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Osteoarthritis Treatment for Patients from Ashaiman

Arthrosis of the knee, hip or another joint treated with SVF cells and PRP. Your X-rays or MRI are reviewed free of charge to confirm the stage

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 osteoarthritis
(arthrosis)?

In osteoarthritis, sometimes called arthrosis, the joint's cartilage lining wears away bit by bit over years. That cartilage normally absorbs shock; once it breaks down, bone rubs on bone and the joint becomes painful, stiff and less mobile. It is a disease of wear rather than inflammation, even if episodes of swelling happen.

  • 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

A doctor examines you, reviews your scans and then decides whether the treatment is suitable

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 fever, a cold or flu, or skin inflammation over the joint 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

Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount. Later, platelet-rich plasma containing growth factors is prepared from it.

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 required.

Processing in a centrifuge4

Processing in a centrifuge

After spinning in a centrifuge, the sample forms layers. The stromal vascular fraction is isolated from them and mixed with the platelet-rich plasma.

Injection into the joint5

Injection into the joint

The prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance, which helps place it precisely.

Follow-up6

Follow-up

There is no hospital stay and you will not need crutches. The doctor remains in contact 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

Only your own adipose tissue and blood — no synthetic or donor material

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

A small sample of your adipose tissue is processed to isolate the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) — a mix of cells involved in tissue repair. Combined with your own plasma, it is injected into the affected joint.

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

At early and moderate stages of osteoarthritis it is used mainly to reduce friction between the joint surfaces and slow cartilage wear.

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

Taken from a small amount of your blood, plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is injected into the joint. There it helps calm inflammation and sets up better conditions for tissue repair.

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

Mild osteoarthritis is a common indication; when a stronger effect is needed, it is used together with SVF.

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

Treatment for both large and small joints — your scans guide the doctor's choice of joint, method and number of injections

  • KneeKneeStairs and walking cause pain; cartilage wear and meniscus problems
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderPain while raising the arm and wear of the joint and its tendons
  • ElbowElbowWorn joint surfaces and pain following overuse or sports strain
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsPain with stiffness in the small joints of fingers and wrist
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

Treatment without surgery — our aim is to keep your own joint, not to replace it

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

Only your own adipose tissue and blood — no synthetic or donor material

No crutches

No crutches

No long rehabilitation: local anaesthetic and punctures instead of incisions

Second opinion

Second opinion

A doctor will assess your X-rays, MRI or reports independently and free of charge — just send them

Support after the procedure

Support after the procedure

Not just the injection day — we stay in touch after the procedure and follow your result

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

Osteoarthritis treatment prices

Since the joint, the method and the stage of osteoarthritis determine the cost, it is named by the doctor after the consultation

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

Other services of our clinic

Osteoarthritis in Ashaiman: from X-ray to follow-up

For patients from Ashaiman, the aim is to keep your own joint as long as possible. The milder the stage, the faster and longer-lasting the effect usually is, and it may reduce the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections.

The right activity strengthens the muscles that unload the joint and helps cartilage nutrition. Patients from Ashaiman are advised swimming, cycling, Nordic walking or yoga, and to avoid running on hard surfaces, jumping and heavy lifting.

Book a free consultation in Ashaiman to find out whether SVF or PRP could slow your osteoarthritis. The doctor names the price after examining the joint.

Ashaiman and why joint health matters here

Ashaiman is a large town and the capital of the Ashaiman Municipal District in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. According to the 2021 census, the town together with the district has a population of 208,060 people. It is a busy, working place. Many residents spend long hours on their feet, carry loads, climb into and out of vehicles, stand at market stalls or work in workshops, and these everyday demands are felt first in the knees, hips, hands and spine.

Osteoarthritis is the wear-related condition of a joint in which cartilage thins, the joint becomes stiff and painful, and movement gradually shrinks. In a town where almost everyone is expected to keep moving, a painful knee or hip is not only a medical problem. It affects income, family duties and independence. That is why people in Ashaiman often start asking about treatment options only when pain begins to interfere with work, rather than when it first appears.

This text explains how osteoarthritis treatment, including SVF therapy based on a patient's own adipose tissue, can be planned from Ashaiman: what to ask, when to start, how the local climate and daily rhythm influence recovery, and how the free online consultation with our coordinators works.

Climate in Ashaiman and its effect on recovery

Ashaiman has a tropical savanna climate, with a wet season and a dry season and hot temperatures all year. Average annual rainfall ranges from 730 to 790 mm. The wet season usually starts from April to June, while the dry period runs from September to November. For a patient planning treatment, this means that heat is a constant factor, and only humidity, rain and dust change from one season to another.

After a procedure in which a small portion of fat is taken through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, the small puncture site should be kept clean and dry. In hot, humid weather, sweating can irritate the skin under clothing or a dressing, so loose breathable fabrics and gentle hygiene are sensible. Your surgeon will tell you what to wear over the puncture area and for how long. Follow that advice rather than general rules.

In the wet months, slippery ground and flooded paths are a real concern for someone with a painful knee or hip. A fall is the last thing a recovering joint needs. Plan sturdy footwear, a walking aid if the doctor recommends one, and a route that avoids uneven, wet surfaces. In the dry months, dust and strong heat call for plenty of fluids, shade and a lighter schedule in the middle of the day.

Swelling in the legs can increase in hot weather. If your doctor suggests compression garments or elevating the leg, ask exactly how to combine this with a hot climate, and whether any alternatives exist for days when the heat is unbearable.

Daily life, work and family routines in Ashaiman

The biggest economic sector in Ashaiman is agriculture, followed by manufacturing and services. That mix means many different physical demands: bending and lifting in farm work, standing for long periods on a production line or at a workbench, and sitting or driving for hours in services and transport. Each of these loads joints differently, and the plan after treatment should be tailored to the specific job.

Before the consultation, write down what a normal working day looks like: how many hours you stand, how much you lift, how often you climb stairs, and what position hurts most. This helps the specialist judge which joint is carrying the heaviest load and how soon you can realistically return to your tasks. Someone who works while seated can often return to work sooner than someone who carries loads, but the timing is decided by your doctor, not by general rules.

Families in Ashaiman are often large and closely connected, and relatives help each other with childcare, shopping and cooking. During recovery, accept that help. Ask a family member to take over heavy household tasks such as carrying water, lifting shopping and cleaning, so that the joint is not overloaded while it is being treated. Bring a relative into the online consultation if you wish, so that they understand the plan and can support it.

Food, weight and the load on the joints

Ashaiman is home to many communities: Ga-Adangbe, Ga, Guan, Hausa, Fante, Dagomba, Ewe, Ashanti and Akuapem among them. Each brings its own food traditions, and the town's markets and street food are part of daily life. Nobody needs to give up their cuisine to look after their joints, but the balance of portions, fried foods and sugary drinks matters, because extra body weight increases the load on the knees and hips.

The World Health Organization treats excess weight as a significant health issue and describes it as a risk factor for chronic disease. For osteoarthritis, the practical meaning is simple: if weight is a factor in your case, even moderate and gradual changes can ease the strain on weight-bearing joints. Ask the specialist whether weight management should be part of your plan and how to build it around the foods your family actually cooks.

Gentle movement helps too. Walking on flat ground in the cooler early morning or evening hours, simple strengthening exercises and stretching can keep muscles around the joint working. Before starting any programme, confirm with the doctor which activities are suitable for your stage of osteoarthritis and which should wait.

What patients in Ashaiman ask about osteoarthritis treatment

The questions are usually practical. Is the pain from osteoarthritis or from another type of arthritis? Can treatment help me keep working? Will I need joint replacement? How long before I feel any change? How is SVF therapy different from simply taking pain relief? These are sensible questions, and a good consultation answers each of them without pressure.

It is useful to understand the difference between osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. Typical signs are pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. If your symptoms look like this, the first step is to establish the cause, because the treatment differs.

Another common question is whether treatment replaces surgery. 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. So the stage of the disease, confirmed by examination and imaging, is the key to an honest answer. Bring any existing X-ray or scan reports and doctors' notes to the consultation.

How the procedure works and what to expect

The procedure is done 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 used in therapy. Ask your specialist to explain each step in plain language, including where the material comes from, how it is prepared and how it is used for your particular joint.

Many patients notice the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result forms over about six months and can last from several months to several years, depending on the individual. This range is wide for a reason: age, the stage of osteoarthritis, body weight, activity and general health all influence the outcome. No honest doctor can promise the same effect for everyone.

Osteoarthritis is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. Think of SVF therapy as one part of long-term care that may also include exercise, weight management, suitable footwear and regular reviews. Ask the specialist what a realistic follow-up schedule looks like and what you should do if symptoms return.

Choosing the season and planning around Ashaiman life

Since heat is present all year in Ashaiman, the choice of season is mostly about rain, humidity and your own commitments. The wet season, usually from April to June, brings slippery ground and heavy downpours that make moving around harder for someone with a painful joint. The dry period from September to November is generally easier for walking, although dust and strong sun need attention.

Look at your calendar before deciding. Family ceremonies, religious festivals, harvest or busy trading periods, school fees deadlines and work contracts all affect how much rest you can afford. Christianity is followed by approximately 80% of residents and Islam by 16.5%, and religious holidays and gatherings are important dates for many families. Standing for long hours at services or prayers, or helping to prepare large gatherings, can strain a recovering joint, so plan lighter participation during the early weeks.

Also consider the first weeks after the procedure, when you will want to observe the first changes and avoid overloading the joint. If possible, arrange a calmer period at work and at home, and agree on this with your employer or family in advance. Your surgeon will confirm the activity limits and when to resume normal tasks.

Return to work, sport and everyday activity

Return to work depends on the type of job, the joint treated and how you feel. Desk or seated work is usually easier to resume than work involving lifting, long standing or climbing. Ask your specialist for a written outline: what you may do in the first days, what to avoid for the first weeks and when to increase the load. Share this with your employer if needed.

Sport is an important part of life in Ashaiman, whether it is football on a local pitch, running in the cooler hours or simple community games. After treatment, do not rush back. Start with walking, then light exercise, and add intensity gradually while monitoring pain and swelling. If the joint becomes hot, swollen or painful again, stop and contact your coordinator or doctor rather than pushing through.

Students and teachers have their own timetable pressures, with long periods of sitting, carrying bags and moving between classrooms. Younger patients with joint pain after injury should discuss their situation separately, because the cause and treatment may differ from age-related osteoarthritis.

Candidates, contraindications and questions for the surgeon

In general terms, the best candidates are people with confirmed osteoarthritis at an early stage, who have persistent joint pain and stiffness and who are ready to follow a long-term plan. People with advanced joint damage usually need a different approach, since surgery is usually required at later stages. Active infection, certain blood or immune disorders, some chronic illnesses and other conditions may make the procedure unsuitable. Only an individual examination can decide this, so be completely open about your medical history and any medicines you take.

Prepare a list of questions for the surgeon: What stage is my osteoarthritis? Is my pain really caused by osteoarthritis or by another condition? What are the possible side effects? What happens if the effect is smaller than expected? How will progress be measured? What are the alternatives, including physiotherapy and medication? When should I consider joint replacement?

Ask also about follow-up: who will answer my questions in the weeks after the procedure, and how can I send photos or reports? Clear answers to these questions show whether the plan is realistic.

Remote consultation from Ashaiman

The first consultation is free and online, so you can take part from home in Ashaiman. Our coordinators are available 24/7 on Telegram and Telegram. Write a short message describing which joint hurts, for how long, and what you have already tried. Then attach any X-rays, scan results or doctors' notes you have, photographed clearly.

The coordinator will collect your details and arrange a conversation with a specialist who reviews your history and the stage of the disease. You can ask all your questions, including those listed above, and decide without hurry whether to go further. If the specialist thinks the procedure is unsuitable, you will be told that honestly.

Stable mobile data matters for a video call, so choose a quiet moment and place. If connection is uneven, the coordinator can continue the conversation in messages and voice notes. Bring a relative if you would like support, and keep a note of what was said so you can discuss it with family before making a decision.

Is the consultation really free for people in Ashaiman?

Yes. The online consultation is free. You contact the coordinators on Telegram or Telegram, send your complaints and any medical documents, and a specialist reviews them with you. Coordinators are available around the clock, so you can write at a time that suits your working day.

How do I know whether my joint pain is osteoarthritis or another kind of arthritis?

Only an examination and tests can say for certain. Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints. Typical signs are pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. Causes include autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. If you notice these signs, mention them at the start of the consultation.

How much tissue is taken, and is the procedure complicated?

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. Your specialist will explain every step and what care the puncture site needs, especially in Ashaiman's hot and humid weather.

When will I notice a change?

Many patients notice the first changes 2–3 weeks after the procedure. A stable result forms over about six months and can last from several months to several years, depending on the individual. Results differ from person to person, so ask the specialist what is realistic in your case.

Can this treatment replace joint replacement surgery?

Not in every case. 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 stage of your disease must be confirmed by a doctor before any decision.

Is one procedure enough?

Osteoarthritis is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. Treatment is usually combined with exercise, weight management, suitable footwear and regular reviews. Ask the specialist to describe the long-term plan and when to schedule follow-up.

Which season in Ashaiman is better for treatment?

Heat is constant in Ashaiman. The wet season usually starts from April to June, with slippery ground that raises the risk of falls, while the dry period is from September to November, with more dust and strong sun. Many people prefer the drier months for easier walking, but your work, family events and rest possibilities matter just as much.

Does my weight affect osteoarthritis?

Extra body weight increases the load on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips, and the World Health Organization describes excess weight as a health risk. Ask the specialist whether weight management should be part of your plan, and how to adapt it to the meals your family normally prepares.

What should I prepare before writing to the coordinators?

Note which joint hurts, how long, what makes it worse, which medicines you take and any other illnesses. Photograph existing X-rays, scan results and doctors' notes clearly. Add a short description of your job and daily routine, as it helps the specialist plan your recovery realistically.