*हिंदी में पढ़ें: क्या घुटने का कार्टिलेज दोबारा बन सकता है।
Constant struggle with knee pain can be frustrating. What’s the most common reason behind the condition? It’s cartilage damage. Cartilage is the strong yet flexible connective tissue that cushions the bones to reduce friction between them and allow smooth, pain-free movement.
The good news is that some natural remedies, lifestyle modifications, a good diet, regenerative therapies, and timely medical intervention can help you naturally regrow cartilage.
Before we explore the different ways to regenerate cartilage, let’s first see the symptoms and causes of knee damage, and when to consult a cartilage restoration specialist in Mohali.
Symptoms of Cartilage Damage in Knees
- Knee pain that refuses to go away
- Swelling and inflammation around the knee
- Stiffness in the knee, making it hard to fully bend or straighten the knee
- Grinding sensation in knees
- Reduced mobility
- Weakness and instability while walking
- Inability to move the knee for some time (locked knee)
Causes of Cartilage Damage in Knees
- Age-related wear and tear
- Sports injuries or accident-related trauma
- Obesity (overweight issues)
- Repetitive movements in high-impact activities
- Family history of joint problems
- Lack of physical activity leading to weak muscles around the knee
Have any of these symptoms? Consulting a knee pain specialist in Mohali can help detect the magnitude of cartilage damage and create an appropriate treatment plan.
Can Cartilage Regenerate on Its Own?
Unlike most tissues in the human body, cartilage does not have blood vessels. That is why it has limited regenerative potential. For instance, when your skin gets a minor burn or cut, it repairs itself, but the same is not true for cartilage.
However, if you get treatment for cartilage damage in the early stages, you may be able to save your cartilage. In most cases, during stages 1, 2, and 3, cartilage can be protected or rebuilt with the right natural regenerative treatment options.
Natural Cartilage Regeneration Treatment Options
If your imaging tests, such as X-rays and MRI, and physical examination, reveal damaged cartilage that has not yet reached the advanced stage, you can benefit from the following treatment strategies. The aim is to promote cartilage repair, thereby reducing pain and improving mobility.
Physiotherapy and Exercise
Guided physical therapy and low-impact exercises like walking, cycling, and swimming can give strength to the muscles surrounding the knee. It also decreases the pressure on the damaged knee joint and cartilage, while giving support to the knee. Perform these exercises on a regular basis to boost flexibility, balance, stability, and movement in your knee joint, while getting relief from pain.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cells are a special kind of cells that possess the ability to develop into different types of cells, including cartilage cells. Stem cell therapy is a breakthrough treatment for patients experiencing knee degeneration. It can potentially regenerate damaged cartilage and reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. This allows you better flexibility and movement.
Hyaluronic (HA) Injections
A natural substance that is typically found in the joint fluid, HA stimulates the lubrication and cushioning of the joint. These injections generally involve a number of injections given over the course of several weeks. Patients frequently report a reduction in pain and enhanced joint mobility.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections (PRP)
Your own platelets are injected into the knee joint to promote healing of damaged tendons, joints, muscles, and ligaments. PRP is rich in growth factors, which can promote the regeneration and repair of tissues. The treatment is a potent non-surgical option and boasts a speedy recovery in a short time.
Arthrosamid (Hydrogel) Injection
It is an option for knee osteoarthritis patients who do not get relief from other treatments. Arthrosamid – a hydrogel that is administered by injecting it into the knee joint to provide cushioning and lubrication to the joint surface. It aims at alleviating pain and enhancing mobility.
Once you get this injection, you can expect to start walking the same day. While there may be a little pain or swelling for some days, the benefits gradually show in a couple of weeks.
You may experience pain relief along with a delayed need for knee replacement surgery. If you get stem cell therapy well in time, it may also help you avoid surgery. Stem cells are injected into your knee(s), meaning that it is a non-invasive treatment with a short recovery time.
Dietary Supplements
Nutritional supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine hold the potential for minimising signs of damage to the cartilage and improving cartilage health. Available in the form of oral medications, they are often advised in combination with several other modes of treatment in order to increase effectiveness.
Healthy Weight Management
Every extra kilogram puts multiple times the additional pressure on the knees. A healthy bodyweight reduces the physical stress placed on your joints and may help preserve existing cartilage.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
A diet filled with fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, nuts, turmeric, and adequate protein supports joint health. You should also drink enough water (at least 2.5 – 3 litres per day) to support joint lubrication.
Good Posture and Joint Protection
Avoid sitting cross-legged for long periods, excessive squatting, or lifting heavy weights without proper technique. Using supportive footwear also reduces knee strain.
Can Medical Treatments Help Regrow Cartilage?
Modern medical breakthroughs now offer options that may help promote cartilage, thereby delaying or possibly even preventing the need for knee replacement surgery. While these protective and regenerative treatment approaches may not restore cartilage to the levels as before the beginning of joint damage, you may get significant relief from pain. This translates into improved mobility and a better quality of life.
In the initial stages of cartilage damage, natural treatment options often provide considerable relief. In more advanced cases, you can opt for robotic knee replacement surgery for long-term knee health and quicker return to normal activities (as compared to conventional knee replacement).
When Should You See a Doctor?
Should you experience knee pain that does not subside, inflammation, swelling, clicking sounds, difficulty walking, or limited mobility, and want advice from the experienced orthopaedic doctors.
Timely diagnosis and the right treatment can help control further joint damage and allow recovery through natural, non-invasive treatments.
Why Choose Sohana Hospital?
Sohana Hospital offers world-class orthopaedic care with highly experienced specialists in knee cartilage restoration. The leading super-speciality hospital prioritises cutting-edge diagnostic tools, tailored treatment plans, and patient-centric care – at affordable prices.
A pioneer in introducing stem cell therapy to the North Indian region, the hospital is known across India and abroad for its par excellence services and treatment options. Sohana Hospital’s commitment to comprehensive recovery ensures you get back on your feet faster and maintain long-term joint health.
Conclusion
Today, we have natural ways to rebuild cartilage, provided the damage has not yet reached grade 4 – the advanced stage, where knee replacement remains the only option. These natural non-surgical treatment options include structured physiotherapy, stem cell therapy, hyaluronic injections, PRP, coupled with lifestyle modifications.
The key lies in timely detection and intervention, along with strict compliance with a holistic rehabilitation plan for a successful recovery. If you or a loved one is facing knee issues, getting professional advice is vital to deciding on the best treatment. Visit Sohana Hospital at the earliest if you have any queries about knees and natural cartilage regenerative therapies.