Could PRP/Stem Cell Therapy Help Diabetics With Joint Pain?
Diarthrosis joints, like the knee and shoulder, are some of the most complex joints in the body and allow a great range of motion. However, these joints are more prone to deterioration and limited mobility in individuals with diabetes. If you've developed pain in your knees or other joints, you may want to ask your doctor about PRP stem cell therapy. See how diabetes is linked to joint issues and how PRP stem cell therapy can help.
What Is the Link Between Diabetes and Joint Pain?
High blood sugar can injure nerves and blood vessels in the body, which can lead to a condition known as diabetic neuropathy. Neuropathy can cause general pain and numbness in limbs, but it can also damage joints (known as arthropathy). When there isn't proper blood flow or nerve stimulation, joint tissue can wear down. Also, while diabetes doesn't cause arthritis, there is still a link; 47% of adults with diabetes have arthritis as well. Factors like genetics, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic inflammation may put people at risk for both conditions. If an individual with diabetes develops arthritis, he or she may develop joint pain because cartilage—the cushioning tissue in the joint—breaks down.
What Are PRP/Stem Cell Treatments, and How Do They Help?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)/stem cell therapy is a great way to tap into the body's own healing processes. During therapy, a medical professional will take a sample of your blood to extract vital components, like platelets and mesenchymal stem cells. These elements are then injected directly into joints, like an arthritic knee, to reduce pain and improve healing times. One study found that mesenchymal stem cell therapy could be a safe and long-lasting treatment option to delay major surgery. Another study looked at how PRP therapy could help diabetic patients with adhesive capsulitis, or frozen shoulder. The study found that PRP injections were more effective at improving pain levels and range of motion compared to physical therapy.
Is PRP/Stem Cell Therapy Right for You?
Only your doctor can tell you whether this therapy is right for you. Contraindications may include but are not limited to conditions like anemia, allergies, cutaneous infections, etc. Before you go in for therapy, your doctor might recommend that you temporarily abstain from certain medications, like anticoagulants or OTC anti-inflammatory drugs, so that they don't interfere with the treatment. If you do qualify for PRP/stem cell therapy, the good news is that besides normal bruising from venipuncture and injections, there are few side effects. You may only need to do a few injections in joints to see improvements in your symptoms.
If you have knee pain or other joint pain, reach out to a medical provider today to learn more about knee pain stem cell therapy.
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