City Medical Centre · multi-specialty surgery clinicOpen 24/7

Osteoarthritis Treatment for Patients from Klerksdorp

We treat arthrosis in the knee, hip and other joints with SVF cell therapy and PRP, and review your X-rays or MRI for free to judge the stage

Knee joint: regenerative treatment without surgery
Joint treatment without surgery. Free consultation and review of your scans

Message our coordinator

Free online consultation · Reply within 15 minutes

Message us on Telegram

By messaging us, you agree to our Privacy Policy

What it is

What is osteoarthritis
(arthrosis)?

With osteoarthritis (arthrosis), the cartilage that lines a joint gradually wears away over time. This cartilage is the joint's shock absorber, and when it is lost the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and limited mobility. The condition is degenerative, not inflammatory, although it can flare up with swelling.

  • 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

Your scans are reviewed and you are examined — then a doctor decides 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: inflammation of the skin over the joint to be treated, 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

How it works

How the procedure goes: step by step

Consultation and scan review1

Consultation and scan review

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

Blood sample for PRP2

Blood sample for PRP

From a vein, a small amount of blood is taken — it will later be used to prepare platelet-rich plasma with growth factors.

Adipose tissue sample3

Adipose tissue sample

Roughly 30 ml of adipose tissue is taken through a puncture on the inner thigh or abdomen under local anaesthetic. No stitches are needed.

Processing in a centrifuge4

Processing in a centrifuge

The sample is centrifuged so that it splits into layers. The stromal vascular fraction is then isolated and mixed with 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

You go without crutches and without a hospital stay; the doctor keeps in touch afterwards 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

No donor or synthetic material: we use only your own blood and adipose tissue

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

Most often it is applied in early and moderate osteoarthritis, helping slow the wear of cartilage and reduce friction in the joint.

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

Plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is obtained from a small volume of your blood and injected into the joint, where it helps calm inflammation and improves conditions for tissue repair.

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

Often chosen for mild osteoarthritis, and paired with SVF if a stronger effect is needed.

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

  • KneeKneeMeniscus issues, wearing cartilage, stairs and walking bring pain
  • HipHipEarly hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
  • ShoulderShoulderLifting the arm hurts; the joint and surrounding tendons are worn
  • ElbowElbowPain from overuse or sports load, with worn joint surfaces
  • Hand and wrist jointsHand and wrist jointsFinger and wrist small joints affected by pain and stiffness
  • AnkleAnklePain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries

Advantages

Why patients choose City Medical Centre

Instead of replacing your joint, we work to keep it — treatment without surgery

Your own tissue

Your own tissue

No donor or synthetic material: we use only your own blood and adipose tissue

No crutches

No crutches

Local anaesthetic, punctures rather than incisions, and no long rehabilitation

Second opinion

Second opinion

Your X-rays, MRI or reports are assessed independently by a doctor at no charge once you 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

Pricing depends on which joint, which method and the stage of osteoarthritis; the doctor gives the cost after the consultation

FAQ

Joint treatment: frequently asked questions

About the conditions

More about these conditions

About osteoarthritis treatment for patients from Klerksdorp

Osteoarthritis is not the same as arthritis. Arthrosis is wear of the cartilage; arthritis is inflammation with pain at rest, swelling and warmth. The approach differs, so the diagnosis comes first for everyone in Klerksdorp.

Many patients in Klerksdorp 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.

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

Klerksdorp and the question of living with osteoarthritis

Klerksdorp sits in the North West Province, about 165 km southeast of Mahikeng, the provincial capital. It grew as a trading town linking Kimberley to Johannesburg and became home to a mix of farmers, miners and immigrants serving the two industries. Many families here have a working history that is physical: shafts, fields, workshops and long hours on foot. When a knee, hip or hand begins to ache, people in a city like this often put up with it for years before asking what can be done.

Osteoarthritis is exactly that kind of problem. It tends to arrive slowly, with stiffness after sitting, pain on stairs and a shorter walking distance. Osteoarthritis is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection. Below we explain how a patient in Klerksdorp can think about SVF therapy, what the procedure involves, and how to prepare questions before making a decision.

City Medical Centre offers a free online consultation. Coordinators are available around the clock (24/7) on Telegram and Telegram, so a patient in Klerksdorp can send the first questions and a description of imaging from home and receive an answer at a convenient moment.

What SVF therapy involves, in plain terms

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 stromal vascular fraction, which is the material used in the treatment of the joint.

For a patient in Klerksdorp the practical meaning is simple: the collection step is small, done under local anaesthetic, and does not leave a wound that needs suturing. This matters for people who cannot take long periods away from work or family duties.

Ask the specialist to explain each stage in order: collection, processing, delivery to the joint and the follow-up plan. A clear answer to each step is a good sign of an honest consultation.

Is it arthritis or osteoarthritis? Know the difference

Patients often use the two words as if they meant the same thing. 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.

This distinction affects the plan. A hot, red, swollen joint with night pain calls for a proper medical work-up of the cause before any regenerative option is discussed. Osteoarthritis, by contrast, is mainly a wear-related condition of cartilage and surrounding tissues.

Klerksdorp is a notable medical centre for North West Province and Northern Free State, with private hospitals in the city. A local blood test and an X-ray are therefore realistic to arrange, and the results can be shared during the online consultation to help sort out which condition is present.

Stages, candidates and who should be cautious

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 planning means accepting this: the therapy is not a substitute for an operation when the joint is badly damaged.

In general terms, good candidates are adults with confirmed early osteoarthritis who want to postpone surgery and who are ready to follow a long-term plan with exercise and weight management. People with an active infection, an untreated inflammatory disease or a general illness that has not been assessed should discuss this with the doctor first, because those situations may be contraindications.

The WHO treats overweight and obesity as a major health concern, and extra body weight loads the knees and hips. A realistic plan for a Klerksdorp patient therefore often combines the procedure with gradual weight control and joint-friendly activity.

Climate in Klerksdorp and recovery

Klerksdorp has a semi-arid climate with warm to hot summers and cool, dry winters. Average annual precipitation is 482 mm, with most of the rainfall in summer. For recovery this gives two different pictures.

In the hot summer months, the small puncture area on the abdomen or thigh should be kept clean and protected from sweat, dust and direct sun. Loose, breathable clothing helps, and long walks in midday heat are better avoided while the area settles. Staying hydrated is sensible general advice.

In the cool, dry winter, joints often feel stiffer in the morning, so symptoms may be noticed more clearly. Warm-up movements and layered clothing help. Winter can be a comfortable time for a quiet recovery because heat, dust and outdoor activity are lower, but the right season is a personal decision to discuss with the doctor.

Work, farming, mining and daily life

Klerksdorp is one of the hubs of the South African gold mining industry, and the district is a major contributor to agriculture, with maize, sorghum, groundnuts and sunflower among the crops. It is also known for Sussex cattle herds, and the city is home to the largest agricultural co-op in the Southern Hemisphere, Senwes. People who work on farms, in mines or in related trades place a lot of load on their knees, hips, hands and lower back.

Ask the specialist when heavy lifting, kneeling, climbing and long standing can be resumed. The answer depends on the joint treated and on how you feel, so describe your job precisely. Office workers in banks, national departments and agencies, which have branches in the city, usually return to desk work sooner than those in physical trades.

Many patients also care for children, drive around the district on the N12 highway, or run small businesses. Plan the collection day with someone who can help at home and arrange lighter duties for the first period.

Sport, walking and leisure in the city

Klerksdorp offers many ways to stay moving. The Oudorp hiking trail is 12 km long and winds through the oldest parts of town. The Faan Meintjies Nature Reserve lies about 15 km away, and the Johan Neser Dam is about 10 km outside the city. The Harry Oppenheimer Stadium hosts school athletics competitions, which shows how active the local sports culture is.

After a joint procedure, the return to walking, hiking, running or school sport should be gradual and agreed with the doctor. Do not test the joint on a long trail in the first period. Start with flat, short walks, then increase as comfort allows.

Low-impact activity such as gentle cycling, walking on even ground and strengthening exercises supports a joint over the long term. Ask for a written activity plan that fits your own sport, whether you are a parent who walks with children or a retired player returning to a club.

Food, family events and planning

Food culture in a farming region is hearty, with maize-based dishes, meat and social gatherings around the braai. Family celebrations and weekend meals are important, and a patient may not want to miss them. Plan the procedure so that a major event does not fall in the first days after collection, when the puncture area needs rest and care.

Weight matters for osteoarthritis, so use the planning period to talk to the doctor or a dietitian about balanced portions without turning it into a strict regime. Small, steady changes are easier to keep than dramatic ones.

Timing of results should also be kept in mind. 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. Do not plan a wedding or sporting event a few days later around an expected improvement.

How the remote consultation works from Klerksdorp

The first contact is free and online. Write to the coordinators on Telegram or Telegram at any time, since they are available 24/7. Describe which joint hurts, for how long, what makes it worse and what treatment you have tried. Send available X-ray or MRI reports and a list of medicines.

The specialist reviews the information, asks follow-up questions and explains whether SVF therapy may be considered at your stage. If the picture suggests a later stage or an inflammatory cause, you will be told that other care may be more suitable.

Good questions to ask: What stage do my images suggest? Is my condition osteoarthritis or an inflammatory arthritis? What will the collection involve? What follow-up, exercise and weight plan do you recommend? What should I do if the joint becomes more painful? Private hospitals in Klerksdorp can help with routine tests and follow-up checks, and the plan can follow guidance such as NICE NG226 on osteoarthritis diagnosis and management.

Can I start osteoarthritis treatment planning from Klerksdorp?

You can start with a free online consultation from Klerksdorp. Coordinators answer 24/7 on Telegram and Telegram, and the specialist reviews your history and imaging remotely.

How much tissue is taken for 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.

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.

How long does the effect last?

It can last from several months to several years, depending on the individual. Osteoarthritis is chronic, so it needs an ongoing plan rather than a single injection.

Is SVF therapy suitable at every stage?

At early stages (1–2), it 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.

What is the difference between arthritis and osteoarthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints with pain at rest and at night, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, swelling, redness and warmth. Causes include rheumatoid arthritis, infections, gout and psoriasis. Osteoarthritis is mainly a wear-related condition.

Does the Klerksdorp summer affect recovery?

Summers are warm to hot, so protect the puncture area from sweat, dust and sun, wear breathable clothing and stay hydrated. Avoid long midday walks while the area settles.

Can I keep working on a farm or in the mines?

Describe your tasks to the specialist. Heavy lifting, kneeling and climbing should be resumed gradually according to the doctor's advice, while desk work usually resumes sooner.

Can I go hiking on the Oudorp trail or in the nature reserve afterwards?

Yes, but build up slowly. Start with short, flat walks and increase distance as the joint feels comfortable, following the activity plan from your doctor.

What should I prepare for the online consultation?

Prepare a description of your symptoms, X-ray or MRI reports, a list of medicines and your questions about stage, plan, recovery and follow-up.