For people suffering from chronic knee pain, such as pains associated with osteoarthritis and other similar conditions, options for effective treatment may be limited. Some people look to knee pain stem cell therapy for help, but there are some things you should know before considering this route. Here are some things to keep in mind that can help inform your decision.

FDA Approval

When seeking out new forms of treatment, it is sometimes helpful to look at what the FDA has approved. FDA guidelines can give you an idea of whether a treatment is experimental or proven to provide results, and reading up on FDA guidelines can also help you determine if a certain type of treatment is intended to help with your issues. The FDA has approved stem cell products derived from umbilical cord blood for use in systems of the body relating to blood production. Other types of stem cell products and the use of stem cells as a treatment in other systems of the body have not met this approval. However, this doesn't mean that stem cell therapy to help your knee pain is not possible. Some respected research hospitals are looking at ways the stem cells can be used for pain treatments.

Clinical Trials

If you want to participate in a clinical trial for stem cell pain treatments, talk to your doctor. Some scientists and researchers have already begun trials, and your physician may be able to find a program that's appropriate for you. The research that results from these types of trials can be used by the FDA to approve treatment options, and your potential success story could have a positive impact on others facing the same pain you are. Your doctor will need to look at your complete medical history to determine if you are a good candidate, and he or she may also want to try additional pain management options before treating your knee in a clinical trial.

Insurance Coverage

Unfortunately, some health insurance companies may be unwilling to pay for a treatment that's not approved or regulated by the FDA. This means that you may end up paying for the entire cost should you and your doctor decide on this course of treatment. Talk to your insurance company to determine coverage options. In some cases, the treatment may be covered if it is provided in conjunction with another approved therapy. You may also be able to have the costs covered if you enter into a clinical trial, provided that the hospital or physicians involved meet certain criteria.

If you haven't already tried other therapies, you may want to consider other options to rule them out. If you find success with another minimally invasive treatment, there may not be a need for stem cell therapy. However, if you've exhausted all your options, using this type of therapy for your knee pain might be the answer you've been looking for.