Arthritis describes a broad range of conditions characterized by inflammation in one or more joints. It may present itself in several ways, such as swelling, pain, stiffness, and vary in frequency or severity. Allow our specialists to examine your joint pain for signs of arthritis. With effective arthritis treatment, you may be able to reduce or eliminate the discomfort and stiffness in your joints. See a Forté physician whenever you have constant or progressive pain.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an ongoing, chronic condition that causes pain, swelling, and irritation (inflammation) in the joints. But it can also damage other parts of the body. This may include the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis happens when the immune system alters and sometimes destroys its own body’s tissue by mistake. This is known as an autoimmune condition. Rheumatoid arthritis differs from the more common osteoarthritis. Some individuals can have both. Osteoarthritis causes damage to the joints from use over time. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints and can cause destruction of the associated bone. This can cause painful swelling that causes joints to bend out of shape, deforming over time.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Researchers believe it is caused by a combination of genetics, hormones, and environmental factors. Normally, your immune system protects your body from disease. With RA, something triggers your immune system to attack these tissues and joints. An infection, smoking, or stress may be triggers. Scientists have studied many genes as potential risk factors for RA. Certain genetic variations and nongenetic factors contribute to your risk of developing the disease.
What are the Early Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Early signs of RA include tenderness or pain in small joints like those in your fingers and toes. You may notice pain in a larger joint, such as your knee or shoulder. These early signs of RA are not always enough to get your attention, but the early signs are important. The sooner you are diagnosed, the sooner your treatment can begin.
“Early detection, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment can help lessen the overall disease progression over time. If you are concerned that you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you should call and make an appointment. Our providers are able to evaluate you, order appropriate testing, and may need to refer you to a rheumatologist for additional evaluation and treatment initiation,” states Dr. Kelly Graner, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the elbow, wrist, hand, and finger.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Symptoms of this disease may include:
Rheumatoid arthritis may affect only a few joints at first. Most commonly, the small joints of the hands and feet. As the disease worsens, symptoms may spread to more joints. These include the wrists, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles. Most of the time, symptoms affect the same joints on both sides of the body. Many individuals who have rheumatoid arthritis also have symptoms that affect more than the joints. Areas that may be affected include:
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may vary and can come and go. Periods when the condition becomes more active follow periods of less or no swelling and pain, known as remission. Over time, this disease can cause joints to bend and shift out of place, making it hard to complete daily activities.
What are the Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The four stages of rheumatoid arthritis are:
X-rays, they will not see any destructive changes in your bones.
It may take many years to go through the stages, and some individuals don’t progress through them all.
Dr. Kelly Graner stresses that “earlier detection and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis like disease processes can help to reduce the immediate symptoms and can decrease the lifetime risk of progressive degenerative changes and deformity. Following diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, treatment should be initiated under the direction of a rheumatologist. An individualized treatment plan and careful monitoring are essential for long term success.”
When do People Typically Develop Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA usually begins in individuals between the ages of 30-60, but anyone can develop the condition. In children and young adults between the ages of 16-40, it is called young-onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA). In people who develop symptoms after they turn 60, it’s called later-onset rheumatoid arthritis (LORA).
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?
The most important goal of RA treatment is to reduce joint pain and swelling. Doing so should help maintain or improve functionality. The long-term goal of treatment is to slow or stop joint damage. Managing joint inflammation lessens your pain and improves your quality of life. Rheumatoid arthritis treatments usually include one or more kinds of medication. In some cases, your physician may recommend surgery. They will consider your age, health, medical history, and how progressive your symptoms are.
When To See a Physician
Make an appointment with a physician if you have ongoing pain and swelling in your joints that is not getting better after several weeks.
Request Arthritis Treatment in Central, IN Today
Forté Sports Medicine has generations of satisfied patients and success stories, and we are eager to help you become our next. You may conveniently use our patient portal or request an appointment online. Contact us today for arthritis care.
