Joint Inflammation Treatment in San Diego
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
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation
and review of your scans
What is arthritis
and when does this treatment fit?
In arthritis the joint is inflamed. People typically notice pain even at rest or at night, stiffness on waking that goes on for more than half an hour, swelling, and a red, warm joint. Behind it may be an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, gout, an infection or old trauma.
Used well, PRP and SVF may ease pain and inflammation and support the joint's internal tissues; still, a systemic disease needs a rheumatologist, and the injections do not replace that care. No procedure takes place during an active joint infection or a severe flare — the type of arthritis is confirmed and the moment chosen first.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
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
Elbow
Worn joint surfaces and pain that follows overuse or sports strain
Hand and wrist joints
Finger and wrist small joints that are stiff and painful
Knee
Worn cartilage, meniscus issues and pain climbing stairs or after a walk
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Wear in the joint and the tendons around it, painful arm raising
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
A little of your adipose tissue is collected and processed so that the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a mixture of cells that help tissue repair, can be isolated. Together with your own plasma it is injected into the joint that is affected.
For inflammatory arthritis it is applied after the acute flare has calmed, because of its effect on local inflammation and on tissue repair.
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.
As a single element of the wider plan, it can be advised in rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis.
How the procedure goes: step by step
Consultation and scan review
If you already have scans, send them before the visit: the doctor examines the joint, reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure suits you.
Blood sample for PRP
A little blood is drawn from a vein, and from it platelet-rich plasma containing growth factors is later prepared.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is collected under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, with no stitches needed.
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.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Ultrasound guidance helps position it precisely as the prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint.
Follow-up
No crutches, no hospital stay — and after the procedure the doctor stays in touch to follow how your joint responds.
Consultation and scan review
If you already have scans, send them before the visit: the doctor examines the joint, reviews your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound and decides whether the procedure suits you.
Blood sample for PRP
A little blood is drawn from a vein, and from it platelet-rich plasma containing growth factors is later prepared.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
A small portion of adipose tissue (about 30 ml) is collected under local anaesthetic through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, with no stitches needed.
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.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Ultrasound guidance helps position it precisely as the prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint.
Follow-up
No crutches, no hospital stay — and after the procedure the doctor stays in touch to follow how your joint responds.
Follow-up visits
At follow-up visits the doctor sees how the joint is responding and adjusts the plan. Pain usually eases in the first month, mobility improves over about three months, and the full effect builds over around six months.
Conditions we treat
The treatment is only offered once a doctor has examined you and reviewed your scans and found it suitable
What we work with
Arthritis
Arthrosis
Avascular necrosis
Osteoarthritis
Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis)
Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis)
Meniscus pathology and injury
Rehabilitation after injuries and surgery
Inflammatory joint conditions
Contraindications
Cancer
Pregnancy
Blood clotting disorders
Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
Cancer
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Serious heart, kidney or liver disease
Temporary contraindications: a raised temperature (fever), a cold or flu, or skin inflammation over the joint to be treated
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
After the procedure
A same-day return home is usual, and normal daily activity comes back within a day or two; the puncture sites just need small dressings. Some extra aching in the first week is an expected reaction. Expect pain to ease over the first month, mobility and activity to improve over about three months, and the full effect to develop over around six months. The duration is different for everyone and depends on the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors — a fixed result is something nobody can promise. Patients treated by a rheumatologist should not stop prescribed medication without discussing it with them.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Rather than replacing your joint, we work to keep it — this is treatment without surgery
Your own tissue
Only your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material
No crutches
Local anaesthetic, punctures rather than incisions, and no long rehabilitation
Second opinion
An independent assessment from a doctor, free of charge, once you send your X-rays, MRI or reports
Support after the procedure
After the injection day we stay in touch and keep following the result
Arthritis treatment prices
The joint, the type of arthritis and the method determine the cost — the doctor names it after the consultation
Service
Price
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Joint treatment: frequently asked questions
What is arthritis and what are its symptoms?
Joint inflammation defines arthritis. It typically brings pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis can all lead to it.
Can PRP help with rheumatoid arthritis?
Platelets release growth factors that influence both tissue repair and the immune response, which is why PRP may be used in rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis to help reduce local inflammation, pain and swelling. It complements rather than replaces your rheumatologist's prescribed treatment.
Can psoriatic arthritis be cured?
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease that currently cannot be cured completely. The goal is a long remission — keeping inflammation under control and preventing joint deformity — and regenerative injections can be one part of that plan.
How does SVF work in autoimmune arthritis?
Research in this field is ongoing: SVF contains cells that can modulate the local immune response and support repair of damaged joint tissue, and the doctor will discuss realistic expectations for your type of arthritis.
When is the treatment not suitable?
It is not done during an active infection of the joint, a severe flare, pregnancy, cancer or blood clotting disorders; instead the doctor postpones the procedure or proposes another option.
How is knee arthritis different from osteoarthritis?
In knee arthritis the inflammation comes from an autoimmune reaction, infection or gout: the knee is red, warm, markedly swollen and tender to touch. Osteoarthritis, by contrast, is cartilage wear, usually felt as a dry crunch and aching pain when moving.
Why does an arthritic joint hurt even at rest?
In an inflamed joint the pain receptors are stimulated all the time — during movement, at rest and at night. This pain can be eased by treatment aimed at reducing the inflammation, such as PRP and SVF.
Can joint injections be done during pregnancy?
No: joint injections, including PRP and SVF, are contraindicated in pregnancy. Decisions on treating arthritis while pregnant are made only with a rheumatologist and an obstetrician together.
Can I get a second opinion on my tests and scans?
Yes. Once you send your X-rays, MRI, ultrasound or blood test results, a doctor reviews them at no cost and says whether regenerative treatment could suit your type of arthritis.
What happens if rheumatoid arthritis is not treated?
Without treatment the condition can leave the joint permanently deformed, cause loss of function and osteoporosis, and damage internal organs like the heart, lungs and kidneys; timely treatment prevents these complications.
City Medical Centre licences
Other services at our clinic
Arthritis treatment in San Diego step by step
Knee arthritis differs from knee osteoarthritis. Arthritis shows redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness to touch; osteoarthritis shows a dry crunch and aching pain on movement. For patients from San Diego, the diagnosis comes first.
If you are being treated by a rheumatologist, do not stop your prescribed medication without talking to them. In San Diego, regenerative injections are planned together with your ongoing treatment.
How much does arthritis treatment cost in San Diego? The doctor names the price after confirming the type of arthritis and choosing PRP, SVF or a combination. Send a request or message us in any messenger.
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