Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (such as diclofenac and etodolac), are often used by arthritis sufferers in order to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected joints. These drugs, also known as COX-2 inhibitors, have long since been linked with vascular complications such as heart attack or stroke. Regrettably, recent studies have indicated that the threat to health from COX-2 inhibitors may be more serious than originally suggested.

COX-2 Inhibitors: Heightened Risk of Stroke
A recent report*, released November 5th, 2014, outlining studies led by Aarhus Hospital University, Denmark; indicated that these anti-inflammatory drugs significantly added to the risk of mortality from stroke; in fact, far more than originally assumed.

Christian Christiansen (PhD), co-author of the paper, stated that the team ‘found a 30-day mortality from stroke increased by around 20%’, if patients were taking a COX-2 inhibitor before being admitted to hospital. The drugs have long since been confirmed as increasing the risk of vascular complication such as stroke or heart attack, but this is the first report that actually links increased risk of death from such complications as a direct result of taking them.

Pain Relief for Arthritis: What Are the Alternatives?
The report also indicated that the preferred drug to use for pain relief was paracetamol. However, for those suffering with severe arthritis, paracetamol is unlikely to offer much in the way of help, and more proactive treatment may be required.

The Benefits of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy) and Stem Cell Therapy
PRP therapy and adult stem cell therapy are both procedures that have gained significant ground in recent years, particularly with those who suffer from arthritis and other similar conditions of the joints.

In the field of sports medicine, these therapies have proved to be particularly popular, not to mention successful. A particularly high profile case is that of Tiger Woods, who reportedly received PRP therapy to effectively treat his knee.

The major appeal of PRP and stem cell therapy is that neither are surgical procedures and both are minimally invasive. Indeed, it is generally an outpatient treatment and recovery is far more rapid than that of conventional surgical treatments.

Unlike other treatments such as corticosteroid injections, which only have limited, short-term success in alleviating symptoms; PRP has proven to offer long-term pain relief, without the health risks presented by drugs such as COX-2 Inhibitors.

What is PRP Exactly?
The treatment involves injecting platelet rich plasma directly into the affected joint. Platelets contain a number of growth factors, which rapidly assist healing within the tissue and also reduce inflammation. The exact treatment received depends very much on the precise nature of the condition.

In addition to arthritis, it can be used to treat tennis elbow, rotator cuff tears and jumper’s knee, in addition to a range of other conditions.

PRP: Orthopedic Services in Sarasota
To find out more about PRP and stem cell therapy and how it can make a difference in your life, whilst minimizing the health risks associated with COX-2 inhibitors, simply get in touch with Dr Bennett by calling 941-404-2703. Dr Bennett is one of the leading PRP therapy specialists in the Sarasota area.

(*Neurology.org (2014) Neurology, [online] Available at: http://www.neurology.org/content/early/2014/11/05/WNL.0000000000001024 [Accessed 9th Nov 2014].)