Stem Cells: Hype vs. Reality

Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage, the cushioning material that covers the ends of bones, deteriorates. Over time, this can lead to pain, inflammation and limited mobility. No treatment will stop or reverse this process. The mainstays of therapy are pain management, weight loss and, if the condition becomes severe, joint replacement. Injectable treatments like corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid may be used, but the effectiveness of these treatments varies.