Knee pain, stiffness, or a "creaking" sound when moving? These could be more than just signs of aging, but symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) , also known as joint calcification.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions joints is damaged. As a result, joints can become painful, stiff, and swollen, making activities like walking or climbing stairs more difficult.
The problem is, cartilage has a limited ability to repair itself. Therefore, the medical world continues to seek new approaches to help maintain and improve joint condition. One such approach is regenerative medicine .
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are cells with special abilities and the potential to aid in tissue repair. In regenerative therapy, stem cells are being continuously studied to determine their potential to help create a more supportive joint environment.
What is Secretome?
Simply put, if stem cells are likened to a "factory," then the secretome is the collection of various biological substances produced by that factory. It contains various molecules that can play a role in intercellular communication and regulating the tissue environment.
What Is an Exosome?
Meanwhile, exosomes can be thought of as tiny "message packages" that carry various biological molecules from one cell to another. Researchers are studying their potential to help regulate inflammation and support joint tissue maintenance.
All three are part of the growing field of regenerative therapy that is attracting attention in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Can Cartilage Really Regrow?
This is what needs to be understood.
Stem cells, secretomes, and exosomes cannot yet be considered as therapies that can definitely regrow damaged or worn-out cartilage to its original state.
Several studies have shown potential in helping reduce inflammation, improve the joint's biological environment, and enhance function in certain patients. However, therapeutic results can vary from person to person, and research into its long-term effectiveness is still ongoing.
Therefore, regenerative therapy should not be considered a “miracle cure” for joint calcification , but rather as one of the developments in the world of medicine that continues to be researched.
Who Can Benefit?
Not all osteoarthritis patients require or are suitable for regenerative therapy. Each patient's joint condition varies, ranging from mild damage to severe cartilage loss.
Therefore, an examination by an orthopedic specialist is required to determine the level of damage and determine the most appropriate therapy option.
In certain conditions, treatment may include lifestyle changes, weight management, physiotherapy, medication, injection therapy, regenerative therapy if indicated, and even joint replacement surgery for severe damage.
When Should Knee Pain Due to Osteoarthritis Be Checked?
The development of stem cells, secretomes, and exosomes offers new hope in treating osteoarthritis. However, equally important is obtaining a proper diagnosis and appropriate therapy for the joint condition .
Don't ignore recurring knee pain. The earlier your joint condition is assessed, the more treatment options you can consider.
Healthy joints help you stay active. Don't let pain stop you.
Article written by Dr. Othdeh Samuel, Sp.OT, FICS, Subsp PL (K), AIFO-K (Orthopedic & Traumatology Specialist, Hip & Knee Subspecialist, EMC Pekayon & Cibitung Hospital).