Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a type arthritis that is also an autoimmune disease. RA 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 New York Pain Medicine Associate can help. Call or schedule an appointment online today.
Our pain management experts in Manhattan, The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Hempstead, New York, are committed to helping patients find relief and regain control of their everyday lives.
The exact cause of Rheumatoid arthritis is not known, but several factors can contribute to its development, such as genetics, age, and certain environmental factors for those genetically predisposed. It is more common in older adults and 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.
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 New York Pain Medicine Associate if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Diagnosis typically involves your provider conducting a physical exam and full review of your medical history. Blood tests may be ordered to check for inflammatory markers, as well as imaging tests to assess joint damage.
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). Your physician may also recommend physical therapy, and modification of daily activities to protect the joints.
Physical therapy is critical to maintaining mobility and reducing stiffness caused by arthritis. A customized exercise plan can strengthen the muscles around the joints, enhance your range of motion, and reduce discomfort.
If joint inflammation cannot be controlled with medications, or if the tendons of the hand and wrist become inflamed or weakened and joint pain becomes unbearable, surgical intervention 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 your RA symptoms — schedule your consultation today with New York Pain Medicine Associate.