Osteoarthritis is the most well-known form of arthritis. It mainly affects the knees, hands, spine and hips. This degenerative disorder is characterised by inflammation and loss of cartilage which causes pain and joint stiffness. Osteoarthritis can be treated with medication, therapy, injections and surgery. In this blog post, we will be looking at n-stride APS injections and their role in treating knee osteoarthritis.
What are n-stride APS injections?
N-stride APS injections are an autologous protein solution [APS] infused with anti-inflammatory cytokines and anabolic growth factors. To obtain the autologous protein solution, the doctor separates platelets and white blood cells from your blood and concentrates them with a small volume of plasma.
How do n-stride APS injections work?
Patients with knee osteoarthritis have a higher concentration of inflammatory cytokines [bad protein] than anti-inflammatory cytokines [good protein]. This protein imbalance causes inflammation and gradual cartilage degeneration. Because n-stride injections contain potent anti-inflammatory cytokines, they are able to inhibit the activity of inflammatory cytokines in the affected knee, therefore reducing inflammation. Anabolic cytokines present in n-stride injections also stimulate the synthesis of the cartilage matrix. This helps repair the damaged cartilage tissue and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.
Are n-stride APS injections the same as PRP injections?
No, they are not. N-stride injections contain anti-inflammatory cytokines and leukocytes, which are absent in PRP injections. That said, both of these injections are autologous treatments that use blood proteins to promote tissue healing.
What are the benefits of n-stride APS injections over other Osteoarthritis treatments?
N-stride APS injections offer several benefits compared to traditional osteoarthritis treatment. Some of these benefits include:
• It is a non-invasive treatment that involves one injection
• It significantly reduces inflammation and pain in the affected knee
• It offers longer-lasting results of up to two years
• It prevents further cartilage degeneration and promotes cartilage cell growth
• Being an autologous treatment, it eliminates the risks of adverse reactions
What can I expect when getting an n-stride APS injection?
The procedure is fairly straightforward. Your doctor will draw blood from your arm and separate it using an APS kit to get the concentrated APS solution. The solution is then injected into the affected knee. After the injection, you might experience a little pain and stiffness, but this should subside after a few days. You should avoid strenuous physical activities for at least two weeks after the treatment is administered to increase the efficacy of the injection.
For any inquiries about n-stride APS injections, contact us today to book an appointment.