheumatologist or an orthopaedic specialist. This is why a clear diagnosis comes first. A regenerative method is never a substitute for finding out why the joint is inflamed.

A practical habit for patients in Kisumu is to keep a short diary for two or three weeks: which joint hurts, whether it is worse at night or after rest, how long the morning stiffness lasts, whether there is visible swelling or warmth, and whether the pain changes in the rainy months. Such notes, together with photographs of a swollen joint and any earlier scans or blood test results, make the online consultation far more useful and save time for both sides.

What SVF therapy means in the context of arthritis

The approach discussed in the consultation is SVF therapy. It begins with a very small procedure. 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 so that the cell fraction can be used in the treatment plan that the doctor has chosen for the patient.

For a person in Kisumu, the practical meaning is simple: this is not major surgery, it does not require a long hospital bed stay, and it does not involve cutting open the joint. The small puncture site on the abdomen or inner thigh is the only place where the body is entered for the tissue collection, and it can be kept clean and covered under loose clothing, which matters in a warm and humid climate.

It is equally important to be realistic. SVF therapy is considered at particular stages and for particular patients. 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. A frank doctor will tell a patient which group they belong to, and a patient who is told that surgery is the more suitable path should treat that as useful information, not as a refusal.

Climate of Kisumu and recovery

Kisumu has a tropical rainforest climate with no true dry season and significant rainfall year-round. January is the driest month, and April receives the most rainfall. The average temperature is 22.9 °C, and because the city lies at an elevation of 1,131 m, about 11 km south of the equator, temperatures stay moderate. For someone planning a small procedure and a period of careful recovery, this is a fairly forgiving background: there is no extreme cold that stiffens joints and no long dust-laden dry spell, although humidity near the lake can be tiring.

Humidity and warmth matter for the small puncture site. Keep the area clean and dry, change dressings as the doctor instructs, and choose light, breathable, loose cotton clothing instead of tight fabrics that rub on the abdomen or inner thigh. If a compression garment is recommended in your case, ask in advance which fabric is most comfortable in warm weather and how to wash it so that it stays clean in a damp season.

During the heavy rains, roads and footpaths become slippery and muddy. A patient with painful knees or hips should think about safe footwear, a walking stick if advised, and a way to avoid hurrying across wet ground. A fall in the rainy season can set recovery back more than any other factor, so plan errands, school runs and visits with that in mind. In sunny weather, avoid long hours in direct sun, wear a hat and drink water regularly. Swimming in the lake or a pool should be discussed with the doctor and not started on your own initiative.

Work, study and everyday life in Kisumu

Kisumu is a significant industrial and commercial centre, and it is home to a number of higher-education institutions and a sizeable academic community. Patients therefore include traders, drivers, factory and port workers, farmers who bring produce to the city, teachers, lecturers, students and office staff. Each group has different physical demands, and the plan for treatment and recovery should be built around them.

A person who sits at a desk or teaches may be able to return to light duties quickly, while someone who lifts crates, stands all day at a stall or walks long distances will need a more careful discussion with the surgeon about when heavy tasks can resume. Be honest about what your day really looks like. Say how many hours you stand, how much you carry, whether you climb stairs, and how you get to work. The doctor can only advise properly if the description is accurate.

The city has been working to rejuvenate its downtown and Lower Town areas, improve the lakefront, reduce congestion on major streets and make streets more pedestrian-friendly. For a person with arthritis this is welcome, because gentle walking on level, safer paths is often part of keeping joints moving. During recovery, choose calm hours for walks, avoid crowded stops where you could be pushed, and ask a family member to help with shopping and carrying until the doctor says otherwise.

Students at the city's universities and colleges should tell the coordinator about the exam calendar. It is better to plan the small procedure and the quiet recovery period outside examination weeks, so that long hours of sitting, stress and poor sleep do not add to joint discomfort.

Sport, family events and food culture

Sport is part of life here. Moi Stadium hosts teams such as Kisumu All Stars and Kisumu Telkom FC, Kisumu RFC plays rugby, Kisumu Lakeside plays in the national basketball league, and the city hosts a leg of the national rugby sevens circuit, the Dala sevens, which attracts thousands of fans from across the country. Many residents play recreationally, coach youngsters or simply come to watch. Arthritis can quietly take people out of all of this, first from playing and then from standing in the stands for a whole match.

If you play or coach, say so in the consultation and ask direct questions: when can light movement start, when can jogging be considered, and when is it sensible to return to contact or jumping sports? Do not copy a friend's timetable. Return to sport depends on the joint involved, on the stage of the disease and on how the body responds, and the doctor's instructions for your own case take priority over any general rule.

Family events carry weight in Kisumu, where most residents belong to the Luo community and most people are trilingual in English, Kiswahili and Dholuo. Funerals, weddings, church gatherings and long family meals often involve hours of standing, dancing, cooking and carrying. Plan the procedure so that it does not fall right before a major event, and ask relatives to share the physical work in the first period after the procedure.

Food culture around the lake is rich in fish, and the surrounding region offers fertile farmland with a wide range of crops. A varied diet with plenty of vegetables and fish suits people with joint problems, and keeping a healthy body weight lowers the load on knees and hips. If gout is among the suspected causes, ask the doctor which foods and drinks to limit. For general information on body weight, the World Health Organization publishes a fact sheet on obesity and overweight.

The best season to plan and the practical rhythm of recovery

Because Kisumu has no true dry season, there is no perfect month, only a better fit for each person. January is the driest month, which can make movement outdoors easier and reduce slipping on wet ground. April brings the most rainfall, so those who rely on walking, public transport or uneven roads may prefer to avoid scheduling the early recovery period then. Two rainy seasons per year are typical for the region, so it helps to look at the calendar and choose a time with the fewest heavy obligations.

Think of the process in stages. First comes the free online consultation, where documents are reviewed and the doctor decides whether SVF therapy is suitable at all. Then comes the small procedure, in which about 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, with no stitches. After that comes a quiet period with attention to the puncture site, gentle movement and follow-up contact with the coordinators. Ask for exact durations, compression requirements, and permitted activity in writing, in the form the doctor provides for your case, and do not rely on memory or hearsay.

The timing of the result also differs from person to person. Some patients notice changes earlier, others later, and some see little change. A good doctor will explain how progress is judged, which symptoms to track and when a further assessment makes sense. Keep your diary going during recovery so that you can describe night pain, morning stiffness and swelling accurately in follow-up conversations.

Arrange practical support at home in advance. Someone should be able to help with cooking, school runs and carrying water or shopping during the first days. This is especially useful in a busy household, where it is tempting to carry on as usual before the body is ready.

Questions to ask, who is a candidate, and how the remote consultation works

Prepare a short list of questions before the online consultation. What exactly is my diagnosis, and which tests confirm it? Which stage is the affected joint at? Is SVF therapy suitable for this stage, or is surgery the more realistic option? What is the aim of the treatment in my case, and how will progress be measured? What care does the puncture site need in a warm, humid climate? When can I return to work, to walking longer distances and to sport? What should I do if swelling, redness or fever appear?

In general terms, people with early-stage joint damage, a clear diagnosis and realistic expectations are the ones most likely to be considered. People with active infection, uncontrolled chronic illness, some blood disorders, or advanced joint destruction may be advised against this method or told to treat the underlying problem first. Pregnancy, current cancer treatment and a tendency to bleeding or poor healing are other points the doctor will want to discuss. Tell the coordinator about every medicine you take, including pain tablets, blood thinners and traditional remedies, as these can affect the plan.

The remote consultation works entirely from your home or workplace in Kisumu. You write to the coordinators on Telegram or Telegram at any hour, since they are available 24/7. You send photographs, scan reports and blood results, describe your symptoms and your daily routine, and the specialists review them and respond. The consultation is free, and you are under no obligation to continue. Take your time, discuss the options with your family and ask as many follow-up questions as you need.

How do I know whether my joint pain is arthritis?

Arthritis involves inflammation of the joint. 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. Only a doctor can confirm the diagnosis, so send your symptoms and any earlier results to the coordinators for an online review.

What can cause arthritis?

Possible causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Identifying the cause is the first step, because it determines the main treatment that your joint needs.

What does the SVF procedure involve?

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 for use in the treatment plan.

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 doctor will tell you which group you belong to.

Does the humid climate of Kisumu affect healing of the puncture site?

The average temperature is 22.9 °C and the climate is humid with rain throughout the year, so keep the area clean and dry, wear loose cotton clothing and follow the dressing instructions the doctor gives. Report any redness, warmth or discharge promptly.

Which season is best for planning the procedure?

There is no single best month. January is the driest, which makes walking outdoors easier, while April is the wettest, with more risk of slipping. Choose a period without major work, exams or family events, and discuss it with the coordinator.

When can I go back to work or sport?

This depends on the joint, the stage and your job. A desk or teaching role usually differs from heavy lifting or standing all day. Ask the doctor for written guidance for your case and do not rely on what worked for someone else.

How does the consultation work from Kisumu?

It is free and online. You contact the coordinators on Telegram or Telegram at any time, since they work 24/7, send your documents and photographs, and a specialist reviews them and gives an opinion on whether SVF therapy is suitable.

Can I ask for the diagnosis to be checked first?

Yes. If the cause of your joint inflammation is unclear, the doctor may ask for further tests before any decision, since arthritis can have autoimmune, infectious, gouty or psoriatic origins that require different treatment.