What is arthritis? What causes arthritis?
Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints.
Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain. Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia.
There are many types of arthritis (over 100 identified, and the number is growing). The types range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such asosteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (such asrheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many types of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States.
The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), metabolic abnormalities (such as gout and pseudogout), hereditary factors, the direct and indirect effect of infections (bacterial and viral), and a misdirected immune system with autoimmunity (such as in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus).
Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases. These are conditions that are different individual illnesses, with differing features, treatments, complications, and prognoses. They are similar in that they have a tendency to affect the joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons, and many have the potential to affect other internal body areas.
What are arthritis symptoms and signs?
Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.
Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include fever, gland swelling (swollen lymph nodes),weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell, and even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys.
First Steps
At integra Medical Center, our main concern is that you are convinced that our Stem Cell Therapy is the best option to treat your condition. That is why, before scheduling your appointment, we will need you to complete the following steps:- Fill-out the Patient History Form
- Read the documentation that we have on our website or the files we send to your e-mail.
- Send the Patient History Form back to us.
- Schedule your complimentary call with Dr. Gonzalez.
Talk to Dr. Gonzalez
We want you to get all your questions answered before deciding on receiving our Stem Cell Therapy. That's why we want you to be well documented and write down your questions before the call. Also, we recommend researching other providers and clinics so you know that your are going to get the best treatment at the most affordable price.At this time the doctor will let you know the exact cost of the therapy based on your condition and information you provided in the Patient History Form.
Scheduling your Appointment
Once you decide IMC's Stem Cell Therapy is the best treatment for your condition, your Patient Advocate will schedule a tentative date for your treatment. Appointment dates will become final when the initial deposit is received, which is usually 30% of the full treatment cost. The remaining balance can be transferred no later than 2 days before your appointment date.Travel Arrangements
Your Patient Advocate will be there to assist you with any questions you may have regarding air travel, lodging, ground transportation and even tourist attractions near the clinic. Usually, patients choose to stay in one of the Rio Grande Valley's major cities, such as McAllen, Weslaco or Donna.
Depending on the treatment package that you choose, your stay and ground transportation may be included with the cost of therapy, so all you have to worry about is air transportation. Be sure to ask your Patient Advocate what's included in your package.
IMC's Stem Cell Therapy Protocol
This method is the result of many years of experience. It has been very effective in making a powerful impact on the conditions we work on at Integra Medical Center. The steps of the protocol are as follows:The whole process takes about 2 hours to complete and after the final evaluation the patient is released and can return to their hotel. Some patients even return to their homes on that same day and back to work the very next day!
Stem cell treatments provided by Integra Medical Center occur in Mexico and hence are outside the boundaries of the U.S. and therefore are not currently approved by the FDA.
While the stem cell debate continues, Integra Medical Center is working towards documenting scientific proof so that we may be able to conduct treatments within the U.S., but at this point in time, our patients must come to us.
Be warned, stem cell treatments are not a cure for any condition, disease or injury. The information contained in this IMC's written materials should not be considered medical advice. It is intended to be used for educational and information purposes only.
