Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and a chronic health condition. It develops when your body perceives healthy tissue as a threat and reacts with a strong inflammatory response. 

Unlike some other forms of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis usually affects numerous joints at once. The most commonly affected joints include your knees, wrists, and hands, but other joints can also experience swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause trouble with your heart, eyes, and lungs as well. 

What are some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Understanding the signs of rheumatoid arthritis is important, as it can let you know when it’s time to seek treatment. Some of the things to keep an eye out for include:

• Pain or stiffness in more than one joint
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or persistent tiredness
• Fever
• Joint swelling
• Joint symptoms on both sides of your body

Coming in for a diagnostic exam is essential, as rheumatoid arthritis increases your risk of developing many other diseases, including:

• Osteoporosis
• Lung disease
• Abnormal body composition
• Heart problems
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Lymphoma
• Infections

If you’re diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you’ll have the support of the Katy Rheumatology & Associates team as you move through treatment. 

What can be done to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

There’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatment can lead to remission of symptoms. Outcomes are best when treatment begins early.

Some medications work to control inflammation and help manage the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Others help slow the progression of the disease, which can prevent damage to your joints and other tissues. 

Physical or occupational therapy can improve your symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Targeted exercise and stretching also enhance your strength and flexibility, which can go a long way toward reducing joint pain. 

For some, surgery is the best way to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Some procedures correct issues within a damaged joint, while total joint replacement is also an option. Joint fusion can be done to realign or stabilize a joint. 

When you’re ready to explore these and other treatment options, call Katy Rheumatology & Associates to book a visit. Online scheduling is also an option, and takes little time to complete.