Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint disease and involves degeneration of cartilage and over time joint destruction. Not surprisingly, it is a major cause of disability in the elderly.
Conventional medical treatment of Osteoarthritis includes drug and non-drug approaches. Most of the drugs prescribed are anti-inflammatory in nature. Nondrug therapies include weight loss if indicated, use of heat and ice, exercise, physical and occupational therapy, as well as use of canes and walkers.
Can adult (nonembryonic) stem cells help Osteoarthritis? The tentative answer is “yes.” There is a type of stem cell called mesenchymals in bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and other tissues that can be transformed (differentiated) into cartilage-making cells. When these were used in animal models of Osteoarthritis the improvements were impressive. Human experiments have also been very encouraging.
With this said the use of pure bone marrow derived stem cells for Osteoarthritis remains experimental and confined to clinical studies in the US. However, doctors can do whole bone marrow transplants in which stem cell rich bone marrow tissue is harvested and given back by IV drip. Dr. David Steenblock has done over 1000 such whole bone marrow transplants to-date for a wide variety of health challenges including Osteoarthritis with often noteworthy results. In addition, he has figured out how to employ various FDA approved drugs that support stem cell activation and mobilization in such a way as to encourage the bone marrow to increase the number and vitality of stem cells. This is discussed in this issue of his clinic’s newsletter.