How long does stem cell therapy for knees last?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Published Feb 14, 2026
Stem cell treatment for knee, back, shoulder, and joint pain can have varying results in terms of how long the pain relief lasts. Several studies using stem cells as a treatment for arthritis have shown lasting results anywhere from six months to several years.
How expensive is stem cell therapy for knees?
Stem cells for knees cost: $5,000-$10,000 “In a study presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, researchers contacted 317 clinics in the US that directly market stem cell therapies to consumers.
Can stem cells Regrow knee cartilage?
Bennett has performed simple stem cell injections into joints for patients who do not want surgery with very promising results. However, he notes that given the opportunity to combine adult bone marrow derived stem cells with various types of cartilage surgery that he performs, he can regenerate near normal cartilage.
How are stem cells harvested for knees?
Adult stem cells can be extracted by minimally invasive methods from fat tissue and bone marrow. Bone marrow stem cells have a good potential for differentiation, and the concentrated cells have numerous growth factors that aid in the cartilage formation process.
Does stem cell therapy for knees really work?
Studies have shown that stem cell therapy can help reduce knee pain and improve function, but it does not appear to result in cartilage regrowth. Stem cell treatment for joint injuries is not yet part of medical practice.
What is the success rate of stem cell therapy for knees?
There has been some evidence that orthobiologic injections reduce knee pain in patients by as much as 75%, which was supported by a follow-up study.
Is stem cell better than knee replacement?
Because a knee replacement is such a significant surgery, the recovery time can take months. One of the major advantages of stem cell therapy is that patients generally see a much smaller reduction in their mobility as a result of the procedure.
Can you walk with no cartilage in your knee?
If left untreated, the joint, especially if it is a weight-bearing one, such as the knee, can eventually become so damaged that the person cannot walk. Apart from immobility, the pain may slowly get worse. All small articular cartilage defects can eventually progress to osteoarthritis if given enough time.
How can I rebuild my knee cartilage naturally?
Foods that Help Rebuild Cartilage
- Legumes. For optimal joint function, it is important to beat inflammation wherever possible—inflammation is the primary source of collagen and, by extension, cartilage breakdown.
- Oranges.
- Pomegranates.
- Green Tea.
- Brown Rice.
- Nuts.
- Brussel Sprouts.
How can stem cell therapy repair damaged knees?
1 slow and repair damaged cartilage 2 decrease inflammation and reduce pain 3 possibly delay or prevent the need for knee replacement surgery
Are there any alternatives to stem cell therapy?
Alternative treatments to stem cell therapy. If you’re experiencing knee pain or limited knee mobility, alternative initial treatments might include anti-inflammatory medications, opioid pain medications, or physical therapy. Alternative treatments include injections with platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, or steroids.
Are there any side effects to stem cell therapy?
Side effects are minimal. The most frequent experiences after the procedure include mild pain at the injection site, swelling, and some joint stiffness. A review of multiple medical institutions reveals an average cost for stem cell treatment for knees of approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per knee, depending largely on geographical location.
How is stem cell therapy used to treat arthritis?
Though very few of these applications have any scientific backing, stem cell therapy for knees has been the subject of quite a few promising studies. Arthritis develops when the cartilage lining the joints starts to deteriorate, causing pain and limiting function.