Specialists Discuss Naturally Healing Hand & Wrist Injuries
Anyone who suffers from a hand or wrist injury will tell you the profound impact it has on the ability to perform everyday tasks – from using a phone or keyboard, to holding a fork, driving, or opening a bottle.
Traditional treatments for hand and wrist injuries have focused on managing symptoms, medications, physical therapy, and surgery, when necessary. But now hand doctors now have amazing new techniques that can help the body naturally heal itself. The emerging science of regenerative medicine offers a promising avenue for stimulating the body’s own repair.
In this article, top Detroit area hand specialist Uzma Rehman shares the exciting recent developments in regenerative medicine for naturally treating hand and wrist injuries.
What is “Regenerative Medicine”?
Regenerative medicine is a multidisciplinary field that aims to restore and replace damaged or diseased tissues, by harnessing the body’s natural healing processes. The underlying principle is to stimulate the growth of new, functional tissues to restore normal function and promote long-term recovery.
In the context of hand and wrist injuries, regenerative medicine offers the possibility of regenerating damaged ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and other structures in the hand and wrist – to restore mobility and function. In many cases, natural regenerative medicine techniques may even replace the need for medications or surgical intervention.
In cases of more severe injury or advanced disease, regenerative medicine can work hand-in-hand with surgery and pharmaceuticals to stimulate tissue repair and accelerate healing.
Types of Hand & Wrist Regenerative Medicine
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for Hand & Wrist
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative technique that utilizes the healing properties of a patient’s own blood. It involves extracting a small sample of blood and then processing it to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. This platelet rich plasma is then injected into the injured area, promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
PRP therapy has shown promise in treating various hand and wrist injuries, such as tendonitis, ligament injuries, and osteoarthritis. The growth factors present in PRP stimulate cellular repair, enhance collagen production, and reduce inflammation, facilitating the healing process and improving overall function.
Stem Cell Therapy for Hand & Wrist
Stem cell therapy is another cutting-edge approach in regenerative medicine. Stem cells are special cells that have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, including those found in tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. In hand and wrist injuries, stem cells can be obtained from various sources, such as bone marrow or adipose tissue (fat).
Once harvested, these stem cells can be processed and injected into the injured area, promoting tissue regeneration. The stem cells have the potential to differentiate into the specific cell types needed for repair and stimulate the surrounding cells to facilitate healing. Early research and clinical studies have shown promising results, suggesting that stem cell therapy holds great potential for improving outcomes in hand and wrist injuries.
Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Scaffolds for Hand & Wrist
Extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds are a unique approach in regenerative medicine that involves utilizing biological scaffolds to support tissue repair and regeneration. ECM is the intricate network of proteins and other molecules that provide structural support and facilitate cellular interactions within tissues.
In hand and wrist injuries, ECM scaffolds can be created using biocompatible materials derived from natural or synthetic sources. These scaffolds act as a template for new tissue growth, providing structural support and signaling cues for cells to organize and regenerate damaged tissues. ECM scaffolds have shown promise in promoting the healing of damaged tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, improving tissue quality and function.
Gene Therapy for Hand & Wrist
Gene therapy is an emerging, still experimental field that involves manipulating genes to treat diseases and promote tissue regeneration. Researchers are exploring techniques to deliver specific genes to the injured area, which can promote the production of growth factors or other molecules that aid in tissue repair.
In the future, it is anticipated that gene therapy will be used to target specific pathways involved in the healing process of hand and wrist injuries, offering a highly personalized and transformative approach to regenerative medicine.
Top Hand Specialist | Detroit
Regenerative medicine – including platelet-rich plasma therapy, stem cell therapy, and ECM scaffolds – brings new hope for individuals suffering from hand and wrist injuries. By harnessing the body’s own healing mechanisms, hand specialists like Dr. Uzma Rehman can help patients heal faster and more fully – with less need for strong drugs or invasive surgery – to regain optimal function and return to the activities they love.
