Cortisone is a viable tool in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain, but it impedes the healing process. Researchers are utilizing stem cells and other treatment methods to replace cortisone, according to the Huffington Post.
Here are five things to know:
1. Cortisone was used as the main treatment method throughout the 20th century to treat ailments ranging from asthma to arthritis.
2. Cortisone shuts down cellular recruitment, which in turn reduces swelling. However, it also inhibits the healing process, allowing weakened tissue to remain in that state for an extended period of time.
3. Researchers are utilizing stem cells to guide the complex healing process and other methods to treat damaged tissue.
4. In addition to stem cells, researchers are also combining joint lubricants such as hyaluronic acid with growth factors when they inject into joints to stimulate additional lubrication production.
5. In the future, researchers plan to use newer albumin-like proteins, which absorb the inflammatory components in swollen joints and tissues. The proteins are currently in clinical trials.
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