Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation in the joints. Unlike other forms of arthritis, which usually develop due to age or injury, Rheumatoid Arthritis can develop in patients of any age.

Its presence often coincides with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by brittle, flaky skin and frequent scabbing. The link between psoriasis and arthritis is not yet fully understood, but scientists believe that cytokines, a protein responsible for cell signaling, may play a role.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms vary somewhat between patients, but many symptoms are commonly shared. Pain and swelling in the joints are common, with severity varying from fairly mild to totally debilitating. Additionally, many patients experience flu-like symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, cold extremities, fever, and general weakness. For some patients, symptoms are worse after prolonged periods of sitting. Others experience occasional or frequent flare-ups where symptoms are worse than normal, the disease may go into periods of remission from time to time.

As a progressive disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms will tend to worsen with time. In its earliest stages, rheumatoid arthritis will cause swelling of the synovial fluid and lining of the joint. Over time, the synovium will thicken due to the rapid division of cells in the area. These inflamed cells then release enzymes that may break down the bone and cartilage of the joint.

As the joint is worn down by this enzymatic reaction, the bones will begin to lose their strength and shape. This creates a loss of flexibility in the joint and is accompanied by substantial pain. Over time, severe rheumatoid arthritis will lead to permanent joint damage, including bone deformity and irregular growths. These complications can make rheumatoid arthritis a crippling disease. Fortunately, some patients may find relief through stem cell therapy.
Stem cells are a special type of cell that has not yet dedicated itself to a particular type of tissue. Most cells in the body are specific and local to a certain body part. For example, skin cells always make new skin cells, and brain cells always make brain cells. Stem cells are not limited in this way. Instead, these new cells will take on the form of the tissue that surrounds them.

Because of this property, stem cells can be effectively used to aid in the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. This is at the heart of stem cell therapy and is why these treatments can be so effective for patients suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, by giving worn-down tissue the proper tools to repair itself, the body can regenerate naturally.

Stem cell therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects in patients whose tissues or organs have weakened or shown signs of fatigue. The weakness and degeneration of these systems can be counteracted or reversed through this treatment. In effect, stem cells invigorate the other tissue and boost the body’s organic functions.

How Stem Cell Therapy Works

Stem cells include proteins, growth factors, and other tools necessary to rebuild damaged organs or tissue. Although these substances exist naturally in an individual’s adipose tissue or bone marrow they are usually not released into a person’s bloodstream in sufficient quantities to repair damage throughout the body. By liberating the stem cells and relocating them to an affected area, Stem Cell Therapy solves this problem and provides relief to damaged tissues, including joints that have been affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Typically this is an outpatient procedure, however, patients may stay for 2 days in our facilities.