A GRANDFATHER who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis has become one of first to benefit from pioneering new regenerative treatment.

Hugh Malone, 56, from Consett, found everyday tasks most people take for granted, such as using a computer or picking up a cup of tea, were becoming difficult.

He had suffered from the debilitating condition, which was triggered by a knee operation that went wrong, for ten years, but managed to control the pain in his knees and feet through the use of two drugs, sulfasalazine and naproxen.

These helped dampen the symptoms, which also include swelling and stiffness, enabling him to live a fairly active life, with him even being able to continue to play five-a-side football.

But Mr Malone turned to a life-changing regenerative treatment, being pioneered by sports and orthopaedic consultant, Dr Ralph Rogers at his clinic in Harley Street, in London, after the rheumatoid arthritis spread to the joints in his hands, which became so painful he was finding it difficult to have a restful night’s sleep.

Mr Malone was advised by his rheumatologist that to combat the unbearable pain he would need to take more drugs, but he felt there must be a better alternative.

The businessman, who has two daughters and three grandchildren, said: “I did some research as I felt there had to be something else out there.

“I did not want to have to be reliant on a cocktail of drugs to alleviate the joint pain, swelling and stiffness in my hands.”

Mr Malone underwent Lipogems therapy, a cutting-edge technology which involves extracting a small amount of fat from the midsection, or love-handles.

It is then injected using a small gauge needle into the specific area requiring treatment, for example the knee or hand joints.

He said: “It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

“I was out of the clinic within a few hours and now six weeks later my hands have improved considerably. The transformation has been brilliant.”

The Lipogems device was invented in Italy by plastic surgeon Professor Carlo Tremolada, who was looking for a way to optimise fat for reconstructive applications.

Dr Rogers said: “It is very satisfying to see patients, whose dexterity or mobility has been hugely restricted due to intolerable pain, once again being able to carry out tasks and activities that other people are able to do without a second thought.”