Advancements in Osteoarthritis Treatment in India
According to the World Health Organization, osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder globally, affecting millions worldwide. As the population ages, the demand for effective osteoarthritis treatments continues to grow, making it a pressing public health concern.
Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility
Osteoarthritis treatment aims to manage pain and improve joint function. It typically involves a combination of medicinal or non-medicinal approaches such as exercise, weight management, physical therapy, and assistive devices, along with medication options like analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroid-based injections. In severe cases, surgical interventions like joint replacement may be considered.
Before moving further, let us know how Robert from Nigeria received treatment from India and cured his osteoarthritis.
Robert had been suffering from osteoarthritis for many years. The pain in his knees made it difficult for him to walk, limiting his mobility. He had tried various treatments, but nothing seemed to provide lasting relief.
One day, Robert came across an article about MedicoExperts, a renowned medical tourism company facilitating treatments abroad. Intrigued, he began researching and discovered that they had a partnership with a leading hospital in India that offered stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis. Filled with hope, Robert decided to explore this option.
He contacted MedicoExperts and was connected with a dedicated case manager who guided him through the entire process. They collected his medical records and shared them with the hospital in India for evaluation. Robert’s case was assessed by a team of expert doctors, who confirmed that he was a suitable candidate for stem cell treatment.
With the help of MedicoExperts, Robert made all the necessary arrangements, including travel and accommodation. He arrived in India and was warmly welcomed by the hospital staff.
He underwent a thorough examination and consultation with the doctors, who explained the procedure and addressed all his concerns.
The stem cell treatment involved extracting stem cells from Robert’s own bone marrow. The cells were processed and purified, ensuring their quality and potency. A few days later, Robert underwent the procedure with skilled doctors and state-of-the-art facilities.
As the days passed, Robert diligently followed the post-treatment care plan, which included physical therapy and pain management. He noticed gradual improvements in his mobility and a reduction in knee pain. As time went on, his progress continued, and he regained his ability to walk without discomfort.
Months later, Robert returned to Lagos, a transformed man. The stem cell treatment he received gave relief to his pain and improved the overall function of his knees. He shared his success story with his friends, family, and even strangers, hoping to inspire others who were suffering from osteoarthritis.
Let us know about osteoarthritis in some detail.
What is osteoarthritis and what are its four stages?
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage, which is the protective tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint. It is the most common form of arthritis and typically occurs in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and spine, although it can affect any joint in the body.
The four stages of osteoarthritis are often used to describe the progression of the disease. While different sources may provide slightly different descriptions, the general stages are as follows:
- In this stage, there may be minor wear and tear in the joints.
- The cartilage may show some signs of damage, such as small cracks or fraying.
- Symptoms may be minimal or absent, and there may be no significant pain or functional limitations.
- In this stage, there is more noticeable wear and tear in the joints.
- Bone spurs, which are bony projections that develop along the edges of bones, may start to form.
- The cartilage continues to deteriorate, leading to increased friction and potential inflammation.
- Symptoms may include mild pain, stiffness, and limited joint movement.
- In this stage, the joint damage becomes more significant.
- The cartilage continues to wear away, resulting in increased friction and reduced shock absorption.
- Bone spurs may become larger and more prominent.
- Symptoms may include moderate pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.
- Daily activities may become more challenging, and joint function may be noticeably impaired.
- In this stage, the joint damage is extensive, and the cartilage may be almost completely worn away.
- Bone-on-bone contact may occur, leading to significant pain, inflammation, and joint deformity.
- Bone spurs may be large and prominent.
- Symptoms may include severe pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Daily activities may be significantly affected, and joint function may be severely impaired
Moving further, let us know about the guidelines for osteoarthritis treatment.
Guidelines for the treatment of osteoarthritis
The Arthritis Foundation provides guidelines for the treatment of osteoarthritis. These guidelines include recommendations for both medicine-based and non-medicine-based treatments. Here are some key recommendations from the Arthritis Foundation
A) Weight loss
If you are obese or overweight and you have arthritis, then weight loss training is suggested for you. Losing weight can help reduce stress on the joints and improve symptoms.
B) Exercise
If you do regular exercise, you can manage osteoarthritis. The Arthritis Foundation recommends both aerobic exercise and strengthening exercises. Aerobic exercises, such as walking or swimming, can help improve joint function and reduce pain. Strengthening exercises, such as weightlifting or resistance training, can help improve muscle strength and support the joints.
C) Medications
The Arthritis Foundation recommends the use of medications for managing osteoarthritis symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may be used for pain relief. Prescription medications, such as corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections, may be considered for more severe symptoms.
D) Supportive devices
If you use supportive devices, such as braces, canes, or shoe inserts, they may help reduce joint stress and improve mobility.
Treatment for Bilateral knee osteoarthritis
When considering treatment options for bilateral knee osteoarthritis, several surgical procedures may be considered: arthroscopy, osteotomy, or joint replacement surgery. Here’s a brief overview of each.
A) Arthroscopy :
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) into the knee joint. It allows the surgeon to visualize and treat certain knee conditions, such as removing loose bodies, repairing or removing damaged cartilage, or trimming torn meniscus. Arthroscopy is typically recommended for individuals with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis and specific indications, such as mechanical symptoms or loose bodies.
B) Osteotomy :
Osteotomy is a procedure that involves cutting and reshaping the bones around the knee joint to shift the weight-bearing load away from the damaged area. It is often considered for younger patients with early-stage osteoarthritis who have damage limited to one side of the knee joint. Osteotomy aims to realign the joint and relieve pain, potentially delaying the need for joint replacement surgery.
C) Joint replacement surgery :
Joint replacement surgery, also known as arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial implants. Total knee replacement (TKR) is the most common type of joint replacement surgery for severe knee osteoarthritis. It involves replacing both the femoral and tibial components of the knee joint with prosthetic implants. TKR can provide significant pain relief and improve joint function.
Treatment for Spinal Osteoarthritis
When it comes to treating spinal osteoarthritis, three surgical options that may be considered are spinal fusion, laminectomy, and artificial disc replacement. Here’s a brief overview of each procedure:
A) Spinal Fusion
It is a surgical procedure that involves joining two or more vertebrae together to create a solid bone. The goal of spinal fusion is to stabilize the spine, reduce pain, and prevent further degeneration. During the procedure, the surgeon may use bone grafts, metal rods, screws, or cages to promote fusion between the vertebrae.
B) Laminectomy
Laminectomy, also known as decompression surgery, involves removing a portion of the lamina (the bony arch of the vertebra) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. This procedure aims to alleviate symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness caused by spinal stenosis or herniated discs. Laminectomy can create more space for the nerves and spinal cord, reducing compression and improving overall function.
C) Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement is a procedure where a damaged or degenerated disc in the spine is removed and replaced with an artificial disc implant. This surgery aims to maintain motion and flexibility in the spine while reducing pain. The artificial disc is designed to mimic the function of a natural disc, allowing for normal movement and load
End-stage osteoarthritis treatment
The treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis often involves surgical options, as conservative measures may not provide sufficient relief. The most common surgical treatment for end-stage osteoarthritis is joint replacement surgery, where the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint. This procedure can significantly reduce pain, and improve function.
Stem Cell Treatment for Osteoarthritis
Traditional treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving joint function, but they do not typically reverse the underlying degeneration of the joint.
Stem cell treatment involves the use of stem cells to repair or regenerate damaged tissues. Stem cells are unique cells that have the ability to develop into various cell types.
Types of Stem Cells
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): The most commonly used stem cells for osteoarthritis treatment are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs have the ability to differentiate into various cell types 3 including cartilage cells, and they also possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
- Adipose Tissue (Fat) Stem Cells: Fat tissue contains a significant number of stem cells, and these can be harvested through a minimally invasive liposuction procedure.
- Umbilical Cord Stem Cells: The umbilical cord is a rich source of stem cells.
Source of Stem Cells
Stem cells can be obtained from different sources, including bone marrow, adipose tissue (fat), and umbilical cord tissue. Autologous stem cells, derived from the patient’s own body, are commonly used to minimize the risk of immune rejection or transmission of diseases.
Procedure
In stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis, stem cells are typically extracted from the patient’s body, processed and purified, and then injected into the affected joint. The goal is to promote tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and potentially slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.
Effectiveness
Research on the effectiveness of stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis is still evolving. Some studies have reported improvements in pain, function, and cartilage quality.
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis is a treatable and, at times, preventable disorder. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms.
Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), also known as knee replacement surgery, is generally accepted as the definitive treatment for advanced knee arthritis when nonoperative treatments fail. TKA combined with additional nonoperative care postoperatively has been found to be more efficacious than nonsurgical treatment alone.
Nonpharmacologic treatments, such as exercise, weight loss, and physical therapy, should be considered as the initial approach for managing osteoarthritis. These therapies are generally safe and can provide significant benefits,
The best treatment for osteoarthritis in India may vary depending on individual circumstances and the severity of the condition. Stem cell therapy is a regenerative treatment option that has gained popularity in India for osteoarthritis.
You can take stem cell therapy to get relief from your osteoarthritis within a short span of time.
Frequently Asked Questions and patient concerns:
Q1. What is the first treatment for osteoarthritis?
Ans. The first treatment for osteoarthritis is physical therapy and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Q2. Can you treat osteoarthritis at home?
Ans. Arthritis can be treated at home by doing yoga and physical therapy under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
Q3. What is the best treatment for osteoarthritis?
Ans. The best treatment for osteoarthritis is stem cell therapy which is very effective, permanent, and has no side effects.
MedicoExperts is a Global virtual hospital which is established to offer quality healthcare services at affordable pricing without compromising the success rates of the treatment.
MedicoExperts is having a network of highly experienced super specialist doctors and well equipped hospitals across the globe and offering second opinion through online video consultation and surgical interventions through its empanelled super specialist doctors at its network hospitals in 17 countries from 3 continents.
By the virtue of its approach and model, MedicoExperts is successfully achieve to deliver
- Latest and most advanced treatments with success rates of international benchmarks.
- Multiple cost options depending upon the hospital facilities, with the same doctor.
- Treatment option in multiple cities/state/countries.
- Trust and peace of mind.
Most suitable for patients who are looking for:-
- Planned Surgeries and treatment from most experienced doctors and at multiple cost options as per hospital facilities with best possible outcomes.
- Second Opinion from expert doctors.
- Complex cases involving multi specialities
- International patients looking for treatment from Indian doctors
Marie travelled from Ghana for a minimally invasive hip replacement surgery in India and was able to resume her daily activities pain-free.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Marie and I am 56 years old. I was prescribed medicine when I started to experience hip pain several years ago, had MRI performed, but felt no relief or adequate diagnosis of my hip disease. I couldn’t bend, or enjoy any of my previous activities. Moving my hip even a little would cause me immense pain. Eventually my doctors asked me to get an x-ray done, and the results showed that my left leg was shorter than my right and this could be corrected after a hip replacement surgery. I spoke to my local doctor and started checking for options to get this treatment.
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
While scrolling through Facebook, I came across an advertisement about minimally invasive hip replacement surgery, and quickly filled up the enquiry form. Within 24hrs, I got in touch with their patient care expert and began discussing my condition. The orthopaedic surgeon in India reviewed my reports and said that I was a good candidate for minimally invasive surgery. And with that I began my plan to travel to India to receive my treatment.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
My experience was very good. MedicoExperts team kept in touch with me throughout my journey and was very kind and helpful. My surgeon too was excellent and I was discharged from the hospital very soon. I was able to resume work 2 weeks after my surgery and also have been able to move better. My life is better and renewed now.
Douglas from Ethiopia was diagnosed with arthritis and received robot assisted hip replacement surgery in India.
Tell us about yourself
I am Douglas from Ethiopia and after years of physical activities, I recently began experiencing pain in simple movements of my hip. After getting tests done, I was diagnosed with advanced arthritis on my hips. I felt all the symptoms of arthritis – joint stiffness, pain, swelling, tenderness, and even had difficulty in walking. My local doctors suggested total hip replacement surgery
How did you know about MedicoExperts?
I was looking for treatment options in Kenya, when I happened to see and advert about an advanced technique of hip replacement surgery by MedicoExperts. I was curious and got in touch with them. I shared my reports with and we started to prepare for my travel to India.
How was your experience with MedicoExperts and the Indian Surgeon?
MedicoExperts’ team is very prompt and helpful. They answered all my questions and also helped me choose the best surgeon and hospital based on my preference and budget. I have no doubt that I made a good choice coming to India. Thank you MedicoExperts, I am well and without any pain now.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDZh1NuxRg4
My mother is 70 years old and had difficulty in walking, but today she is okay, thanks to MedicoExperts team and the doctor who treated my mother. First, I had my doubts about getting treated here, but my doubts were put to rest and I am glad I found MedicoExperts, my mother is able to walk again.
I found MedicoExperts on Social Media – Facebook and they helped me to get the very good treatment done in Nigeria by the best Indian orthopaedic surgeon. Initially, I was scared and did not believe it was possible to get such good treatment in Ibadan, Nigeria where I live, but then I saw the name of the doctor and called MedicoExperts and I was told to visit the MedicoExperts Surgical Centre and get treatment in Nigeria. This has saved us the trouble and cost of travelling and accommodation. I gave this a try and my mother can walk now, and I really impressed with the outcome. I will fully recommend this to anyone out there.
