15 Aug Stem Cell Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stem cell therapy is being used to treat a wide range of diseases and conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis, which is painful and debilitating, is an inflammatory condition that is induced when the body’s enzymes attack healthy tissue. In what is an autoimmune response, the enzymes work to break down the synovial membrane. This membrane is responsible for protecting and lubricating joints. When this occurs an individual will experience pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. The condition can be crippling, and, if left untreated, it may become chronic as joint degeneration sets in.
Some Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis and its various symptoms are not reserved for the elderly. This condition can affect anyone at any age. It is rapidly developing, striking quickly, and, over the course of just a few months, it can become full blown. This form of arthritis symmetrically affects both small and large joints while also causing an overall feeling of fatigue in the affected individual.
Traditional Treatments
Traditional treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include over the counter and prescription pain medications and cortisone shots. The shots are administered to each joint individually. Other medications may also be used. There are various possible side effects associated with each aspect of this type of therapy.
The most radical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis involves joint replacement, which is highly invasive and involves a range of possible complications, such as stroke and heart attack. Joint replacement calls for an extensive recuperation period and complicating factors include the creation of wear particles, which are composed of tiny pieces of the materials that are part of the artificial joint. These break off through normal use of the new joint. They stay in the body and can result in bone loss, which reduces the effective life of the artificial joint.
Stem Cell Therapy
The use of stem cell therapy in cases involving rheumatoid arthritis has shown promising results. Stem cells, which are derived from the patient’s bone marrow and are combined with growth factors found in their plasma, offer a natural type of treatment. The extraction of the cells and plasma can be done quickly and painlessly with little to no risk to the patient. Once the specific elements needed, the stem cells and plasma, are separated from the extracted fluids, they are combined. Once they are mixed together, they may be injected into the problem area.
Stem cells have been shown to aid in the growth of healthy cartilage, accelerate the body’s natural healing process, and help reduce inflammation. This treatment, which has been used for more than a decade, is less invasive, involves fewer side effects, and is considered to be overall safer than other medical methods, including joint replacement.
Additional Treatments
As the conditions related to rheumatoid arthritis begin to subside, patients may begin to exercise in order to strengthen muscles and encourage joint lubrication. A common form of exercise for these patients is swimming due to the fact that it is low- impact, allows for extended movement, and can be effective in stimulating healing blood flow.
Finding Relief
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you may find relief through stem cell therapy. Such treatment is designed to allow a patient to heal naturally, as it eschews the use of drugs. The focus is on improving and/or eliminating the arthritis and the associated effects, which include swelling, pain, and fatigue. With improvement, patients experience greater mobility and can begin to enjoy a quality of life that is much improved.
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