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Home Page    >     The Arthritis Institute
 
Our Specialties
 
The Arthritis and Joint Replacement Institute
 
Our Mission
The Arthritis and Joint Replacement Institute was established to promote
the education, research, and treatment of the orthopaedic management
of joint disorders.
 
 
Our Physicians
All of our physicians at The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group treat arthritis
depending on the type and location of the arthritic joint. Please select
 
  >>    Ronald W. Connor, M.D.
  >>    Frank J. Garcia, M.D.
  >>    Gerald Q. Greenfield, Jr., M.D.
  >>    Alan E. Hibberd, M.D.
  >>    Bryan W. Kaiser, M.D.
  >>    Alexander S. Rowland, M.D.
  >>    Brad S. Tolin, M.D.
  >>    Daniel C. Valdez, M.D.
  >>    Sergio Viroslav, M.D.
 
 
 
Appointments and Emergencies
Our scheduling department can be reached at (210) 281-9595.
Toll Free 1-800-445-4263

For after hour or weekend emergencies, please call (210) 614-4263.
And our answering service will locate the on-call physician for you.
 
 
Prescriptions and Refills
Prescriptions and refills are issued during office hours only. During
the evening and weekends, it is difficult for the doctor to determine
if a prescription refill is required because your medical records are
not available. Please call your pharmacy at least 48 hours in
advance to avoid additional delays.
 
 
About Arthritis
What is osteoarthritis? The most common type of arthritis is
osteoarthritis. It is seen in many people as they age, although it may
begin when they are younger as a result of injury or overuse. It is
often more painful in weight bearing joints such as the knee, hip,
and spine than in the wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints. All joints
may be more affected if they are used extensively in work or sports,
or if they have been damaged from fractures or other injuries.

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering the bone ends gradually
wears away. In many cases, bone growths called "spurs" can
develop in osteoarthritic joints. The joint inflammation causes pain
and swelling. Continued use of the joint produces pain. Some
relief may be possible through rest or modified activity.
 
What is rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting
disease that can affect many parts of the body, including the joints.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the joint lining swells, invading surrounding
tissues, and producing chemical substances that attack and destroy
the joint surface. This commonly occurs in joints in the hands and
feet. Larger joints such as hips, knees, and elbows also may be
involved. Swelling, pain, and stiffness are usually present even when
the joint is not used. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all
ages, even children. However, more than 70 percent of people
with this disease are over 30 years old. Many joints of the body
may be involved at the same time.
 
 
Helpful Links
  >>    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  >>    arthritis.com
  >>    National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
                and Health Promotion
 
     
 
 
 
Disclosure Announcement Insurances Accepted
 
© 2009 The San Antonio Orthopaedic Group, LLP. All rights Reserved