Gout is a form of arthritis that usually affects the big toe joint of the foot. Gout can also impact the top of the foot and the ankle in some cases. While it is rare, it can also cause pain in other joints. Gout occurs suddenly — often waking people up in the middle of the night — and can make your joints feel hot. It’s similar to rheumatoid arthritis in that it causes swelling and pain in the joint, but the location, severity of pain, and cause can help distinguish between the two.
There are several treatment options for people with gout — from medications to lifestyle changes. But, these treatment options are only treating symptoms and aren’t targeting the cause of gout. This means that flare-ups can happen if you stray from a certain diet or forget to take your medication. Stem cell therapy can be used to target the tissues that have been damaged by urate crystals. This provides longer relief against inflammation and pain.
Ideal Candidates for Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy isn’t for everyone. In fact, many treatments offered for gout are enough to keep symptoms in check and relieve pain. However, stem cell therapy can be used for people who continue to get flare-ups or for whom other treatments have not been effective. That’s why an ideal candidate for gout treatment with stem cells is someone who is:
- Medically stable enough to have minor surgery under local anesthesia performed.
- Not taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) or who can stop them for 2-4 days around the procedure.
- Seeking to avoid joint replacement surgery.
- Experiencing inadequate treatment or unwanted side effects on their gout medications.
- Seeking to maintain joint health and avoid future problems with arthritis.
Cost of Stem Cell Treatments
The cost of the initial treatment ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. This range depends on the complexity of delivering the cells back to you. For example, multiple physicians are needed to deliver cells back to your body for spinal conditions, which increases the cost as multiple doctors are involved in the procedure. For many people, the initial treatment is all that is needed. However, subsequent treatments may be required, which are done at a reduced fee.
Stem Cell Results for Gout
Patients who undergo stem cell therapy for gout report a reduction in their painful symptoms and an increased range of mobility. Stem cell therapy helps to reduce joint inflammation quickly, and many people see improvements in just one to two days. The anti-inflammatory results of the procedure last two to three months, with many patients seeing gradual improvement in their overall condition over time. Stem cell therapy for gout is performed at our Dallas and Fort Worth practice locations.
Contact Innovations Medical to Learn About Stem Cell Therapy for Gout
If you’re looking for big toe joint or gout pain relief, Innovations Medical is here for you. Our skilled professionals help you decide which treatment is best for you — keeping you informed and confident in the next steps. We’ve been helping our patients look and feel their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To find out if stem cell therapy is right for you, and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at (214) 643-8665 or request a consultation.