You May Benefit from Stem Cell Therapy for Thumb Injury Treatments
You might not give it much thought, but thumbs are important. Like, REALLY IMPORTANT! Stop for a second and think about just how much you use your thumb. Now think about how great it is that not only do we have these fancy little digits called thumbs in the first place, but that they are “opposable” thumbs at that. Opposable means that we can use our thumbs to touch our other fingers. This gives us the ability to pick up and grasp things. Opposable thumbs are an adaption that’s given humans an “upper hand” (excuse the pun) compared to other mammals.
When you injure your thumb, you really find out just how much you use them. When you can’t even grab and hold things with your injured thumb, you quickly begin searching for thumb treatments and therapies. While stem cell therapy for thumb injury may not be the first thing that comes to mind, you may be surprised just how effective stem cells are when it comes to thumb injuries.
Now, before we delve in deep, keep in mind that stem cell research is highly regulated by the FDA. As a result, many researchers have difficulty studying them. However, the research that has been completed on stem cell therapy for thumb injury has been very promising.
The Different Types of Thumb Injuries and Their Causes
Skiers’ thumb, gamers’ thumb, texting thumb, and cubers’ thumb, (from a Rubix cube), are all real, diagnosable injuries. Injuries that happen to everyday people all the time. Any kind of activity that involves repetitious motions of the thumb can take its toll on the tendons, small tissues, and the cartridge of your thumb.
All these conditions can be grouped into more clinical categories like tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and osteoarthritis, just to name a few. Some of these conditions are unfortunately permanent and progressive over time. Meaning they will not go away on their own and will just end up getting worse without treatment.
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal tunnel is a very common hand/thumb injury, especially among women. I’ve known plenty of secretaries who spend day after day, year after year sitting at a keyboard. And later down the road, they’re paying for it. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is pinched as it passes through the carpal tunnel on the inner part of the wrist. Symptoms include weakness and numbness of the thumb and possibly fingers. Sufferers might also experience pain and tingling that radiates up into the arm and shoulder. Why carpel tunnel occurs is not fully understood. However, researchers believe that certain repetitive flexing of the wrist may cause it. Vibrating tools and machinery may also play a part.
Trigger Thumb
Trigger thumb is a condition that occurs when repetitive motions irritate the protective sheath that surrounds the tendon of the affected thumb. At times this irritation and inflammation can cause the thumb to get stuck in a bent position. It’s called trigger thumb due to a snapping sensation or sound that occurs when the thumb bends which is like the releasing of a trigger.
Thumb Arthritis
Thumb arthritis is another common thumb condition that occurs when the cartilage of the thumb gets worn down around the ends of the bones of your thumb. The most common cause of thumb arthritis is age, but there are forms of arthritis caused by autoimmune dysfunction as well. Frequently, thumb arthritis symptoms include pain, stiffness, decreased strength, and range of motion in the thumb. Therefore, it’s no surprise that thumb arthritis makes it difficult to perform certain tasks like turning doorknobs and opening jars.
Thumb Ligament Injuries
One of the most common thumb injuries that is a great candidate for stem cell therapy for thumb injury is gamekeeper’s or skier’s thumb. This is when an injury occurs to the ligaments in the joint at the base of the thumb called the MP joint. It generally occurs when trauma occurs that forces the thumb to bend sideways away from the rest of the hand. This trauma can tear a ligament called the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This is an injury that over time, can lead to arthritis.
Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine
Stem cells, according to the National Stem Cell Foundation, are the “master cells” of the body and are the basic building blocks of all of your organs, tissues, ligaments, bones, blood, and even our immune system. One of the most promising types of stem cells is called embryonic stem cells.
Embryonic Stem Cells
A study on Embryonic Stem Cells by Cell Proliferation, states:
“Embryonic stem cells have huge potential in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as they hold the capacity to produce every type of cell and tissue in the body. In theory, the treatment of human disease could be revolutionized by the ability to generate any cell, tissue, or even organ, ‘on demand’ in the laboratory” (H. J. Rippon, 2004)
This is why scientists are so excited about the medical uses of embryonic stem cells in particular. Having the ability to repair damage to the cells of the human body opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to the field of medicine.
The issue is that embryonic stem cells must be harvested from a human embryo that is only a few days into gestation. This creates an ethical problem when it comes to procuring embryonic stem cells for both research and experimental treatment. The FDA has imposed strict restrictions on just how researchers can go about getting embryonic stem cells for their research. This makes it difficult for scientists to study embryonic stem cells, for good reason, and that has dramatically slowed the research into this promising new science.
Adult Stem Cells (MSCs)
Adult stem cells, also known as Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), are stem cells that live in every adult human body. These cells can be extracted from some fatty tissues and from bone marrow among other places. It was originally believed that MSCs could only transform themselves into a very limited type of cell in the human body, making their medical uses much less promising than embryonic stem cells. However, recently it has been discovered that MSCs are much more versatile than originally believed.
Adult stem cells can differentiate into many different kinds of cells; however, their uses come with problems. If a group of extracted MSCs contain some kind of genetic error or deformity caused by exposure to whatever toxin the adult body has been exposed to during their lifetime, then the stem cells may replicate them during treatment. (Yi-LingSi, 2011).
Can Stem Cell Therapy for Thumb Injury Help?
If your thumb injury is a simple sprain, then the proper application of ice, ibuprofen, and rest will generally fix you right up. Most pharmacies will sell over-the-counter braces and wraps to help keep the thumb stationary to help it heal faster. If your thumb injury is of a chronic nature, or you suffer from one of the conditions we have listed here, your treatment options are more limited. For a chronic thumb injury or arthritis, you generally have only a few mainstream choices. Take medication daily to manage the pain. Suffer from the pain. And finally, have surgery.
Stem cell therapy for thumb injury could be a much better option than taking pills every day, suffering, or having an invasive surgical procedure done that might not even work. According to Regen Ortho Sport, stem cells are highly effective when it comes to treating thumb arthritis, as the stem cells act to heal the body’s damaged tissue.
Studying the Affects Bone Marrow Stem Cells
In one study by the International Open Access Journal of American Society of Plastic Surgeons, researchers used bone marrow stem cells, (MSCs) in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the thumb at the first carpometacarpal Joint. 13 different study participants patients experienced the same or similar progressions of arthritis of the thumbs. After injecting the patients with the adult stem cells, the study showed improved symptoms and function in all the patients. Researchers in this study stated “This innovative pilot study provides a new therapeutic option to hand surgeons when treating patients with OA of the first CMCJ, providing an exciting new opportunity for plastic surgery within regenerative medicine” (Murphy, 2017)
Stem cells have been studied and even used to treat a great many different chronic injuries and illnesses. From Alzheimer’s to autoimmune disorders, it seems as though the ability of stem cells to be able to differentiate into all kinds of other cells in the body makes their uses in medicine possibly universal.
Stem Cell Therapy for Thumb Injury at Stem Cells LA
Here at Stem Cells LA, we are a Los Angeles stem cell treatment and resource center. Our stem cell professionals make it our business to know all the latest stem cell research and treatments. We use adult stem cells so that there are no ethical concerns in the procurement of our stem cells.
Our doctors and staff here at Stem Cells LA are well versed in the clinical application of stem cell therapy for thumb injury and other maladies. All of our medical professionals are experts in the proper application of stem cell therapy. As such, we only recommend treatments we believe will benefit our patients. We don’t promise you any results not backed up by actual science and research.
Remember,sStem cell treatments are still in the beginning phases of research and development. If you have any questions regarding stem cells or stem cell therapy for thumb injuries, call us today. We’re always here to provide all the information you necessary.
LA STEM CELL THERAPY PROVIDERS
Stem Cells LA may be able to help address your arthritis, thumb injuries, neuropathy, orthopedic disease, anti-aging, and more. Additionally, the restorative properties of stem cell treatments may help reduce healing time for other procedures including hair transplants.
At Stem Cells LA, we’re happy to provide informational services and treatments. Additionally, we’ll connect you with a cell therapy provider in the Los Angeles area. They’ll help you determine if stem cell therapy is right for you and your unique situation. Please keep in mind that stem cells are NOT FOR EVERYONE. Some people are candidates for stem cell procedures and others are not. We believe in the power of stem cells but at Stem Cells LA, we don’t do cures. However, we do add a very valuable tool to your wellness toolbelt.
It’s important to look into the patient experience. Your safety, privacy, and well-being are of the utmost importance to us. Remember, we’re here for you! Above all, only a qualified doctor can help you decide if stem cell therapy is right for you. We may be able to help set you up with a trusted regenerative medicine specialist. To book a consultation, call us today.
Stem Cells LA
(310) 281-6160
1970 S. Prospect Ave., Suite 2
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
References:
- H. J. Rippon, A. E. (2004). Embryonic stem cells. Cell Proliferation Vol 37.
- Murphy, M. P. (2017). Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cell Use for Osteoarthritis of the Thumb—First Carpometacarpal Joint. International Open Access Journal of American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
- Yi-LingSi, W.-D. (2011). MSCs: Biological characteristics, clinical applications, and their outstanding concerns. Ageing Research Reviews.
