What Lifestyle Changes Can Promote Healing For Chronic Knee Pain?

Sadly, many Americans deal with chronic knee pain. It can be caused by a wide array of different ailments, so it is incredibly important to speak with a knee doctor, like one from Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, to help figure out what exactly is going on with your knees. This will enable you to get the proper treatments that will help, not hurt, whatever is going on with your body. Knee pain can be complicated so you need a specialist who can take a deep dive into your medical history and do testing to determine what is going on.

You May Need to Lose Weight

If you are overweight at all, you are putting extra strain on your joints. By losing some weight, you can help alleviate pressure on your muscles and joints. You can make dietary changes that may help with this.

You Can Try Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is amazing for many different ailments. It will not be beneficial for absolutely everything, but if your knee doctor recommends it, you should be diligent about going. Your physical therapist will give you exercises and stretches to do at home. You need to be proactive about doing this and make sure you are honest with your PT about how much you do at home. He or she can make a plan that is compatible with your lifestyle.

Making Dietary Changes Can Help 

Many people do anti-inflammatory diets to try to help manage chronic pain. It is important to seek out help from your knee doctor and even possibly a nutritionist to determine what kind of vitamins and minerals you may want to add to your diet. You can also figure out what kind of foods could be bad for your health and eliminate these from your diet. Dietary changes can make a great impact on your overall health and how you feel. Do not try to do everything on your own, though. It is important to have the help of someone who is trained in this field to assist in creating a diet that will be beneficial to your health.

Contact a Knee Doctor Today

You should reach out to a knee doctor as soon as possible to get assistance with managing your pain. The sooner you get help, the sooner you can begin to feel relief. There are many different things that may help you manage your pain so it is crucial to get started as soon as possible.

How Can You Ease Your Knee Pain?

Unfortunately, knee pain is not uncommon in adults. It is always important to get evaluated by an orthopedic knee doctor, like one from Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, at the onset of pain. The sooner you get checked out, the faster you can begin to seek relief for your pain or healing from your injuries or illness. A doctor will know the options that would be right on you, depending on what is going on with your knees.

Go to Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is almost always a good option for any kind of pain. If you are having knee pain, it is important to find the root cause before undergoing any kind of treatment. This will help your physical therapist know what kind of exercises will help and what you will need to avoid. Gentle stretches can help joint mobility and other important functions of the knee, but you will need to avoid heavy weights and putting too much strain on your knees.

Acupuncture Can Be Beneficial 

People often do not really understand how acupuncture works, but some people find that it can help alleviate pain. It is something that often cannot hurt, but can only help. You should speak with your orthopedic knee doctor before deciding to do any kind of treatment regarding your knees.

Losing Weight and Changing Your Diet Can Help

If you are overweight, you are likely putting extra pressure on your knees. By losing some of the excess weight, you can alleviate some of the pain that is hurting your knees. There are also many different vitamins that can help assist your joints in feeling better and promote healing. You may want to consume more omega fatty acids from fish, antioxidants from fruits and vegetables, and calcium to promote bone health. Doing these things in conjunction with one another can be incredibly beneficial in helping your knees heal. Even if you end up needing surgery, these can make it much easier to recover after.

You May Need Knee Surgery 

Sometimes, surgery is unavoidable and inevitable. You may need full or partial knee replacements if you cannot get away with lifestyle changes and physical therapy. It is crucial to get advice from your orthopedic knee doctor on what the best option for your situation will be. He or she can also recommend a good surgeon who will be able to help with your issues. No matter what kind of pain you are facing, always seek assistance from an experienced doctor before deciding to do anything permanent.

What Are Some Common Symptoms Of Knee Pain?

Your knees are dealing with all of your body weight, so every time that you walk and run your knee joint is dealing with all of that pressure. This means that your knees are quite literally responsible for holding you upright and in many cases, your knees are going to hold you up very well. But what happens if you find yourself with injury, illness or a chronic condition that makes your knees function with pain? 

You may have a lot of questions, such as what are the common symptoms of knee pain? The orthopedic knee doctors in Pottstown PA available at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania are here to help you with all of your knee-related questions. Read down below to learn the answers to some of the most common questions about knee pain from the orthopedic knee doctor in Pottstown, PA.

What are some common symptoms of knee pain?

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Weakness
• Locking
• Clicking

This is not a full and complete list, simply some of the most common symptoms you might experience if you are experiencing knee pain. If you are experiencing the pain you should talk to an orthopedic knee doctor in Pottstown PA to ensure that you are evaluated fully for underlying causes and treated properly. 

When should I go to a doctor for knee pain?

You should go to your doctor for knee pain if there is been no change or improvement in your knee after three weeks, because it is essential not to let you suffer, and it is essential to treat the underlying cause of your knee pain so that you can live a pain-free life whereas pain-free of a life as your physician is able to give you.

How do I know if my knee pain is serious?

If you are not positive about how serious your knee pain is, this means you are likely not sure if you need an orthopedic knee doctor in Pottstown, PA or if you need to see a doctor at all. That’s okay, we’ll tell you what to look for. If your knee is swelling or you see any deformities, then you should see a doctor and perhaps be referred to an orthopedic new doctor in Pottstown, PA. If you are unable to straighten your legs fully, if your knee cannot support you, or if you have a fever, it may be associated with swelling and redness of your knee. Your orthopedic knee doctor in Pottstown, PA is going to diagnose her condition and devise a treatment plan that is specifically tailored to you and your condition.

Is walking good for knee pain?

Depending on the cause of knee pain, walking can be a very good thing. However, it can be something not recommended for certain treatment plans or injuries. If you have arthritis in your knee, then walking can help you ease that pain because the motion is going to some blood to your knee joint.

Stem Cell Treatment Can Help Injured People Recover

You may have heard the buzz about stem cells treatments in the news, magazine articles, TV commercials, or through their use in athletic injuries. As a result, you might be wondering what stem cells are, what they can do, and how they could help you or a loved one with an injury, debilitating disease, or degenerative medical condition. A stem cell treatment doctor aims to restore function and reduce pain for patients experiencing these conditions and more.

What Are Stem Cells?

As a knee pain doctor in Exton, PA like our friends at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can explain, stem cells are precursor cells that can self-repair and create more of the same cells. Or, they can develop into specialized cells for a specific function through the process of differentiation.  Under the right bodily conditions, stem cells will differentiate into one particular type of cell. Stem cells are the actual building blocks of the human body. Their regenerative properties can help repair damaged cells, tissues, and organs.

Stem cells have distinct functional properties including immune system balancing and anti-inflammatory properties. They can repair and regenerate damaged cells, including those found in nerves, cartilage, bone, and other connective tissues. Stem cell therapies help injured patients achieve optimum health and a better quality of life through their healing benefits. 

What Is Stem Cell Treatment?

Stem cell treatment is a natural and convenient alternative to invasive surgery and lengthy rehabilitation processes. It is typically an outpatient therapy that is customized and individualized for a patient by a stem cell treatment doctor. When stem cells are introduced into a part of the body that is injured and causing pain, they begin to stimulate the body’s innate healing response and start repairing and regenerating the damaged part of the body. Many patients experience a reduction in their pain after a single session, and pain reduction typically continues as the stem cells work to replace damaged tissue with healthy cells. Stem cells can treat: 

• Knee pain
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Hip pain
• Wrist pain
• Other joint pains 

Before you decide to have invasive joint surgery or seek relief from potentially addictive medications, you should take the time to look into stem cell regenerative therapy.

How Can Stem Cell Therapy Help Accident Victims?

Many accident victims turn to stem cell treatments as a way to regain their lost function after a debilitating injury. Some injuries and painful conditions can have life-altering consequences, and if this has happened to you or a loved one, you owe it to yourself to get the best treatment possible. If you were injured as a result of an accident due to another’s fault or negligence, you might be able to access the therapies you need through your litigation claim and be compensated for the cost of them as well.

You should look to your stem cell treatment physician for the documentation proving the extent of your injury and the need for a particular treatment. A stem cell professional can provide a better understanding of your situation and also provide documentation as a medical professional. For more details and to get help, schedule an appointment with a stem cell treatment doctor. 

FAQ: Common Patient Questions About Stem Cell Therapy

Patients who are struggling to cope with the aches, pains and uncomfortable symptoms related to their condition may consider what treatment options are available to them. As a knee pain doctor in Collegeville, PA  at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can explain, dealing with such unrelenting symptoms can have a serious impact on our quality of life, and hinder our ability to do things we enjoy. A patient may eventually hear about stem cell therapy, and wonder if they may find relief after receiving treatments. Those who have never tried stem cell therapy before, may be apprehensive about what to expect. When meeting with a stem cell doctor, a patient may have plenty of questions similar to the ones we have answered below: 

What should a patient expect when getting a stem cell treatment?

Stem cell therapy uses a patient’s own naturally created stem cells to replace damaged cells, while healing tissues and alleviating intense pain. The stem cells are taken from the patient’s body, specifically within bone marrow and fat tissues through a minor procedure. The cells are then injected into the area of the body that is troublesome for the patient. 

For example, a patient suffering from chronic knee pain may have stem cells injected into their knee to encourage healing and pain reduction. A patient can anticipate seeing some changes within the few weeks after a stem cell treatment. However, how soon a patient experiences relief varies depending on the individual and the diagnosed condition. Those who want to know if their condition could benefit from stem cell therapy, can meet with a stem cell doctor for a thorough consultation. 

Why do patients become drawn to stem cell therapy?

In traditional medicine, sometimes a physician will prescribe heavy doses of pain killer and muscle relaxers to ease the pain a patient experiences. While this may work in the short term, it can come with side effects and may result in the root of the problem not being addressed. Stem cell treatments can be a great alternative to pain medication. Many patients like the idea of treating their ailments with their very own cells, versus taking an unnatural pill or substance.

Why may stem cells be needed at all? 

When we suffer an injury or illness, our system uses stem cells to repair the body. However, sometimes our body does not send enough cells to the area that is required for full healing. The approach to such treatments is to help the body do what it normally would have instinctually, through using naturally occurring stem cells. 

What conditions may stem cell treatments help with?

Patients who experience chronic pain can benefit from stem cell treatments. Research continues to be done by both researchers and doctors to determine just how much of a profound impact these treatments can be on a patient’s quality of life. Other conditions that may benefit from stem cell treatment include:

• Heart attack recovery
• Neurological conditions
• Insulin production for diabetes 
• Sports injuries
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Osteoporosis
• Ligament and tendon pain
• Back and leg pain
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Joint pain

What is PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma therapy (also known as PRP) is a pain-relieving treatment option that is non-operative. It naturally promotes the long-lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions. As a knee pain doctor in Collegeville, PA like our friends at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can explain, PRP is human blood that is spun and separated which produces a higher than normal concentration of platelets. Platelets are the cells that clot in our blood, but they are also able to enhance the healing of tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

There has been research that shows that platelets release growth factors that increase tissue repair and allow for faster soft tissue healing. Many people who have undergone PRP treatments believe they have been able to return to their regular activities with minimal to no pain. PRP therapy gives patients an option for a permanent, long-last solution that just enhances the body’s natural healing process. PRP is different from a traditional pain injection because it doesn’t just wear off after a certain amount of time. 

What can I use PRP for?

PRP therapy is the most effective for chronic tendon and ligament injuries that have not responded to more conservative treatments. Some conditions include:

• Golf and tennis elbow
• Knee sprains
• Ankle sprains
• Tendonitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Joint osteoarthritis
• Hip and hamstring strains
• Shoulder pain
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Lumbar spinal disc pain
• Knee arthritis
• Hip joint arthritis
• Ankle arthritis
• Shoulder arthritis

How do you receive PRP treatments?

The process of receiving PRP injections does not usually take more than an hour. During the procedure, a small amount of blood is taken from the patient. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which is a machine that spins blood at a fast rate to separate the blood into concentrated platelets and red blood cells. The red blood cells are then discarded and then the concentrated PRP is then ready to be used. Once the PRP has been created, it is then injected back into the injured area.

Depending on the spot of the injury, ultrasounds or x-rays will be used to ensure the proper location is being targeted. The number of injections a patient would need to receive depends on the severity of the injury. Typically, patients begin feeling relief after the first treatment but do not see full results until between two and six injections completed over time. 

PRP injections are not usually painful, but it does depend on the location of the injury. If there is pain following the procedure, it can be managed by taking over the counter medication. Anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided after the injection as they can impede the healing process. 

Are there any risks with PRP?

PRP is a very safe treatment option. There is no chance of an allergic reaction because the PRP comes directly from your own blood. There is a small risk of infection, nerve damage, and bleeding, as there is anytime a needle is used on the body. These risks are very rare. PRP is typically not used right when an injury takes place. PRP is considered after traditional treatments have proved ineffective for the injury. 

What is PRP Therapy and How Can it Help You?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy is a novel treatment in which a patient’s platelets and growth factors are concentrated in plasma and injected directly into the site of an injury. As a knee pain doctor in Collegeville, PA at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can explain, this injection intends to promote healing of injuries and provide a drug-free and minimally invasive treatment option.

What Kind of Injuries Can PRP Treatment Help?

• Chronic Tendon Injuries
  According to several research studies, PRP is an effective and useful treatment for chronic tendon injuries. It has shown success in treating the common injury, “tennis elbow.” It has also shown promise as a helpful treatment for other chronic tendon injuries including jumper’s knee (inflammation or injury of the patellar in the knee) and Achilles tendonitis.

• Ligament and Muscle Injuries
  PRP has received widespread attention for its potential in treating acute sports injuries. Famous athletes, including basketball players, football players, and golfers, have reported the successful use of PRP treatments for such injuries as ACL and MCL tears, knee and ankle sprains, and pulled hamstring muscles.

• Knee arthritis
  Early studies have indicated that PRP is a helpful treatment for arthritic knees, but it is not known if it is any more beneficial than other therapies.

• Surgery
  PRP has is being used during specific kinds of surgery to act as an aid to soft tissue healing. It may be of benefit in surgical interventions to correct tears in knee ligaments and rotator cuff tendons.

Additionally, PRP Treatment is showing promising results for treating:

• Back pain 
• Neck pain
• Whiplash Injuries
• Lower back pain
• Tendonitis and tendonosis
• Chronic strains and sprains
• Osteoarthritis 
• Rotator Cuff tears
• Bursitis
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Does PRP Therapy Work?

To understand the healing action of PRP therapy, it’s helpful to understand the components within the blood. Blood is comprised of four main components:

1. Red blood cells, which are cells that carry and deliver oxygen to the body’s tissue and removes carbon dioxide and other waste
2. White blood cells, which are agents of the immune system that help the body fight infection
3. Platelets, which are cell structures that help the blood to clot. They manage the clotting process through the collecting and releasing growth factors that promote healing and healthy regrowth of cells and tissues. 
4. Plasma, which is mostly water and acts as a fluid conduit for the other three components

PRP therapy uses a patient’s blood, which is processed in a special centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets and white blood cells from the sample. The resulting highly concentrated dose of platelets is then injected directly into the injury site, promoting and speeding the healing process. 

Healing of pain and restricted movement can happen in about 6 weeks. Follow-up injections may be necessary. Depending on various factors, PRP therapy can provide relief that lasts anywhere from 6 months to a lifetime.

There is much evidence that PRP has clinical benefits in providing pain relief for patients with arthritis and injuries. Research shows that PRP can promote cell growth, increase cellular viability, and regenerate cartilage. To find out what PRP treatment can do for you, schedule an appointment with a qualified PRP doctor.

What is PRP Treatment?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an injection that is used in the treatment of chronic tendon injuries. It offers the benefit of reduced pain and increased mobility. As a knee pain doctor in Exton, PA like our friends at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can explain, PRP therapy may be used alone or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at reducing pain and improving function.

PRP injections may be a useful treatment for other musculoskeletal problems, including osteoarthritis and ligament injuries. Research is promising, and more and more people are choosing PRP options for treatment of ongoing pain and motion restriction in the body.

Advantages of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Patients diagnosed with tendon injuries such as tendinosis or tendinopathy might consider PRP therapy for several reasons, including:

• Tendon pain affects your lifestyle and daily activities
• There has been a lack of adequate relief from other treatments
• Physical therapy has not satisfactorily relieved symptoms or improved function
• Cortisone injections, which are temporary and can lead to recurrence of symptoms, have not worked or if steroids are an undesirable option. 
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen may help with pain reduction but carry unwanted side effects. Plus, frequent use can cause or aggravate stomach problems, blood pressure, and heart issues
• Minor or arthroscopic surgeries for tendon damage and wear are not always effective and can be riskier
• Surgical treatment is not a viable option or is not desired

PRP is minimally invasive and low risk. There is no surefire way to treat damaged or degraded tendons, so PRP therapy may be worth trying.

How Does PRP Work?

Research indicates that platelet-rich plasma injections promote regeneration of tendon cells. The problem with tendons in regards to healing is that the body offers them an inadequate blood supply. Without plentiful blood supply to give the tendon cells oxygen and nutrients and to carry away waste and debris, they are not as easy to heal as other body tissues and structures. That is why most other solutions to tendon issues focus on surgical alteration, medications, or physical strengthening.

If an injured or damaged tendon doesn’t respond to rest and physical therapy, it may be time to consider PRP treatment. It is thought that the natural healing properties found in platelets and plasma can contribute to healing and repair in damaged tendons. When treating an injured or damaged tendon with platelet-rich plasma, the doctor injects the PRP directly into the affected area with the goal of:

• Reducing pain
• Improving joint function
• Repairing damaged tissue

How to Choose a PRP Therapy Doctor 

When selecting a professional for PRP therapy, you may want to ask about:

• Potential risks
• Possible benefits
• Diagnosis and assessment 
• Steps of the procedure
• Follow-up protocols
• Time needed for healing and expectations for recovery
• Cost, and what portion, if any, is covered by insurance

If you think this treatment may be helpful for your unique condition, or if you’re curious and want to know more, contact a doctor who focuses on PRP treatments and therapies. Once you schedule an appointment, you could be on your way to the relief from pain and improved mobility you are seeking.

Finding a Genuine and Qualified Stem Cell Doctor

Every patient who suffers from one kind of condition or another desires a relief of their symptoms. The patient may have tried multiple treatment approaches, only to find that they are still unable to live their life to the fullest. Eventually, a patient may start to consider the idea of stem cell therapy. As a knee pain doctor in Exton, PA like our friends at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can explain, with stem cell treatments, a patient may find their injury or illness gets better after a single or several sessions. 

Those who have never tried stem cell therapy before may be nervous to try something new. A doctor can consult with you about your diagnosis or injury, and talk to you more about how stem cell therapy may be able to help you.

Conditions Stem Cells May Treat

Research has shown that there are several injuries or illnesses that can improve through stem cell treatments. A stem cell doctor may ask you about your past and current health to determine whether this type of therapy can be helpful for your condition. Here is a list of conditions that have been shown to benefit from stem cell therapy treatments:

• Heart disease
• Joint pain 
• Back and neck pain
• Tendon and ligament damage
• Osteoporosis 
• Sports injuries
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
• Arthritis 
• Severe degree burns

How Stem Cell Administration Works

The human body has an automatic healing system within itself that turns on when we suffer an injury or illness. However, sometimes our body needs additional encouragement to heal itself. A doctor takes samples of stem cells from certain areas of your body, and then administers them into the site in which you are experiencing pain. For example, a patient who has been enduring chronic knee pain may have their own stem cells administered around the knee area to assist with pain reduction and healing.

Stem Cells Must Engraft for Success

While the process of extracting stem cells and injecting them into an area that needs them sounds easy enough, it is crucial to the success of a treatment that the cells engraft to the area. Only then can the cells do their job to regenerate the site in need. A doctor can talk with you more in-depth about this process and how it relates to your injury or illness. 

Finding a Genuine Doctor

Just as with any other type of business, sometimes medical clinics are not out to heal their patients, but instead make as much money as they can from their condition. It is vital to the outcome of your health that you consult with a doctor who is accredited and has years of experience within the field of stem cell research and treatments. The right doctor should be happy to share with you his or her background, in addition to sharing patient success stories. 

New patients benefit from a free consultation with a stem cell doctor. Stem cell doctors take pride in offering quality services to those who are in need of symptom relief. Do not wait any longer sitting in discomfort. Please contact a specialist today.