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Arthritis Treatment in Yola with PRP and SVF

As part of arthritis care, PRP and SVF cell therapy for the knee, hand, shoulder and other joints — after a doctor has first reviewed your case and 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?

An inflamed joint is the core of arthritis. Look for pain at night or when resting, stiffness in the morning for longer than half an hour, swelling, and a joint that is red and warm. The cause can be autoimmune (rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis), gout, infection or a long-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

It is a doctor who decides, after examining you and going through your scans, 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: 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

After examining the joint and reviewing your X-rays, MRI or ultrasound, the doctor decides whether the procedure is right for you. Scans you already have can be sent ahead of the visit.

Blood sample for PRP2

Blood sample for PRP

Platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is prepared later from a small amount of blood taken from your vein.

Adipose tissue sample3

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 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

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

Your adipose tissue, in a small sample, is processed to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) — a combination of cells engaged in tissue repair. The affected joint then receives it by injection, together with your own plasma.

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

In inflammatory arthritis it is used for its effect on local inflammation and tissue repair, once the acute flare has settled.

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

Recommended in some cases of rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis, it is one part of a broader treatment plan.

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

Both large and small joints — after reviewing your scans, the doctor decides on the joint, the method and how many injections you need

  • KneeKneePain climbing stairs and after walking, plus cartilage wear and meniscus problems
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderPain when raising the arm, wear of the joint and surrounding tendons
  • ElbowElbowPain after strain in sport or overuse, and worn surfaces inside the joint
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsPainful, stiff small joints of the wrist and fingers
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

We try to keep the joint you have rather than replace it — with 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

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

Second opinion

Second opinion

A doctor independently assesses the X-rays, MRI or reports you send — free of charge

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

Price depends on the joint, the method and your type of arthritis, and the doctor names it after the consultation

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

Other services of our clinic

Arthritis in Yola: types, methods and price

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 Yola, the diagnosis comes first.

Follow-up visits help the doctor see how the joint responds and adjust the plan. In Yola, you receive recommendations on load and activity for the first weeks after the procedure.

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 Yola, the first consultation and review of your scans are free. Leave your name and phone number to book.

Yola and the joint problems its residents describe

Yola is the capital and administrative centre of Adamawa State, Nigeria, on the Benue River. It has a population of over 392,854 as of 2006. The city is split in two. The old town is where the Lamido of Adamawa resides and is the traditional centre. Jimeta, about 5 km to the north-west, is the administrative and commercial centre. People in Yola often move between the two parts every day, and that routine shapes how they notice joint pain.

Arthritis is not one disease. It means inflammation of the joints. Residents usually mention pain that continues at rest and at night, stiffness in the morning that lasts longer than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and a joint that feels warm to the touch. A trader who stands for long hours in a Jimeta market, a teacher who walks between lessons, a driver who sits for a long time and a farmer from the surrounding plain may describe the same symptoms in different words. Each of them should treat the symptoms as a reason for a proper medical assessment, not as a normal part of getting older.

This text explains how arthritis treatment with SVF therapy can be considered by a person living in Yola. It also covers how the climate and daily rhythm of the city affect planning, and which questions are worth preparing before the online consultation. It is general information and does not replace an examination by a specialist.

What arthritis is and why the cause matters

Before any method is discussed, the cause of the inflammation has to be found. Possible causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Each one needs a different approach. A joint that is red, warm and swollen after an infection is not handled like a joint affected by gout or by an autoimmune process. For this reason a patient in Yola should gather any earlier examination results, laboratory tests and imaging before the first conversation with the specialist.

In a busy city where many people rely on local pharmacies and on advice from relatives, it is easy to treat the pain alone for months. Painkillers can reduce discomfort, but they do not show what is happening inside the joint. If the pain wakes you at night, if the morning stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes, or if a joint looks swollen and red, a diagnosis is the first step and not an optional extra.

The coordinators of City Medical Centre can help you arrange these documents for the free online consultation. They are available around the clock on Telegram and Telegram, so a resident of Yola can send photographs of results at a convenient moment and without leaving the city.

SVF therapy: what the procedure involves

SVF therapy starts with a small collection of the patient's own adipose tissue. Under local anaesthetic, a small portion of tissue, about 30 ml, is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or the inner thigh. No stitches are needed. The patient is not put to sleep, which many people in Yola find reassuring when they have work, children or elderly relatives to think about.

The collected tissue is processed to obtain the cellular fraction that the specialist plans to use. The aim is to support the tissues of the affected joint. The specialist decides in each case whether this method suits the condition. It is not offered as a universal answer for every form of arthritis, and a cause such as infection or gout still has to be dealt with by its own specific treatment.

In the online consultation you can ask exactly where the tissue would be taken from, how the area is cared for afterwards and what the specialist expects from your particular joint. Ask for answers in plain language, and write them down so that you can discuss them with your family at home.

Stages of the disease and the question of timing

Timing matters. At early stages, 1–2, SVF therapy may be considered to support blood supply to the femoral head and to delay the need for joint replacement. At later stages surgery is usually required. This difference is the main reason not to postpone an assessment.

For a resident of Yola this has a practical meaning. Many people wait until the pain interferes with walking to work, climbing into a vehicle or standing at a stall. By then the damage may be further along than the person assumes. If hip pain, groin pain or a limp has appeared, ask the specialist directly which stage your imaging suggests and what options are realistic for that stage.

An honest consultation will sometimes conclude that the method does not fit your situation. That is a useful result, because it spares you from pursuing a treatment that cannot help and points you towards the correct next step, whether that is further tests, treatment of the underlying disease or a surgical opinion.

Yola's climate and recovery

Yola has a tropical savanna climate that borders on a hot semi-arid climate, with a wet season from May to October and a dry season for the rest of the year. The city receives 872.4 mm of precipitation annually on average. August is the wettest month. No precipitation falls from December to February. Planning a procedure around these seasons helps comfort during recovery.

The heat is the main factor. March has the highest average high, 42.8 °C, and April has the highest average low, 27.0 °C. The highest temperatures occur in March and April, just before the wet season starts. During those weeks, sweating, a warm room and long periods in direct sun can make a small puncture site and a treated joint more uncomfortable. Light, loose cotton clothing, shade, enough fluids and rest during the hottest part of the day are sensible general measures. Follow whatever instructions on wound care and compression the surgeon gives you.

The dry season, especially from February to April, brings high daytime temperatures and a large difference between day and night. Humidity drops to just 13.5% in February, so dust and dry air are likely, and skin can become dry. Keep the puncture site clean and covered as instructed. In the wet season, especially from July to September, the air becomes quite humid. Moisture under clothing can irritate a dressing, so change it as advised and keep the area dry.

August and September have the lowest average high, 31.3 °C, and December has the lowest average low, 16.9 °C. Cooler spells such as these can feel easier for movement, though cool nights may increase stiffness in an inflamed joint. Warm clothing at night and gentle movement in the morning can help, within the limits that your specialist sets.

Choosing a season for treatment in Yola

No month is perfect. The hottest weeks of March and April are demanding for anyone who has to stay active outdoors. The heaviest rains of the wet season can make moving around the city and the surrounding area harder, and humid weather needs more care with dressings. Many people look for a period when they can rest at home without pressure, and this depends on your job and family calendar more than on the weather alone.

Yola receives 2,845.5 hours of sunshine annually, well distributed through the year, with November having the most and August the least. Strong sun is relevant if you spend time outside. Cover the puncture area and avoid direct sun on healing skin. A hat or head cover, an umbrella and clothing that shades the abdomen or thigh are practical and cost little.

Ask the specialist during the online consultation whether there are reasons to prefer a particular period for your type of arthritis. For inflammatory forms, the activity of the disease at the moment of treatment may matter more than the weather. Your coordinator can help you match the specialist's advice with your own calendar.

Work, study, sport and family life

Yola is the administrative centre of Adamawa State, so many residents work in offices, schools, public services and trade, particularly in Jimeta, the commercial centre. Desk workers usually find it easier to plan a return than people who lift, stand for long periods or walk a lot. Tell the specialist exactly what your day looks like, including how you get to work and whether you carry loads. Then agree what is reasonable and when.

Students face a different problem. Long hours at a desk can stiffen painful joints, and walking between classes may be tiring. Ask whether a short break from heavy activity is advisable and how to resume exercise step by step. Do not return to sport or heavy physical work on your own schedule. Ask the surgeon to explain when swimming, running or gym work is acceptable, and follow that guidance.

Family events matter in Yola. Weddings, naming ceremonies and religious gatherings can involve long days of standing, dancing, travelling between homes and heavy food preparation. Plan treatment so that it does not collide with such an event, and tell relatives in advance that you need to rest. Asking a relative to take over hosting duties for a while is a normal and sensible step.

The region around Yola offers natural places such as the Mambilla Plateau, the Kiri Dam on the Gongola River and the Yadin Waterfalls. Outings to such places involve uneven ground and long walking. Postpone them until the specialist confirms that your joint can cope.

Food, daily habits and joint health

Everyday eating affects arthritis in several ways. Gout is one of the possible causes of arthritis, and some types of joint inflammation are influenced by body weight. Extra weight loads the hips and knees. The World Health Organization describes overweight and obesity as a major health issue, and a sensible approach to weight is a recognised part of caring for joints. Without proposing any strict diet, discuss with your doctor which habits are worth reviewing.

Family meals in Yola are often shared and generous, and there is a strong custom of hospitality. This is part of the city's life and nobody should feel they have to give it up. A practical step is to talk to the specialist about portion size, how often rich dishes appear on the table and what to drink during the hot months. Staying hydrated in the dry season matters for everyone, and joint health is no exception.

Keep a short diary for a couple of weeks: which joints hurt, at what time of day, after what activity or meal, and how long the morning stiffness lasts. Bring it to the online consultation. Such notes help the specialist see the pattern and, for example, tell mechanical pain from inflammatory pain.

How the online consultation works from Yola

The consultation is free and takes place online, so you stay in Yola. Coordinators are available 24/7 on Telegram and Telegram. You write to them, describe your complaint briefly and send the documents you have: earlier results, imaging reports and a list of the medicines you take. They then arrange the conversation with the specialist.

Prepare your questions beforehand. Useful ones are: what is the likely cause of my arthritis, what stage is my joint at, is SVF therapy suitable for me or only for an earlier stage, what exactly happens during the collection of the 30 ml of tissue, what should I do for the puncture site afterwards, which activities should I avoid and for how long, and what signs mean I should contact the team at once.

If your internet connection is unreliable, send your questions and documents in writing first, so that nothing is lost if the video call is interrupted. A relative can join the conversation to help you remember the answers. After the call, ask for the main points in a written message so that you can reread them calmly.

Who is a candidate and who is not

In general terms, the method is considered for people whose joint damage is at an early stage, where the aim is to support the tissues and delay more invasive steps. At later stages surgery is usually required, and the specialist will say so plainly. A person with an active infection, an untreated cause of arthritis or a condition that makes a minor procedure unsafe may need other treatment first.

Tell the specialist about every medicine, including blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs and treatments for autoimmune conditions. Mention allergies, chronic illnesses such as diabetes and any earlier operations. If you have a skin problem on the abdomen or inner thigh, mention it too, because those are the usual places for tissue collection.

The decision is made after the examination of your documents and a discussion, never from a general description. Nobody can promise a particular outcome, and you should be wary of anyone who does.

Can I have the first consultation without leaving Yola?

Yes. The first consultation is free and takes place online. You contact the coordinators on Telegram or Telegram at any hour, send your documents and agree a time for the conversation with the specialist.

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

Typical signs of arthritis are pain even at rest and at night, stiffness on waking that lasts more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and a warm joint. Only an examination and tests can confirm the diagnosis and find the cause, so do not rely on self-diagnosis.

What can cause arthritis?

Possible causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Treatment depends on the cause, which is why the cause has to be established first.

What does SVF therapy 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 specialist explains the next steps in the consultation.

At which stage can SVF therapy be considered?

At early stages, 1–2, it may be considered to support blood supply to the femoral head and to delay the need for joint replacement. At later stages surgery is usually required.

How does the heat of Yola affect recovery?

March has the highest average high, 42.8 °C, and the hottest weeks come in March and April. Heat and sweating can make a puncture site and a swollen joint more uncomfortable. Wear light clothing, keep out of direct sun, drink enough fluids and follow the care instructions you are given.

Does the rainy season change anything?

From July to September the air can be quite humid, so dressings may get damp and irritate the skin. Keep the area dry and change dressings as advised. Heavy rain can also complicate movement around the city, so plan rest days at home.

When can I go back to work or sport?

This depends on your job, your joint and your general condition. Desk work is usually easier to resume than heavy physical work. Ask the specialist for a clear plan for work, swimming and exercise, and do not go back to strenuous activity before you have it.

What should I send to the coordinators before the consultation?

Send earlier test results, imaging reports, a list of your medicines and allergies, and a short diary of your symptoms. The more precise your information, the more useful the conversation will be.