Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a type of autoimmune disease. This kind of arthritis causes your immune system to mistakenly attack the otherwise healthy joint lining, leading to chronic inflammation. Over time, inflamed joints become harder to move and painful. If rheumatoid arthritis affects your quality of life, the specialists at the University Pain and Spine Center are here to help. Call or schedule an appointment online today.
Our pain management experts in Somerset, Monroe, Ewing, Englewood Cliffs, Jersey City, Hoboken, Bloomfield, Freehold, Clark, and Elizabeth, New Jersey; and Bayridge, Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, and Hempstead, New York, are committed to helping patients find relief and regain control of their everyday lives.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition that can attack joints throughout the body. It commonly affects the joints and surrounding tendons of the wrist and fingers. It can cause the joints to become swollen, painful, and possibly deformed. This can interfere with normal hand function and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
When Should I Talk to a Doctor?
Arthritis is a progressive disease. While your symptoms may start out as occasional and mild, they can intensify over time. You should schedule an evaluation at the University Pain and Spine Center if you experience:
- Chronic pain
- Persistent swelling
- Loss of joint function
- Noticeable joint deformity
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Medical history and physical exam
- Blood tests to check for inflammatory markers
- Imaging tests to assess joint damage
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Treated?
Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis include anti-inflammatory medications, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and a class of drugs called biological response modifiers (commonly called biologics). A physician may also recommend splints or braces, regular physical therapy, and modification of daily activities to protect the joints.
Physical therapy plays a critical role in maintaining mobility and reducing stiffness caused by arthritis. A customized exercise plan can strengthen the muscles around the joints, enhance range of motion, and reduce discomfort.
If joint synovitis cannot be controlled with medications, or if the tendons of the hand and wrist become inflamed or weakened and joint pain becomes unbearable due to the disease, surgery may be needed. Surgery may also be required to correct deformities of the fingers that often result from rheumatoid arthritis. This condition can also affect other areas of the body beyond the joints.
Get relief from RA symptoms — schedule your consultation today.