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Gonarthrosis and Coxarthrosis Treatment in Kisumu

SVF cells and platelet-rich plasma for joints worn by arthrosis — knee, hip and others. Stage checked through a free review of your X-rays or MRI

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)?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, also referred to as arthrosis, in which the joint's cartilage thins and erodes step by step. As the cushioning layer fails, bones start rubbing together — the source of pain, stiffness and a reduced range of movement. It is a wear-related, degenerative disease; swollen flare-ups can still appear.

  • 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

The doctor decides on suitability once you have been examined and your scans have been reviewed

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, flu or fever, or inflamed skin over the joint planned for treatment

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, and platelet-rich plasma with growth factors is later made from it.

Adipose tissue sample3

Adipose tissue sample

About 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a puncture in the abdomen or inner thigh, with local anaesthetic. The puncture needs no stitches.

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

With ultrasound guiding the needle, the prepared material is injected directly into the affected joint and placed precisely.

Follow-up6

Follow-up

No crutches, no stay in hospital. The doctor keeps in contact after the procedure and watches how your joint responds.

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

Nothing synthetic, nothing from donors — only your own blood and adipose tissue are used

Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue

A little of your adipose tissue is taken and processed so that the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) can be separated: cells that help tissues repair. This is combined with your own plasma and injected into the joint affected by the disease.

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

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

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

The joint receives an injection of plasma rich in platelets and growth factors, prepared from a small amount of your blood. It helps reduce inflammation and creates a better setting for tissue repair.

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

It is often applied in mild osteoarthritis, and alongside SVF when a stronger effect is called for.

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 and small joints alike. The joint, the technique and the number of injections are chosen by the doctor based on your scans

  • KneeKneeStairs and walking cause pain; cartilage wear and meniscus problems
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderJoint and tendon wear around it, pain on lifting the arm
  • ElbowElbowPain after sports strain or overuse, plus wear of the joint surfaces
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsStiff and sore small joints in the wrist and the fingers
  • 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

Nothing synthetic, nothing from donors — only your own blood and adipose tissue are used

No crutches

No crutches

Punctures in place of incisions, local anaesthetic and no lengthy rehabilitation period

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

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

Osteoarthritis treatment prices

Because the cost varies with the joint, the osteoarthritis stage and the method, 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

How osteoarthritis is treated without surgery for Kisumu residents

Cartilage works as a shock absorber. When it thins, the bones start to rub against each other, and the joint becomes painful and less mobile. Osteoarthritis in Kisumu is a degenerative condition rather than an inflammatory one, although flare-ups with swelling happen.

Osteoarthritis treatment in Kisumu is not done with cancer, acute infections, blood clotting disorders, during pregnancy or during a flare-up of a serious chronic illness. The doctor checks this at the consultation.

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 before any procedure.

Kisumu and why joint health matters here

Kisumu is the third-largest city in Kenya, set on the shores of Lake Victoria at the northeastern edge of the Winam Gulf. The city has a population of 438,588 according to the recent 2026 population estimates, and the metro region including Maseno and Ahero is counted at 457,160 people in the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census. It is a commercial and industrial centre, a trade link between the lake and Mombasa, and the capital of Kisumu County.

For a city like this, knee, hip and hand joints carry a lot of daily weight. People walk through busy streets, work on their feet in markets and offices, study on university campuses, play rugby and basketball, and look after large families. When a joint begins to hurt on stairs, after sitting, or at the end of a working day, the effect shows up in all of these areas at once.

This text is written for residents of Kisumu who are considering a remote consultation about osteoarthritis treatment. It explains how the process works from your own city, what to ask, how the climate and local rhythm of life affect planning, and which medical points are fixed. It does not replace an examination, and a treatment decision is always made individually.

What osteoarthritis is and how it differs from arthritis

Patients in Kisumu often use the words arthritis and osteoarthritis as if they meant the same thing. They do not. 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.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition of wear and gradual change in the joint. It is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. This matters when you plan your year in Kisumu: the goal is not a one-day fix but a sequence of steps that you and the doctor agree on and review.

If your joint is hot, red and swollen, or the pain wakes you at night, say so clearly during the consultation. Those signs point toward an inflammatory cause, and the specialist will want to clarify the diagnosis before discussing any form of treatment.

How the remote consultation works from Kisumu

You contact the centre from your own city. The online consultation is free, and coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on Telegram and Telegram. You can write at any hour, whether you are at home near the lake, between lectures or after a shift.

A useful first message is short: which joint hurts, for how long, what makes it worse, and what you have already tried. If you have X-ray or MRI reports, photographs of them are helpful, and so is a list of your medicines and chronic conditions. The coordinator passes this to the specialist, and you receive an assessment of whether the case looks suitable for the approach under discussion.

The conversation is not a promise of treatment. It is a way to understand your stage, your options and the questions that remain, so that you can decide calmly with your family. Many Kisumu patients prefer to involve a spouse or an adult child, and it is fine to include them in the chat.

Stage of the disease and what SVF therapy can and cannot do

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. Honest staging is therefore the most important part of the first conversation.

SVF therapy uses your 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. The material is then processed and used within the treatment plan chosen by the doctor.

If imaging shows an advanced stage, a good specialist will say so directly and discuss surgical options instead. Ask for that candour. A patient in Kisumu who hears the real stage can plan work, family and finances sensibly, rather than hoping for something the joint cannot deliver.

Timing of the result and realistic expectations

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. These are the only timing figures that can be given, and they vary from person to person.

Because osteoarthritis is chronic, the result is not treated as the end of the story. Plan for follow-up, for movement that protects the joint, and for a conversation about repeating or adjusting the plan if symptoms return.

In practical terms, do not schedule an important event, such as a wedding, a graduation or a rugby sevens weekend, as the date by which you must feel better. Allow the six-month period to run, and judge progress against your own baseline rather than against other people.

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. Because of the elevation of 1,131 m, temperatures are moderate, with an average of 22.9 °C. The city lies 11 km south of the equator, so the sun is strong throughout the year.

For a small puncture site on the abdomen or inner thigh, general advice applies: keep the area clean and dry, follow the wound care instructions you receive, and avoid rubbing it with tight or damp clothing. Humid weather and sweat can irritate a healing site, so choose loose, breathable cotton clothes.

During the wettest weeks, around April, wet roads and slippery steps are a practical concern for anyone with a painful knee or hip. Plan your routes, wear shoes with a firm grip, and consider a walking aid if the specialist agrees. In the drier weeks, around January, outdoor walking is easier, which makes it a convenient time to build gentle activity into the day. Strong sun is also a reason to protect the puncture site from direct exposure while it heals.

Work, study, sport and family life in Kisumu

Kisumu is a commercial centre and the market for agricultural produce from Nyanza and Western regions. Many residents spend long hours standing, lifting or walking, from trading and transport to farming around the lake basin. Discuss your exact duties with the doctor so that the plan for returning to work fits what you really do, rather than a general description.

The city is also home to Maseno University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Great Lakes University and several other campuses, so students and academic staff are part of the community. Desk-based work and long hours in lecture rooms can stiffen the joints, so ask about stretching and short movement breaks.

Sport is part of the city's identity, with Kisumu RFC, the Dala sevens tournament, Kisumu Lakeside basketball and football at Moi Stadium. If you play or coach, ask when running, jumping and contact are sensible again, and how to build up gradually. Family events, from weddings to funerals, often involve long hours of standing, sitting on low seats and travelling by road, so check your calendar with the specialist before choosing a date.

Food, weight and joint load

Kisumu sits on a large freshwater lake and in a fertile farming region. Fish, vegetables and local staples are part of everyday meals, and many households cook at home. A balanced diet supports general health and helps with weight control, which matters because extra body weight adds load to the knees and hips.

The WHO publishes a fact sheet on obesity and overweight that explains why body weight is a health issue in general. Nobody should read it as a judgement. If the doctor suggests gradual weight management, it is one part of the ongoing plan that osteoarthritis requires, together with movement and follow-up.

Ask the specialist for practical advice that suits local food habits instead of a generic diet sheet. Small and realistic changes that your household can keep are more useful than a strict plan that lasts two weeks.

Who may be a candidate and who should be cautious

In general terms, the best candidates are adults with confirmed osteoarthritis at an early stage, who have joint pain that limits daily life and who are ready to follow an ongoing plan. Imaging and a clear diagnosis come first.

Caution is needed with active infection, inflammatory disease that has not been clarified, serious chronic illness, blood-clotting problems or medicines that affect bleeding, and pregnancy. Joints at an advanced stage generally need a surgical conversation. Mention every condition and every medicine, including traditional or herbal remedies, so the specialist has the full picture.

For national standards on diagnosis and management, the NICE guideline Osteoarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG226) is a useful reference that you can discuss with your own doctor in Kisumu.

Questions to ask the surgeon

Prepare your questions before the call, and write the answers down. Useful ones include: What stage is my joint, and what is this based on? Is this approach suitable for that stage, or is surgery more realistic? What exactly is taken, from where, and under which anaesthetic? What will the puncture site look like and how should I care for it?

Also ask: When might I notice the first changes, and when is the result considered stable? What do I do if symptoms return? Which exercises should I do and which should I avoid? When can I return to work and to sport? What follow-up will be arranged with a local doctor in Kisumu, and what information should I bring to that doctor?

Finally, ask what could make you an unsuitable candidate, and what the doctor would do in that case. A clear answer is a good sign of a careful approach.

Is the online consultation really free for people in Kisumu?

Yes. The online consultation is free, and you contact the centre from your own city. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on Telegram and Telegram.

What should I send in my first message?

Say which joint hurts, how long it has hurt, what makes it worse and what you have tried. Add photographs of any X-ray or MRI reports and a list of medicines and chronic conditions.

What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?

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. Osteoarthritis is chronic and needs an ongoing plan.

Can SVF therapy replace joint 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.

How is the tissue collected?

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.

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.

Is one treatment enough?

Osteoarthritis is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. Your specialist will explain follow-up and what to do if symptoms return.

Does the climate in Kisumu affect healing?

Kisumu is humid, with rainfall year-round and a strong equatorial sun. Wear loose breathable clothing, keep the puncture site clean and dry, protect it from direct sun, and take care on wet, slippery surfaces.

When is the best season to plan treatment?

There is no true dry season, but January is the driest month and April the wettest. Many people prefer a calmer period without major events, and the final choice depends on your work, family plans and the doctor's advice.

Can I play rugby, basketball or football afterwards?

Ask the specialist for a personal plan. Return to sport depends on your joint, your stage and how you respond, and it should be gradual rather than rushed.