Knee Pain From Arthritis? Here’s What To Know About Stem Cell Gel Injections

Living with knee pain can make even the simplest movements feel like a challenge. And whether you're struggling to climb stairs or just want to carry on with your day-to-day activities free of discomfort, chances are you're looking for a solution that doesn't involve prescription drugs or surgery. One option that’s gaining considerable attention is knee gel injections using stem cell therapy. This is a non-invasive, regenerative treatment designed to target osteoarthritis (OA) at its source.

Professor Paul Lee (MBBch, MFSEM (UK), MRCS, MSc (Sports Med), PhD (Medical Engineering)), and founder of London Cartilage Clinic, says this type of stem cell treatment is used to help manage OA by repairing cartilage, reducing inflammation, and improving joint function. Rather than simply treating pain, the goal is to intervene earlier and trigger the body’s own healing capabilities.

What Is Stem Cell Therapy for the Knee?

This therapy uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a type of cell that can develop into cartilage-producing cells, or chondrocytes. In this procedure, stem cells are typically extracted from the patient’s own fat tissue or bone marrow, processed, and then injected directly into the knee joint. Once in place, they work to rebuild damaged cartilage, modulate the immune response, and release growth factors that encourage healing.

Because MSCs have anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties, they offer a powerful option for treating early-to-mid-stage OA. Unlike medications that mask pain or steroids that only offer temporary relief, MSCs interact with the local joint environment, potentially slowing the disease's progression over time.

Why Osteoarthritis Needs Better Solutions

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common degenerative joint conditions, affecting more than 650 million people over the age of 40 worldwide. It’s a leading cause of pain, reduced mobility, and disability. Current non-surgical treatments cannot reverse its effects. At its worst, OA often leads to knee replacement surgery, which comes with its own risks, downtime, and long-term recovery.

Knee gel injections using MSCs offer a less invasive alternative. For many people, these injections provide symptom relief and functional improvement without the need for hospital stays or joint replacements. Early research also shows promise in delaying the need for surgery altogether.

Could This Non-Surgical Option Be Right for You?

If you’ve been trying to manage OA with medications, physiotherapy, and/or lifestyle changes but you're still experiencing pain, stem cell gel injections may be worth looking into. This treatment is becoming an increasingly important part of arthritis care as interest in regenerative medicine grows and clinical successes continue.

Talk to a medical professional who specialises in joint health or book a consultation at London Cartilage Clinic. A specialised doctor can assess your condition and explain whether stem cell therapy is a safe and appropriate option in your case. The pain relief you seek may just be one phone call away.