Arthritis — particularly osteoarthritis (OA) — is one of the most common causes of chronic joint pain in Thailand, affecting millions of adults over 40. Traditional treatments focus on pain management but do little to repair cartilage loss.
Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis is not one disease but a broad term for joint inflammation and degeneration. The most prevalent type, osteoarthritis, involves gradual cartilage breakdown, bone thickening, and synovial inflammation
Symptoms include:
- Persistent joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling and warmth
- Loss of flexibility
- Clicking or grinding sensations
In Thailand, lifestyle factors such as high BMI, heavy labor, and aging populations are driving a sharp rise in knee and hip OA cases
Conventional Treatments and Limitations
Traditional approaches include:
- NSAIDs or corticosteroids for pain relief
- Hyaluronic acid injections to improve lubrication
- Physiotherapy to maintain motion
- Joint replacement surgery for end-stage cases
While these methods alleviate symptoms, they do not regenerate cartilage or reverse the disease process. Hence the growing global shift toward biologic and regenerative therapies such as MSCs.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis?
Stem-cell therapy uses Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) — multipotent cells capable of differentiating into bone, cartilage, and fat — to repair damaged joint tissue.
The umbilical-cord source (UC-MSC) is preferred because:
- It’s ethically sourced and young, with high regenerative capacity
- Cells exhibit low immunogenicity, making them safe for allogeneic use
Injected directly into the affected joint, UC-MSCs release anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors that promote cartilage regeneration and reduce pain
Scientific Evidence Supporting MSCs in Arthritis
Growing clinical evidence confirms MSC therapy as a promising intervention for arthritis:
- 2024 clinical trials found significant improvement in pain (WOMAC) and function (KOOS) scores compared with hyaluronic acid or placebo
- MRI studies demonstrated cartilage thickening and bone-marrow-lesion reduction at 6–12 months after UC-MSC injection
- Thai clinical research from Mahidol University reported no major adverse events and consistent pain reduction within three months
These results confirm that MSC therapy is safe and clinically beneficial for mild-to-moderate OA.
How Stem Cells Work Inside the Joint
- Anti-inflammatory action: MSCs reduce IL-1β and TNF-α levels, calming the inflamed synovium.
- Cartilage regeneration: MSCs stimulate chondrocyte proliferation and matrix production.
- Pain reduction: Growth factors improve lubrication and decrease nerve irritation.
- Structural repair: MSCs may slow or reverse subchondral bone changes
Together, these mechanisms create a regenerative environment — addressing both symptoms and underlying degeneration.
Cost of Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritis in Thailand (2025)
Prices vary depending on cell count, joint site, and clinical setting:
| Treatment | Typical Price (THB) | Notes (per knee) |
| Basic MSC injection | ฿110,000 – ฿160,000 | Single joint, moderate OA |
| Advanced UC-MSC protocol | ฿200,000 – ฿300,000 | High cell count + guided injection |
| Premium comprehensive package | ฿300,000 – ฿450,000 | Includes imaging, rehab & follow-up |
(Adapted from MedTravel Asia [2024] and PlacidWay [2024])
While the cost may exceed some surgical packages, the non-surgical nature, short recovery, and regenerative potential make stem-cell therapy an attractive choice for many patients.
Recovery Expectations
- 0 – 3 days: Minor soreness; avoid heavy activity.
- 1 – 4 weeks: Noticeable pain reduction, improved movement.
- 3 – 6 months: Maximum regenerative benefit as new collagen forms
- 6 – 12 months: Possible cartilage stabilization on imaging
Patient Precautions
- Verify physician credentials and board certification.
- Request documentation ofcell count, viability, and lab origin.
- Avoid unlicensed clinics mixing MSCs with steroids or unknown additives.
- Ensure structured follow-up and imaging are part of your treatment plan.
Stem-cell therapy for arthritis is redefining joint care in Thailand — offering a non-surgical, regenerative option that addresses the cause, not just the pain
About EDNA Wellness
EDNA Wellness is a private clinic specializing in Stem Cell Therapy in Bangkok, Thailand for Neurology & Stroke as well as Bones & Joints. Beyond rehabilitation, we also provide aesthetic and wellness treatments to support your full-body vitality. All delivered with expert care and compassion
For more information or inquiries, contact us via
LINE @ednawellness
WhatsApp +66 (0) 64 505 5599
Citations
- Barry, F., & Murphy, M. (2013). Mesenchymal stem cells in joint disease and repair. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 9 (10), 584–594. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrrheum.2013.109
- Hunter, D. J., & Bierma-Zeinstra, S. (2019). Osteoarthritis. Lancet, 393(10182), 1745-1759. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(19)30417-9
- Limthongkul, W., Tanavalee, A., & Ngarmukos, S. (2023). Intra-articular umbilical-cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell injection for knee osteoarthritis: A Thai clinical experience. Journal of Orthopaedic Research Thailand, 45(3), 145-152.
- Liu, Y., Chen, H., & Wang, P. (2024). Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 15(1), 85. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-024-03456-0
- McAlindon, T. E., Bannuru, R. R., & Altman, R. D. (2020). OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 28(2), 157-168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joca.2019.12.005
- MedTravel Asia. (2024). Stem cell therapy cost for arthritis in Thailand. https://www.medtravelasia.com/
- PlacidWay. (2024). Thailand stem cell treatment packages and pricing. https://www.placidway.com/
- Shen, B., Liu, J., & Zhang, Y. (2023). MRI-based evaluation of cartilage regeneration after umbilical-cord-derived MSC therapy in osteoarthritis. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 11, 126-138. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2023.121456