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Arthritis Treatment in Thika: Steps and Aftercare

PRP and SVF cell therapy as part of arthritis care for the knee, hand, shoulder and other joints. A doctor reviews your case and tests first

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 refers to inflammation within a joint. Typical complaints are resting and night-time pain, morning stiffness beyond half an hour, swelling, redness and warmth. It may be driven by autoimmune disease like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, by gout, by an infection or by a former 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: skin inflammation over the target joint, or a fever, a cold or flu

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 joint is examined and your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound are reviewed by the doctor, who then decides if the procedure is suitable. Scans you already hold can be sent before the visit.

Blood sample for PRP2

Blood sample for PRP

Only a small amount of venous blood is taken; it is later used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.

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

A centrifuge spins the sample until it forms layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated from them and mixed with 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

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

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

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

From a small sample of adipose tissue we isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), a mix of repair-related cells. Combined with your own plasma, the material is injected into the joint that is affected.

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

It helps calm inflammation and improves conditions for tissue repair: plasma rich in platelets and growth factors, separated from a small amount of your blood and injected into the joint.

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

Large or small joints: once your scans are reviewed, the doctor picks the joint, the method and the number of injections

  • KneeKneeCartilage wear, meniscus problems, pain on stairs and after walking
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderWear in the joint and the tendons around it, painful arm raising
  • ElbowElbowPain following overuse or sports strain, along with worn joint surfaces
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsStiff, painful small joints in the fingers and wrist
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

We aim to preserve your own joint instead of replacing it — 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

Small punctures, not incisions, a local anaesthetic and no lengthy rehabilitation

Second opinion

Second opinion

Send your X-rays, MRI or reports and a doctor will give an independent assessment free of charge

Support after the procedure

Support after the procedure

We follow your result and stay in touch after the procedure, not just on injection day

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 Thika step by step

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 Thika.

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 Thika after the procedure.

A consultation is the first step for every patient from Thika. It is free, and after it you know whether the treatment fits, the method and the cost.

Thika and the question of joint health

Thika is an industrial town and commerce hub in Kiambu County, Kenya, northeast of Nairobi, close to the confluence of the Thika and Chania Rivers. It had a population of 279,429 at the 2019 National Census and is growing rapidly. A town like this is full of people whose work depends on their joints: those who stand at production lines, lift and carry goods, trade in markets, drive, teach, or spend long hours at a desk. When a knee, hip, hand or ankle starts to hurt, the effect is felt at once in daily life and in household income.

Many residents of Thika first treat joint pain as a normal result of hard work or age. Arthritis is something different from simple wear and tear. With arthritis, the joints are affected by inflammation. This is why the symptoms follow a particular pattern, and why a careful assessment matters before any plan is made.

This text is for people in Thika who want to understand what arthritis treatment involves, what to ask, and how a free online consultation with the City Medical Centre coordinators can start the process without leaving town. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on Telegram and Telegram.

How to recognise arthritis rather than ordinary tiredness

After a long day in a Thika workshop, shop or classroom, tired joints are common and usually settle with rest. Arthritis behaves differently. 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 several of these appear together, particularly night pain and long morning stiffness, the cause deserves a proper medical look.

Possible causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. These are very different conditions, and the right approach for one may be wrong for another. A self-made diagnosis, or a painkiller bought on the way home from work, is not a plan.

A useful habit is to keep a short diary for a couple of weeks: which joint, what time of day, how long the morning stiffness lasts, whether the joint looks swollen or red, and whether pain wakes you. Bring this to the online consultation. It helps the specialist far more than a general statement such as “my knees hurt”.

What the procedure involves

The method discussed here is SVF therapy, which uses the patient's own adipose tissue. 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.

Because the tissue is taken through a puncture under local anaesthetic, many people in Thika who worry about a long absence from work or family duties find this reassuring. Still, how you feel afterwards is individual, and the specialist should explain what to expect in your own case.

It is also not a substitute for diagnosis. Treatment of an autoimmune, infectious, gouty or psoriatic joint problem depends on the underlying cause, and the consultation begins by clarifying which of these is likely.

Early and later stages: what this means for decisions

Timing matters. 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.

For a resident of Thika this is a practical point. Many people wait because the pain comes and goes, or because they are busy supporting a family. Waiting can mean moving from a stage with more options to one where surgery is usually required. If you have hip pain, groin pain or a limp that does not go away, do not leave it for months.

Send your existing medical documents to the coordinators if you have them: imaging reports, laboratory results, notes from earlier visits. The specialist will tell you whether your picture looks early or advanced, and whether SVF therapy is a reasonable question to discuss at all.

Climate in Thika and recovery

Thika has a subtropical highland climate with sunshine most of the year and an average annual temperature of 19.8 °C. The town lies at an elevation of approximately 1,631 metres on a gentle plain before the ascent into the central highlands. Such a mild climate is generally comfortable for recovery: extreme heat is rare, which makes it easier to rest and keep the small puncture area clean and dry.

The hottest period is March and April, leading into the long rains. Strong sun and sweating can irritate a healing puncture area, so light, loose clothing and shade are sensible. Protect the area and follow the wound-care instructions you are given.

The long rains last from March/April to May/June, and the short rains run from October to November/December. Wet weather brings muddy roads, slippery steps and crowded matatus. For anyone with painful or stiff joints, slipping is a real concern. Wear sturdy footwear and avoid rushing on wet ground during recovery.

July is the coolest month. Cool mornings can make arthritic joints feel stiffer, so a longer, gentle warm-up at home is useful. Ask the specialist about suitable movement during this season.

Choosing the season for treatment in Thika

There is no perfect month in Thika, but the calendar can still help. Dry, mild stretches outside the long and short rains make moving around easier. If your work involves heavy transport of goods, you may prefer a quieter time in your business or a period when colleagues can cover for you.

Think also about family events, school terms and market peaks that affect your household. Planning around these reduces the temptation to return to full activity too quickly.

Because the online consultation is free and coordinators answer 24/7, you can discuss timing without commitment. Ask whether your joint stage suggests that delay is acceptable, or whether earlier action is wiser.

Work, study, sport and daily life

Thika is a commerce hub, and many people work on their feet or in physical jobs. Describe your job in detail to the specialist: standing hours, lifting, climbing, driving, repetitive hand work. Ask when and how to return, whether light duties are possible at first, and which movements to avoid early on.

Students and teachers should ask about sitting through long lectures, walking between buildings and carrying bags. People who play football, run, or enjoy natural places such as Chania Falls and Fourteen Falls should ask when such outings are sensible again and what pace is safe.

Do not copy a colleague's recovery timetable. Different joints, different causes of arthritis and different stages mean different advice. Follow your own specialist's guidance.

Food, family and everyday habits

Family gatherings and shared meals matter in Thika life. During recovery you may be tempted to sit through long events or to carry heavy pots and trays. Ask relatives to help, and plan a quieter period for yourself.

Body weight also puts load on joints, especially knees and hips. The WHO fact sheet on obesity and overweight is a reasonable general reference. You can talk to the specialist about weight and nutrition as part of the overall plan, without crash diets.

Gout deserves a special mention among the possible causes. If you have sudden, intense pain and swelling in one joint, mention it and discuss diet and testing in the consultation.

How the remote consultation works from Thika

You contact the coordinators on Telegram or Telegram at any time, day or night. The consultation is free and takes place online, so you stay in Thika, at home or at work.

Prepare a short description of your symptoms, how long they have lasted, which joints are involved, earlier diagnoses, current medicines, allergies and any scans or tests. Photos of a swollen or red joint can help. The specialist then reviews the information and explains whether further tests are needed and whether SVF therapy is relevant for your stage.

Be open about other conditions. Autoimmune disease, infection, gout and psoriasis can all matter, and each changes what is suitable.

How do I know if my joint pain in Thika is 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. Only a medical assessment can confirm the diagnosis.

What can cause arthritis?

Possible causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Finding the cause is the first step.

Is the consultation really free?

Yes. The online consultation is free, and coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on Telegram and Telegram.

How much tissue is taken in 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?

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 weather in Thika matter for recovery?

The climate is mild, with sunshine most of the year. In the hotter months of March and April protect the puncture area from sun and sweat, and in the rains be careful on slippery ground.

When can I go back to work?

This depends on your job, your joint and your condition. Describe your work to the specialist and ask for a plan, including light duties at first.

What should I ask the surgeon?

Ask which type of arthritis you have, what stage the joint is at, whether SVF therapy is suitable, what the alternatives are, which activities to avoid, and which warning signs need urgent attention.

Who may not be a good candidate?

Active infection, untreated causes of inflammation or advanced joint damage may make the method unsuitable. The specialist decides after reviewing your documents.

What should I send before the consultation?

Symptom notes, earlier diagnoses, medicines, allergies, scans, laboratory results and photos of any swollen or red joint.