Facts To Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis
What exactly is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis, in easy terms, can be classified as a chronic inflammatory disorder. The scary part is that it can affect more than your joints. Skin, eyes, and lungs are just a few examples of body systems that can be affected.
This condition occurs when one’s immune system unintentionally attacks the body’s tissues.
Painful swelling can result in bone erosion and joint deformity—arthritis affecting the joints’ lining is the cause of this pain.
Diagnosis for the disorder
It is tough to diagnose the disorder in its early stages. This is due to the signs and symptoms being similar to those of other diseases. First, your doctor will check for your joints for swelling, warmth, or even redness during a physical exam. In addition, your doctor may also look at your muscle strength and reflexes.
Blood tests
Many that suffer from this disorder may have a high ESR, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This can help show signs of inflammation in the body.
Imaging tests
An example of an X-ray if your doctor feels it can help track the disorder over some time. Your doctor may use tests such as an MRI or ultrasound to determine the rigor of the disease.
Treatment for the disorder
Your doctor will recommend medications based on your conditions and symptoms. Some of these medications include:
-NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
-Steriods
-Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
-Biologic agents
Therapy for the disorder
In addition, a physical or occupational therapist may be needed to help learn exercises to keep joints well. In order to avoid additional stress on your joints, you may need to use assistive devices. For example, you may use a knife equipped with a handgrip to help guard your fingers and wrist joints.
Surgery for the disorder
Finally, if all else fails with medications, your doctor may recommend surgery to help fix injured joints. This can help decrease pain and improve the function of your joints.
Your surgery may involve many procedures, such as:
- Synovectomy
- Tendon repair
- Joint fusion
- Total Joint replacement
Please note that there are many risks with surgery. Some of these risks include bleeding and pain.
If you or a loved one suffer from this disorder, you have come to the right place! Rheumatology Care Of North Houston is your expert rheumatologist ready to help ease your joint pain. In addition, we are your local rheumatologist in Cypress, Texas, and we want to make sure you receive the best care there is. Call us today at 832-532-9779 . You can also visit our website at https://www.rheumatologycarehouston.com/. We hope to see you soon.