A2M Injections for Arthritis Relief
Consider alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) one of the good guys when it comes to healing. Especially for patients suffering from degenerative arthritis.
A2M is a safe and naturally occurring molecule that exists in your blood. It binds to enzymes that cause cartilage breakdown and inflammation, essentially halting their destruction and allowing an injury to heal. While there is some A2M naturally found at the joints, there is not enough to stop the damage of osteoarthritis.
That’s where A2M injections come in.
How It Works
A2M injections are considered a type of regenerative medicine, or orthobiologics. The minimally invasive procedure is conducted much like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, where a sample of your own blood is taken then spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the levels of A2M. It is this concentrated collection of A2M obtained from your own blood that is re-injected directly to the target joint to help it heal.
A2M works by binding to and trapping the destructive proteins, which are then eliminated from the body naturally. Also, because of the nature of A2M itself, the procedure does not stimulate an inflammatory response in the body, so these injections involve even less discomfort than other regenerative therapies.
Benefits of A2M Injections
A2M can halt the progression of cartilage destruction – and may even help prevent it from occurring in the first place. Findings suggest that supplemental joint injections with A2M help protect existing cartilage in patients with arthritis.
Patients who have undergone A2M injections report improved mobility and less pain right away after the therapy.
Is A2M Right for You?
If you are considering A2M injections, your doctor can conduct a simple test to determine if you have biomarkers for the destructive enzymes that A2M targets. This can identify whether you are a good candidate for A2M therapy.
Your doctor may suggest A2M injections in addition to other treatments, including additional regenerative therapies using PRP therapy or adult stem cells.
Surgery isn’t your only option if you’re suffering from degenerative arthritis! Regenerative medicine therapies like A2M injections may relieve your pain and help your joints heal. Call the regenerative medicine coordinator at Meli Orthopedic Centers of Excellence (formerly Orthopedix MD) at (954) 451-3000. You can also request your appointment now.