Rheumatoid Arthritis
our areas of focus
Stem cell therapy can be beneficial for many patients suffering from symptoms related to autoimmune disorders. One common disorder that affects patients is rheumatoid arthritis, which can often be helped using stem cells. Axis Stem Cell Institute offers this therapy for patients in the Seattle, Washington area.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks tissues within the joints, resulting in pain, swelling, inflammation, and stiffness. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have damage to the cartilage on their joints, resulting in loss of function and pain. In addition, other tissues such as the skin, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, and eyes can be affected.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is believed to have a genetic component as well as exposure. . In contrast to osteoarthritis, which occurs as a result of overuse over time, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking and breaking down healthy tissues. This can range in severity from discomfort to physical disability or serious health complications.
There are some risk factors that increase your likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis. Women are more commonly affected, and symptoms usually appear beginning in middle age. Family history will cause an increased risk because the disease is believed to be genetic. Finally, smoking and obesity can each increase your risk.
How Can Stem Cells Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Stem cell therapy can be beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis by relieving some inflammation systemically and within the joints. Injections may also work to stabilize the immune system, which can reduce symptoms in the affected joints. Finally, stem cells help to repair damaged tissues or generate new, healthy tissue. Following stem cell therapy in our Seattle center, patients have reported reduced swelling, inflammation, or pain in the joints as well as improved function.
Stem Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stem cell therapy for rheumatoid arthritis works by simply injecting stem cells into the affected joints. The stem cells will then reduce inflammation and repair or regenerate new, healthy tissue, such as cartilage tissue within the joints. These stem cells can be either isolated from your own healthy tissues or provided by a screened donor source, so they are safe to inject and should not cause adverse reactions. Stem cell therapy is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day as your injections. The stem cell experts at Axis Stem Cell Institute in Seattle, Washington will explain what you can expect in terms of recovery time and when you will see results during a consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about stem cell therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, schedule a consultation at our Seattle or St. Petersburg office by calling 206.823.0960 or filling out our online form.
