Information and Resources

Rheumatic Disease Information

Information on Dr. Franco's interest in:

A rheumatologist is an internist or pediatrician who is qualified by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. Many rheumatologists conduct research to determine the cause and better treatments for these disabling and sometimes fatal diseases.

What Do Rheumatologists Treat?*

Rheumatologists treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseases, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis. There are more than 100 types of these diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, back pain, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and tendonitis. Some of these are very serious diseases that can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

What Is Dr. Franco's Interest In The Field of Rheumatology?

Dr. Franco believes that infections trigger different forms of arthritis. These infections are caused by various micro-organisms that include bacteria, mycoplasma, viruses and parasites. They may trigger rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, scleroderma, dermato/polymyositis, reactive arthritis/post infectious arthritis, and others.

When Should You See a Rheumatologist?*

If musculoskeletal pains are not severe or disabling and last just a few days, it makes sense to give the problem a reasonable chance to be resolved. But sometimes, pain in the joints, muscles or bones is severe or persists for more than a few days. At that point, you should see your physician. Many types of rheumatic diseases are not easily identified in the early stages. Rheumatologists are specially trained to do the detective work necessary to discover the cause of swelling and pain. It's important to determine a correct diagnosis early so that appropriate...

How Does The Rheumatologist Work With Other Health Care Professionals?*

The role the rheumatologist plays in health care depends on several factors and needs. Typically the rheumatologist works with other physicians, sometimes acting as a consultant to advise another physician about a specific diagnosis and treatment plan. In other situations, the rheumatologist acts as a a manager, relying upon the help of many skilled professionals including nurses, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers. Team work is important, since musculoskeletal disorders are chronic. Health care professionals can help people with...

Is Specialty Care More Expensive?*

You may be surprised to learn that specialized care may save time and money and reduce the severity of disease. A rheumatologist is specially trained to spot clues in the medical history and physical examination. The proper tests done early may save money in the long run. Prompt diagnosis and specially tailored treatment often save money and buy time in treating the disease.

What Happens On a Patient's First Visit to The Arthritis Center of Riverside?

Dr. Franco and/or Dr. Lallande perform a detailed interview and a thorough physical examination. The laboratory test results and x-rays requested are interpreted in order to arrive at a precise diagnosis. This is extremely helpful in formulating the appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient.

What Laboratory Work Up and X-Rays Will Be Done?

Every attempt is made to detect and confirm the possibility of an underlying infection. The severity of the illness is assessed with pertinent laboratory tests and X-rays. The X-ray equipment delivers less radiation than other frequently used X-ray equipment.

Where Are The Laboratory Tests Performed?

Most of the test are done at the Arthritis Center of Riverside (ACR). The ACR has a state of the art Physician Office Laboratory (POL) where the tests are performed under Dr. Franco's supervision. Some tests may be referred to the best outside reference laboratories.

What Does The Treatment Consist Of?

The treatment consists of specific antibiotics, nutraceuticals/medical foods and conventional drugs used in a Rheumatology practice when appropriate. For patients not inclined to use conventional treatment, we have observed that 50% of effectiveness of the treatment is derived from the antibiotics and the other 50% is from pertinent nutraceuticals/medical foods.

What Antibiotics Do We Use?

The antibiotics include those of the tetracycline family such as Doxycycline (Vibramycin) and Minocycline (Minocin). Also, the antibiotics of the macrolide family including erythromycin, azithromycin (Zithromax) and clarithromycin (Biaxin). Other antibiotics are used when appropriate such as oral or intravenous Clindamycin.

What Are The Side Effects Of These Antibiotics?

The potential side effects of antibiotics are multiple but infrequent. Careful monitoring for side effects (bone marrow, liver, kidney, skin and others) enables us to detect these possible problems early on. These side effects are most often reversible after stopping the antibiotics. The potential side effects of dysbacterosis including antibiotic associated colitis can be prevented by administering live cultures of friendly bacteria ( Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium). When yeast (candida) infections occur, they are treated appropriately with natural...

What Is The Treatment Duration?

The antibiotic treatment lasts months or years. The nutraceuticals/medical foods suggested are tailored to each individual. The whole treatment is based on Dr. Franco's beliefs and research findings that microorganisms including mycoplasmas trigger/ cause inflammatory forms of arthritis.

What Is Our Experience?

Dr. Franco has extensive experience in the treatment of rheumatic diseases in general and in particular with the rheumatologic disorders triggered/caused by infectious agents. Dr. Franco has treated several thousand patients with different rheumatic diseases over more than twenty years with good results. Approximately 80% of RA patients do respond with variable degrees of improvement. Dr. Franco estimates that up to 1/3 of patients with RA can go into remission within five years. For further information, see study conclusions.

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Nutritional Information

Vitamin A

Involved in normal eyesight; immune system response; cell differentiation; embryonic development; and healthy epithelial tissue, the tissue that lines the body's external and internal surfaces.^4,5

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Plays a major role in the conversion of protein, carbohydrate and fat into energy production. Also plays a role in detoxification, heart function, and the cells of the nervous system.^1,2

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Essential for cellular energy production. Also supports hormone production, neurotransmitter function, healthy eyes and skin and the production of red blood cells.^1,2

Vitamin B6

Important in protein synthesis and the manufacture of hormones, red blood cells and enzymes. Plays a role in hormone regulation, brain function, skin health and is crucial for a healthy immune system.^1,2,4

Vitamin B12

Supports the health of the nervous system and the development of red blood cells. Aids in the replication of the genetic code within each cell, and plays a role in the processing of carbohydrate, protein and fat in the body.^1,4

Vitamin C

An important antioxidant, which helps protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. Supports the body's immune system. Essential for the formation and maintenance of collagen, a protein that forms the basis for connective tissue. Plays a role in healthy gums, skin and vision.^1,2,4

Vitamin D3

Functions as a pro-hormone by regulating the absorption and use of calcium and phosphorous. Aids in the formation of normal bones and teeth. Also plays a role in healthy immune function.^1,2,4

Vitamin E

An important antioxidant. Protects the health and function of the nervous system and supports healthy skin.^1,2,5

Vitamin K1

Essential for normal blood clotting. Also plays a role in bone formation and the regulation of blood calcium levels.¹

Beta-Carotene and Mixed Carotenoids*

Used in the body to form Vitamin A. Supports antioxidant activity in the body.⁴

Betaine

Plays a role as a lipotropic nutrient and a methyl donor. Also plays a role in homocysteine metabolism.

Bioflavonoid Complex**

Helps strengthen the integrity of blood vessel walls (capillaries).^2,4

Biotin

Supports energy metabolism and healthy skin, hair and mucous membranes.2,4

Calcium

Essential for the development and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth. Helps maintain cell membranes, connective tissue and normal blood pressure. Also aids in blood clotting.^1,4

Choline

Plays a role as a lipotropic nutrient by aiding in the production and transportation of fats from the liver. Supports normal nerve and brain function.¹

Chromium

Functions in the uptake of blood sugar (glucose) into the cells and the regulation of blood sugar levels.⁴

Copper

Plays a role in the development and maintenance of the cardiovascular system, the skeletal system and red blood cells. Plays a role in the absorption and release of iron, and is involved in the production of collagen, elastin and melanin. Also aids in the conversion of nutrients and energy.^2,4

Folic acid

Regulates cell division and the transfer of inherited traits from one cell to another. Supports the health of gums, red blood cells, skin, the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system.^1,4

Inositol

A component of cell membranes and functions in nerve transmission and the regulation of certain enzymes. Lipotropic nutrient involved in fat metabolism.⁴

Iodine

A component of the thyroid hormones which regulate metabolism, growth, reproduction, nerve and muscle function, protein synthesis, the growth of skin and hair and the use of oxygen by cells.⁴

Iron

Acts as the oxygen-carrying component of the blood and therefore determines how much oxygen reaches body tissues, including the brain, muscles, heart and liver. Also supports the immune system.^1,4

Magnesium

Plays an important role in healthy heart function, in the conversion of carbohydrates, protein, and fats to energy, the manufacture of proteins and the synthesis of the genetic material within each cell. Also supports muscle relaxation and contraction and nerve transmission.^2,4

Manganese

Plays a role in the formation of connective tissue and bone. Supports healthy brain function and reproduction. Plays a role in energy production and is necessary for normal glucose metabolism.^2,4

Molybdenum

Is required for the activity of several enzymes, is important in the mobilization of iron from storage and is necessary for normal growth and development.^2,4

Niacin

Plays an important role in the release of energy from carbohydrates. Aids in the breakdown of protein and fats, in the synthesis of fats and certain hormones and in the formation of red blood cells.⁴

PABA

Plays a role in B vitamin metabolism, as an enzyme cofactor.³

Pantothenic Acid

Is converted to a substance called coenzyme A, an important catalyst in the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates and protein for energy. Plays a role in the production of fats, cholesterol, bile, vitamin D, red blood cells, adrenal gland hormones and neurotransmitters.⁴

Phosphorus

Essential for healthy bones and teeth. Also a component of all soft tissues and cell membranes. Helps maintain the pH balance in the blood and helps activate the B vitamins. ^2,4

Potassium

Plays an important role in muscle contraction and relaxation, nerve conduction, regulation of the heartbeat, production of energy and the synthesis of nucleic acids and proteins.^2,4

Selenium

Plays an important role as a component of the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase.^2,4

Vanadium

May support healthy blood glucose metabolism.²

Zinc

Is a component of numerous enzymes and plays a role in protein synthesis, blood sugar balance, wound healing and brain function. Also important in the maintenance of healthy skin, the immune system, nervous, digestive and reproductive systems, the genetic code and normal blood levels of vitamin A.^1,4

Healthy Bones

Bone is a living tissue that forms the framework around which the body is built. This framework, or skeleton, contains over 200 separate bones that support and give shape to the body and protect its vital organs. Contrary to a common misconception, bone is a living substance! In fact, bone is one of the most active tissues in the body. It is constantly being broken down and being rebuilt in a process called remodeling and, like any other living tissue, needs nourishment to stay strong and healthy...

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Information and Resources

Rheumatic Disease Information

Frequently Asked Questions

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Nutritional Information

Healthy Bones

Research and Scientific Publications

Dr. Franco's research publications.

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