Ultrasound-Guided nStride Injections
An Innovative Treatment for Osteoarthritis.
NStride is an advanced treatment designed to manage osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease characterised by the deterioration of cartilage, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. It has gained recognition as a promising alternative to traditional treatments such as painkillers, corticosteroid injections, or joint replacement surgery. By harnessing the body’s innate healing abilities, NStride aims to address the root causes of osteoarthritis rather than simply alleviating its symptoms.
Who Is NStride Suitable For?
NStride is primarily recommended for individuals with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. It is particularly beneficial for patients who have not achieved satisfactory results from other conservative options, such as physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or hyaluronic acid injections. Although its primary application is for knee OA, early research suggests it may also be effective for other weight-bearing joints, including the hip and ankle.
How Does NStride Work?
Osteoarthritis is driven by chronic inflammation and the gradual breakdown of cartilage, caused by an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory substances within the joint. Key inflammatory molecules, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), play a critical role in worsening inflammation and cartilage damage.
NStride counteracts these harmful processes. It is an autologous therapy, meaning it uses the patient’s own blood to create a concentrated solution containing anti-inflammatory proteins, growth factors, and platelets. A key element in this treatment is the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), which blocks IL-1 receptors in the joint, halting the inflammatory response and slowing cartilage degradation. Meanwhile, the growth factors within the serum stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, providing a dual therapeutic effect.
The Treatment Process
The NStride procedure is minimally invasive and can be completed during a single outpatient visit. It involves three main steps:
Blood Collection: A small volume of blood (approximately 50 mL) is drawn from the patient, similar to a routine blood test.
Serum Preparation: The blood is processed in a centrifuge to isolate a concentrated serum rich in anti-inflammatory proteins and growth factors. This step takes roughly 20–30 minutes.
Joint Injection: The prepared serum is injected directly into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy.
Most patients tolerate the procedure well and can resume normal activities shortly afterwards.
The Evidence Supporting NStride
Clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of NStride in reducing pain and enhancing joint function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Research indicates that a single injection may provide significant symptom relief lasting up to 2-3 years. For instance, a 2017 study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that patients treated with NStride reported substantial reductions in pain and improvements in their quality of life compared to those receiving placebo injections.
Beyond clinical studies, real-world feedback has highlighted the benefits of NStride. Many patients report a decreased reliance on pain relief medications and an improved ability to engage in physical activities following treatment.
What Should Patients Expect?
NStride is a quick and straightforward procedure with minimal associated discomfort. After the injection, some patients may experience mild swelling or tenderness at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days. The treatment’s full benefits may take several weeks to become apparent, as the anti-inflammatory proteins reduce joint inflammation and promote healing.
For many, NStride results in significant reductions in pain and improvements in mobility, facilitating a more active and fulfilling lifestyle. However, outcomes can vary based on the severity of osteoarthritis and individual patient factors. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are advised to monitor progress and assess the need for additional interventions.
In conclusion, NStride represents a breakthrough in the treatment of osteoarthritis by addressing the underlying inflammatory processes and supporting cartilage repair. For eligible patients, it provides an effective and minimally invasive alternative to more intensive procedures, offering hope for sustained symptom relief and improved joint health.
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