Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s joints and other tissue, leading to inflammation and pain. With rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks and destroys the lining of your joints, which may cause erosion of your bone and joint deformity.  Rheumatoid arthritis is a common type of arthritis.

Researchers are still investigating the underlying cause of rheumatoid arthritis, but your genetics may play a role in its development. While there’s no cure for the painful joint disease, the team at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC can provide treatment to help lessen your symptoms and joint damage.

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms generally start by affecting the smaller joints in your body, such as those in your fingers or toes. Common symptoms include:

• Joint tenderness and inflammation
• Joint swelling
• Joint pain
• Decreased mobility, especially in the morning
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

Your rheumatoid arthritis may also lead to trigger finger or trigger thumb, which can cause joint pain, stiffness, and locking of the joint in your finger or thumb. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any tissue in your body, and may also lead to tendonitis or be responsible for heel pain.

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

There is no single blood test to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Your specialist at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC conducts a comprehensive examination when you come in with concerns about joint pain. Your exam may include a review of your symptoms and medical history, physical, and blood tests.

Your doctor may also recommend diagnostic imaging to evaluate the extent of your joint damage.

What are the treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?

Your rheumatologist at Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC creates a personalized treatment plan for your rheumatoid arthritis based on the severity of your symptoms, progression of the disease, and your medical history. Your treatment may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Steroids
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic agents
• Physical therapy

When treated during the early stages, DMARDs may lead to remission of your rheumatoid arthritis.

If conservative measures fail to slow down the joint damage, your doctor may recommend surgery to repair the joint.

With advances in medical treatments, rheumatoid arthritis can be effectively managed. For an evaluation and treatment plan, call Rheumatology and Allergy Institute of Connecticut, LLC or schedule an appointment online today.