The thumb joint is made up of a rubbery cartilage tissue that cushions two bones. In the case of thumb osteoarthritis, the cartilage that surrounds the bone wears off and makes the two bones rub against each other. Arthritis of the thumb commonly occurs with the aging and affects the range of motion even to perform simple tasks. In chronic cases of thumb osteoarthritis, surgery might be recommended to treat the condition. Surgical intervention required extended periods of recovery and rehabilitation.
Stem cell therapy for thumb osteoarthritis is an effective non-surgical treatment option to heal the damaged thumb tissue. Regenerative medicine in the field of orthopedics focuses on the natural healing of the damaged ligaments and tendons. Stem cell treatment is an effective orthopedic therapy that enables faster recovery and rehabilitation from thumb osteoarthritis. It is the best non-surgical treatment for those who are in quest of thumb osteoarthritis surgery alternatives.
All about: Thumb osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilage around the bones. The cartilage tissue acts as a cushioning material between two bones in the thumb that prevents the bones from rubbing against each other. Any damage caused to the thumb ligament results in pain and swelling, especially while doing regular work with the affected hand. Degenerative arthritis shows a significant impact while performing everyday tasks.
The degeneration of fibrous cartilage in the thumb usually occurs with the process of aging. Also, any previous trauma or injury to the thumb can result in the development of thumb osteoarthritis. When the cartilage that covers the thumb deteriorates two bones rub against each other where friction is developed, leading to joint damage.
Some of the common factors that increase the risk of thumb arthritis are obesity, fractures or sprains to the thumb joint, and malformed joints. Also, people involved in activities and jobs that put more stress on the thumb joint are at an increased risk of developing thumb osteoarthritis.
Thumb osteoarthritis causes extreme difficulty in holding and grasping things. It causes pain, stiffness, and tenderness near the base of the thumb. Also, arthritis of the thumb can result in decreased range of motion that greatly impacts on doing the regular activities.
Depending on the severity of the arthritis, conventional treatment of basal thumb osteoarthritis might include a combination of medications and surgery. Usually, over-the-counter pain medications and anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed to treat the pain and inflammation resulting from osteoarthritis. Surgical intervention for thumb ligament often involves long periods of recovery and rehabilitation.
Non-surgical alternatives for thumb osteoarthritis
An overused thumb joint can make it feel sore and painful at the base of the thumb. Along with the pain, a feeling of warmth can be felt at the affected thumb joint. Arthritis of the thumb occurs due to the degeneration of the cartilage tissue. Stem cell therapy for hand and thumb osteoarthritis helps to regenerate healthy tissue without surgery.
Stem cells are the specialized cells in the body that can develop into different cell types and heal the injury or the damaged tissue. Stem cell therapy is a highly effective treatment option to avoid surgery for the thumb. The stem cells are derived from the bone marrow of the patient and concentrated in a lab before injecting them back into the body at the site of injury.
Depending on the extent of the injury, customized concentrations of stem cells are administered into the thumb joint to repair and heal the damaged tissue. Apart from this, stem cells also protect the health of the surrounding joint cartilage, thereby preventing future injuries. The stem cells, when injected into the damaged site, repair the thumb ligament and regenerate healthy tissue. The stem cells work by suppressing the inflammation and releasing proteins known as cytokines that reduce the cartilage degeneration.
Post-treatment recovery
Stem cell therapy for thumb osteoarthritis is a same-day, outpatient protocol that does not require hospitalization. Treatment for basal thumb osteoarthritis enables faster recovery, unlike surgery. The post-treatment management after stem cell therapy is minimal and does not require any medications in the long term. However, some people might experience slight pain and swelling at the site of the injection, which is treated by pain medications.
Post-treatment one should avoid lifting heavy weights and objects with the treated hand for at least a few weeks. To regain the strength and range of motion in the thumb muscles, the doctor will recommend physiotherapy exercises for a certain period of time. Also, physiotherapy helps to increase the blood flow to the treated area, thereby enhancing the healing power to a maximum extent.
Our clinics can help you get rid of orthopedic pain with advanced stem cell treatments. Do visit our clinic in Hyderabad and Mumbai or contact us at 7306070809 for more information.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How do stem cells help in thumb osteoarthritis?
Stem cells are highly effective in the treatment of thumb osteoarthritis. Bone marrow-derived stem cells are concentrated in the laboratory and injected into the damaged part of the thumb. Stem cells act by enhancing the body’s ability to heal the damaged tissue. They begin to work at the damaged site by reducing the inflammation and providing pain relief. Also, stem cells help to regenerate healthy tissue and protect the surrounding tissue from being damaged.
How effective is stem cell therapy for thumb pain treatment?
Thumb arthritis is one of the most common reasons for thumb pain. It causes severe pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Conventional treatment methods for thumb pain would provide pain relief but might heal the underlying condition. Stem cells are the unique cells found in the bone marrow that have an ability to repair the damaged tissue. During the process of stem cell therapy, the concentrated autologous stem cells are injected into the site of the injury or damage to repair the tissue. Stem cell therapy caters to tissue regeneration and heals the condition non-surgically.