What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common type of arthritis that originates with an immune system complication. As an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis develops because your immune system reacts to your joints’ inner linings as if they were invasive or harmful to your body instead of natural and necessary features.
Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can affect more than just the joint lining. It can erode the bones in your joints and even affect other areas of your body, like your eyes, heart, or blood vessels.
The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint pain, warmth, swelling, and stiffness. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis develops very quickly and can affect you at any age.
Which joints does rheumatoid arthritis affect?
Rheumatoid arthritis can potentially affect nearly any joint in your body. It starts in your smaller joints like those in your fingers and toes. The disease progresses with time and affects other joints, including your:
- Wrists
- Elbows
- Ankles
- Knees
- Shoulders
- Hips
Usually, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis affect the same joint on both sides of your body. Your symptoms might range from very mild or even nonexistent, to intense flare-ups coupled with severe symptoms. The longer you go without treatment, the more the condition affects your joint mobility.
What are my treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis isn’t curable, but you can greatly affect your outcome with a personalized management strategy by a rheumatologist like Dr. Sardinas. Dr. Sardinas specializes in joints and joint dysfunction and aims to reduce your pain and inflammation. Effective treatment can also help you prevent complications like infections, heart problems, and immobility.
After assessing the extent of the damage to your joints, Dr. Sardinas might recommend one or more of the following rheumatoid arthritis treatments to ease its effect on your joints:
- Physical therapy
- Weight loss
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Ultrasound-guided steroid injections
- Biologics
If conservative procedures and medications like these aren’t effective in relieving your pain and inflammation, you may need surgery to replace or repair your joints. Dr. Sardinas helps you navigate your treatment and make healthy lifestyle changes at home to improve your quality of life.
For additional information about rheumatoid arthritis and treatments available for its symptoms, call Alfredo Sardinas Jr MD PA, or book an appointment online today.
