What less invasive treatments are available for knee pain?

Question

Hello doctor,

My mother, who is 67 years old, has bad osteoarthritis in both knees. She has tried PRP treatment, physiotherapy, and steroid injections, but the pain is still so bad that it keeps her from sleeping and makes her limp.

Recently, a friend recommended stem cell therapy, claiming it helped their father avoid or postpone knee replacement surgery. We want to know if the benefits of this medication are oversold or if it is indeed useful.

If less intrusive or more natural pain treatment options are safe and suitable, my mother would want to investigate them because she is nervous about surgery. For someone her age with modest hypertension, are there any known hazards or anything to think about?

Thank you for your time and advice.

Would really appreciate any recommendations you have.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com

I read your query and understand your concern.

Thank you for sharing more about your mom’s situation.

Knee osteoarthritis can be very challenging, especially when it begins to affect sleep and day-to-day mobility.

Regarding stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis at present, it is still considered an experimental treatment and is not established as a standard, evidence-based option.

Some early studies suggest that stem cell injections may help reduce pain and improve joint function, possibly through anti-inflammatory effects and limited cartilage repair. However, the results are quite inconsistent—while some patients report meaningful relief, others experience little to no benefit. As such, it should not be viewed as a guaranteed alternative to knee replacement surgery.

Clinics can use stem cells from bone marrow or adipose tissue as treatment. These cells are often mixed with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). It is important to note that these things are usually done in private places, and the level of regulation and standardization may be very different based on the service provider and the area.

Mild hypertension is usually not a substantial added danger in your mother’s case for this type of minimally invasive operation. But, as with any injections, there are certain dangers, including 1. The possibility of infection,

2. Temporary worsening of pain or swelling, and

3. The potential for variable results. Cost is also a huge consideration, as these therapies are often not covered by insurance and can be pricey.

Before deciding what to do, she should see either an orthopedic expert or a rheumatologist. They can assist in determining if she might be a good candidate, and they can point you toward reputable clinics or clinical trials if relevant. All conservative management alternatives, such as physiotherapy, weight control, medications, and supporting devices, should also be discussed since they can occasionally give considerable relief of symptoms.

Ultimately, stem cell treatment might be helpful for some people, but it is not yet a proven or expected choice. She can carefully think about the best and safest way to move forward with the help of her doctor.

I hope this addresses your concerns.

Please feel free to follow up if you need any additional clarification.

Thank you.