Indian Knees in Crisis: PRP & Stem Cells Under Scrutiny

Knee problems are becoming more prevalent among younger and middle-aged Indians, moving beyond age-related osteoarthritis. Factors like obesity, lack of conditioning, and sports injuries contribute to chronic knee pain. Women, in particular, often experience knee issues earlier and more frequently due to hormonal changes post-menopause, weaker muscles, and delayed treatment seeking.

Regenerative treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell therapy are promoted as non-surgical solutions. However, orthopedic experts caution that PRP is effective for soft-tissue injuries but does not regenerate cartilage or reverse damage in osteoarthritis. Its benefits for knee arthritis are limited to temporary pain relief in early stages and are not recommended by major orthopedic associations for this condition.

Similarly, stem cell therapies offered in many Indian clinics often use unproven mixtures rather than lab-cultured cells. These treatments are experimental, lack US FDA approval for knee conditions, and offer no consistent long-term benefits. Reliable improvements for knee pain still stem from weight control, physiotherapy, muscle strengthening, and lifestyle modifications.