480-464-8000

Home » Rheumatoid Arthritis in Scottsdale, AZ

Rheumatoid Arthritis in Scottsdale, AZ

The Scottsdale Stem Cell Treatment Center offers treatment for rheumatoid arthritis to the residents of Scottsdale, Phoenix, and the surrounding Arizona communities.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The joints in your body are covered by a thin membrane known as the synovium. The membrane cushions and lubricates joints to prevent damage and discomfort. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease in which the immune system attacks the synovium. People living with RA experience a variety of unpleasant effects ranging from minor discomfort throughout the day to debilitating damage. While there is no cure for RA, a number of treatments do exist to lessen any fluid build-up in the joints, irritation, and damage to the bones.

RA is classified as a chronic disorder, meaning the progression of symptoms worsens over time. In some cases, a patient may gradually notice the effects of RA over the course of a decade or longer. Other patients may experience a rapid progression of the debilitating effects. As the synovium lining wears away or becomes inflamed, discomfort and risk for bone damage increase. In most instances, the effects of RA only involve the joints, but patients may also experience problems with their eyes, nerves, and skin. RA may also worsen pulmonary fibrosis, renal damage, and heart damage.

Research for RA focuses on two primary objectives. The first objective is to determine exactly why the disease occurs and what can be done to prevent it. The second research objective is to learn how to reverse the damage caused by RA via replacement of infected cells around the joint. While RA cannot be cured, some patients may benefit from medication that helps suppress the disease and its unwanted debilitating effects. Currently, no procedures exist to effectively replace cells that are damaged by RA.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes

Rheumatoid arthritis results when the immune system attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. Inflammation thickens the synovium and can slowly destroy the bone and cartilage inside the joint. The ligaments and tendons that keep the joint in place stretch out and weaken over time. Eventually, the joint loses its shape and becomes misaligned.

Currently, doctors do not fully understand the genesis of RA. However, many believe genetic factors are to blame. Although genetics may not actually cause RA, genetics can make you more susceptible to environmental factors, such as infections resulting from bacteria or viruses, which can trigger the disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of RA may include the following:

  • Swollen joints
  • Tenderness or a feeling of “warmth” around the joints
  • Stiffness in the morning that lasts for an hour or longer
  • Hardened bumps or nodules just under the skin on either arm
  • Fever, chronic fatigue, and sudden weight loss with no other clear causes

Most patients begin to notice the signs of RA in their smaller joints such as their fingers. Rheumatoid arthritis may then attack larger joints including the hips, elbows, ankles, shoulders, and knees. The disease typically affects joints on both sides of the body equally.

No two cases of RA are identical, and the symptoms vary between patients. Some may experience constant discomfort in specific joints while others will have “flares” of discomfort before the disease goes into remission. Rheumatoid arthritis can, unfortunately, deform joints and shift them out of place.

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Stem Cell Therapy and Stem Cell Treatments

Quite a bit of research continues to be carried out on whether stem cells can be used to successfully cure RA or minimize the effects of this disease. With every new published study, the healthcare industry as a whole understands that stem cells have the ability to repair the cells damaged by RA.

Rheumatoid arthritis could potentially be treated with stem cells utilizing a deployment protocol known as SVF. The procedure must be carried out in multiple doses and takes around three hours per dose. The protocol is both anti-inflammatory and regenerative to lessen the discomfort of RA and repair damaged cells.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of RA, please contact us at Scottsdale Stem Cell to find out whether STV or another form of stem cell treatment is right for you and your unique condition.

Written by Scottsdale Stem Cell Center