By Dr. John L. Ferrell III, M.D.(*)
⚡ The Quick Answer: Can You Fix Arthritis?
If you only have a minute, here is what you need to know about treating knee arthritis at ROSM:
- It’s not a “Cure,” it’s Management: Think of arthritis like high blood pressure. You don’t “cure” it once; you manage it so it doesn’t stop you from living your life.
- Don’t Wait for “Bone on Bone”: You don’t have to wait until your joint is destroyed to get help. In fact, the earlier we start, the better the results.
- Surgery isn’t the Only Path: New research shows that treatments like PRP and MFAT (from your own fat) can “quiet down” pain and help you stay active for years, even in severe cases.
- The Best Part: We offer a Free First Evaluation for knee arthritis so you can get an honest second opinion without any risk.
If you have knee arthritis, you’ve probably asked the big question: “Is there a cure?”
It’s a fair question. When your knee hurts every time you stand up or walk the dog, you want it fixed. You want it to go away forever.
In the medical world, we don’t usually use the word “cure” for arthritis. But that doesn’t mean you have to live in pain. At ROSM, we look at arthritis differently.
Think of it like High Blood Pressure
Most people understand that you don’t “cure” high blood pressure. You manage it. You eat right, you exercise, and you might take medicine to keep it under control so you can live a long, healthy life.
Arthritis is the same way. Instead of waiting for your knee to “break” so you can get a replacement, we focus on Joint Preservation. Our goal is to “turn down the volume” on your pain and fix the environment inside your knee so you can stay active for years to come.
What the Science Says (Even for “Bone on Bone”)
Many patients come to us after being told they are “bone on bone” and surgery is the only answer. But new research is changing that story.
- The “Even if it’s Severe” Study: A famous study by Dr. Gobbi (*) looked at patients with all levels of arthritis, even the severe “bone on bone” type. They used a treatment called MFAT (using a tiny bit of the patient’s own fat). They found that even the patients with severe arthritis saw big improvements in their daily life for up to two years.
- The “Stopping the Clock” Study: Another study (*) compared two different treatments (MFAT and PRP). Both groups felt much better, but here is the exciting part: the doctors saw no signs of the arthritis getting worse during the two-year check-up.
This is why we get excited. We aren’t just masking pain; we are supporting the joint so it doesn’t wear out as fast.
The ROSM Way: No “One-Size-Fits-All”
Two people can have the exact same X-ray, but one person is running marathons while the other can’t walk to the mailbox. This is why we don’t treat your X-ray—we treat YOU.
We use a “toolbox” of options to help your knee:
- PRP: Using your own blood’s “repair crews” to lower inflammation.
- Shockwave (EPAT): A non-invasive way to jumpstart healing in the tissue around the knee.
- MFAT & BMAC: Using your own cells (from fat or bone marrow) to provide a “cushion” and support for the joint.
From the Couch to the Court: A Real Success
We recently saw a patient who had given up on his favorite Saturday morning pickleball game. He was told a knee replacement was inevitable. After a personalized plan using PRP and specific rehab, he sent us a note:
“I’m not just back on the court; I’m playing without thinking about my knee for the first time in three years.”
That is what success looks like at ROSM. It’s not about a “miracle cure“, it’s about getting your life back.
Your First Step (It’s on Us)
We know that choosing a path for your knee can be confusing. That’s why we offer a unique way to start. Your first arthritis evaluation at ROSM is free. We won’t even bill your insurance for that first visit.
We want to give you an honest second opinion and a clear plan, so you can decide what’s best for your future.
