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Conditions & Treatments

Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints, called the synovial membrane, causing chronic inflammation and pain. Over time, inflammation may damage the joint’s cartilage and bone, weaken the soft tissues around the joint, including ligaments and tendons, and prevent the joint from working properly.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone at any age, although women are more likely to develop the condition than men. Research suggests that genetics may also play a role in a person’s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that can progress differently from person to person. 

Symptoms may sometimes become more severe during periods known as flare-ups and may greatly diminish during periods of remission.

Common symptoms include:

  • Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
  • Warmth or redness around affected joints
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Low-grade fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry eyes or dry mouth
  • Rheumatoid nodules, or bumps under the skin

Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint damage that may lead to decreased movement and function.

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will consider your symptoms and medical history and examine the affected joints. Blood work and imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, may also be used to evaluate your condition.

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of rheumatoid arthritis and its impact on the joints and the body as a whole. Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment can help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and preserve joint function.

Treatment may include medications, exercise, joint protection techniques, and self-management strategies. Medications may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), pain relievers, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biologic medications that target the immune system.

Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

In addition to medical treatment, healthy lifestyle habits can play an important role in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Regular physical activity can help maintain joint movement, muscle strength, and overall function. Your doctor or therapist can help determine which types of exercise are appropriate based on your symptoms and affected joints.

A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and strategies for managing stress can also support overall health and well-being. Some people may consider dietary supplements as part of their care, but supplements can interact with medications or cause side effects. Talk with your doctor before adding supplements or making significant changes to your diet.

When Is Surgery Recommended for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

If arthritis pain and joint damage continue to affect your quality of life after nonsurgical treatments have been tried, your doctor may recommend surgery to help relieve pain and restore mobility. The appropriate surgical treatment depends on the severity of the arthritis and the affected joint.

Surgical options may include arthroscopic debridement to remove inflamed or irritating tissue from the joint, arthrodesis to fuse the joint for greater support, or surgery to replace the damaged joint. Your doctor will determine the treatment option that best fits your individual needs.

For specialized spine care in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, and Plantation, Florida, please call (561) 549-9090 or request an appointment online.