Osteoarthritis Treatment in Soweto: Steps and Results
SVF cell therapy and PRP for knee, hip and other joints affected by arthrosis. A free review of your X-rays or MRI to check the stage
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Own tissue — your blood and adipose tissue
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation
and review of your scans
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.
Knees (gonarthrosis) and hips (coxarthrosis) are affected most, since they carry the greatest load, followed by the ankle and the small joints of the hand. The treatment works best early or at a moderate stage, before the joint surfaces are badly worn; in advanced cases the doctor will tell you frankly if a joint replacement is more realistic.
No surgery — an injection instead of an operation
Ultrasound guidance for every injection
Free consultation and review of your scans
Joints we treat
Large or small joints: your scans come first, then the doctor decides on the joint, the method and the number of injections
Elbow
Pain from overuse or sports load, with worn joint surfaces
Hand and wrist joints
Stiff and sore small joints in the wrist and the fingers
Knee
Pain after walking and climbing stairs, worn cartilage, meniscus problems
Hip
Early hip osteoarthritis, groin pain, limited rotation
Ankle
Pain and stiffness after sprains and old injuries
Shoulder
Pain while raising the arm and wear of the joint and its tendons
Methods we use
Cell therapy (SVF) from your own adipose tissue
From a small sample of your adipose tissue, the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) is isolated — a set of cells involved in repairing tissue. Mixed with your own plasma, it is then injected into the joint that is affected.
It is used mainly at early and moderate stages of osteoarthritis to slow cartilage wear and reduce friction between the joint surfaces.
PRP — platelet-rich plasma from your own blood
From a little of your blood, plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is separated and injected into the joint. It calms inflammation and gives tissue repair better conditions.
In mild osteoarthritis it is used often; to get a stronger effect it is combined with SVF.
How the procedure goes: step by step
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 PRP
Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount. Later, platelet-rich plasma containing growth factors is prepared from it.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
With local anaesthetic, a small amount of adipose tissue — around 30 ml — is obtained through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, and no stitches are needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
In a centrifuge the sample separates into layers; the stromal vascular fraction is isolated and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Ultrasound guidance allows the prepared material to be injected directly and precisely into the affected joint.
Follow-up
Crutches and a hospital stay are not required. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure, following the joint's response.
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 PRP
Blood is taken from a vein in a small amount. Later, platelet-rich plasma containing growth factors is prepared from it.
The doctor tells you in advance which tests are needed.
Adipose tissue sample
With local anaesthetic, a small amount of adipose tissue — around 30 ml — is obtained through a puncture on the abdomen or inner thigh, and no stitches are needed.
Processing in a centrifuge
In a centrifuge the sample separates into layers; the stromal vascular fraction is isolated and combined with the platelet-rich plasma.
The whole procedure is done in one day.
Injection into the joint
Ultrasound guidance allows the prepared material to be injected directly and precisely into the affected joint.
Follow-up
Crutches and a hospital stay are not required. The doctor stays in touch after the procedure, following the joint's response.
Follow-up visits
Follow-up visits allow the doctor to track the joint's response and adjust the plan: pain usually lessens in the first month, mobility gets better over about three months, and the full effect takes around six months.
Conditions we treat
It is up to the doctor, after examining you and reviewing your scans, to decide whether the treatment fits
What we work with
Arthritis
Arthrosis
Avascular necrosis
Osteoarthritis
Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis)
Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis)
Meniscus pathology and injury
Rehabilitation after injuries and surgery
Inflammatory joint conditions
Contraindications
Cancer
Pregnancy
Blood clotting disorders
Acute infections, including infection in or near the joint
Flare-up of a serious chronic illness
Cancer
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Serious heart, kidney or liver disease
Temporary contraindications: a raised temperature, a cold or flu, inflamed skin above the target joint
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
After the procedure
Most people return home the same day, with small dressings on the puncture sites, and resume normal daily activity within a day or two. During the first week a little more joint ache is an expected reaction. Over the first month pain usually eases, over about three months mobility and activity improve, and the full effect develops over around six months. How long it lasts depends on the person, the stage of the condition, body weight, activity and other factors; no one can promise a fixed result. A healthy weight and regular exercise that is kind to the joints help the result last longer.
Why patients choose City Medical Centre
Treatment without surgery — our aim is to keep your own joint, not to replace it
Your own tissue
Only your own blood and adipose tissue are used — no donor or synthetic material
No crutches
Punctures instead of incisions, local anaesthetic, no long rehabilitation
Second opinion
A doctor will assess your X-rays, MRI or reports independently and free of charge — just send them
Support after the procedure
We stay in contact once the procedure is done and follow the result beyond the day of the injection
Osteoarthritis treatment prices
Pricing depends on which joint, which method and the stage of osteoarthritis; the doctor gives the cost after the consultation
Service
Price
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Book a consultation
Call or message us —
our coordinator will contact you shortly
and book your consultation
Joint treatment: frequently asked questions
What is osteoarthritis in simple terms?
The cartilage over the bone ends of a joint gradually wears out. As it becomes thinner, cushioning is lost and the bones rub against each other, bringing pain, stiffness and crunching. This is a degenerative disease, not an inflammatory one.
Can hip osteoarthritis be treated without surgery?
Many patients can, if treatment is not delayed. The aim of SVF and PRP injections is to ease pain and support the cartilage without an operation, and joint replacement is the last option — for a joint already destroyed.
How soon will I notice a result?
Early changes are noticed by many patients 2–3 weeks after the procedure. The result stabilises over about six months and can last several months to several years, depending on the individual. Osteoarthritis being chronic, it requires an ongoing plan, not a one-off injection.
At which stage does the treatment work best?
It is used at early and moderate stages; the milder the stage, the faster and more lasting the effect usually is, possibly reducing the need for regular hyaluronic acid injections. At the most advanced stage — joint space almost gone — a lasting effect is not realistic.
Which joints are most often affected?
Load-bearing joints are most at risk: knees, hips, ankles — and also the spine and small hand joints. Regenerative treatment is used across all of these joints.
What happens if osteoarthritis is left untreated?
Generally it progresses — constant pain, increasingly limited movement, a possibly deformed joint and trouble walking. What makes a real difference is early diagnosis, weight control, exercise and working with a doctor.
Which tests and scans are needed?
Diagnosis relies mainly on an X-ray, which shows the stage. MRI adds a detailed view of the cartilage and soft tissues, ultrasound picks up inflammation and fluid in the joint, and blood tests help exclude inflammatory conditions. Any results you have can be reviewed by the doctor free of charge.
How is osteoarthritis different from arthritis?
With osteoarthritis the cartilage wears down: you get aching pain on movement, crunching and stiffness after rest. With arthritis there is inflammation: pain at rest and at night, swelling, redness and warmth over the joint. The treatment approach is different, so diagnosis comes first.
Can I get a consultation about my case?
Yes. Send us your X-rays, MRI or test results and a doctor will review them free of charge, assess the stage of osteoarthritis and propose a non-surgical plan where appropriate.
Can I exercise with osteoarthritis?
You can and should. Appropriate activity strengthens the supporting muscles that unload the joint, improves cartilage nutrition and keeps mobility. Good options: swimming, water aerobics, cycling, Nordic walking, yoga. Avoid: running on hard surfaces, jumping, heavy lifting, sudden movements.
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How osteoarthritis is treated without surgery for Soweto 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 Soweto is a degenerative condition rather than an inflammatory one, although flare-ups with swelling happen.
During the first week the joint may ache a little more — this is an expected reaction. Pain usually eases over the first month, and mobility improves over about three months. Patients from Soweto go home the same day.
The price depends on how many joints are treated and on the method. For patients from Soweto, the doctor explains the plan and the cost at a free consultation before any procedure.
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