Expert Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Most Common Autoimmune Arthritis

By Christopher Gaffney, Ph.D.

 

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) isn’t just about dealing with joint pain — it’s a daily challenge that touches every part of your life. At Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates (ARBDA), we understand how deeply rheumatoid arthritis affects both your physical well-being and day-to-day routine, and we’re here to help you manage it with personalized, compassionate care.

ARBDA: Offering the Most Advanced Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis in New Jersey

Rheumatologists at ARBDA proudly bring decades of experience and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As the most common form of autoimmune arthritis, RA can present with symptoms that are often difficult to distinguish from other types of arthritis, making consultation with a specialist crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective long-term care.

We are committed to offering the highest level of care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis in New Jersey by combining both innovative therapies with lifestyle modifications to create a personalized treatment plan for every patient. 

When RA strikes, its impact on the body can be profound. It causes painful swelling, stiffness, and inflammation in joints throughout the body. But our team understands that it affects more than just the joints — fatigue, muscle weakness, and loss of joint function are just a few other symptoms. We go beyond traditional medications that only serve to relieve pain temporarily. By taking a holistic approach to your RA management, our team will work to reduce inflammation so that you can continue living a fulfilling life that’s not held back by pain.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints but can impact other parts of the body as well. This autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks healthy cells, leading to inflammation, joint pain, and joint damage. Symptoms can fluctuate, with some periods marked by more intense inflammation — during these times, it’s harder to achieve pain relief without the help of an experienced rheumatologist. The exact cause of RA is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. For example, people with certain genes, such as HLA-DR4, are more likely to develop RA.¹ Environmental factors like smoking and exposure to certain toxins have been linked to RA in certain individuals.² Furthermore, hormonal changes, especially in women, are thought to influence the onset and severity of RA.³  Managing RA requires not only the right medications but also a supportive and informed healthcare team. At ARBDA, our rheumatoid arthritis specialists bring both expertise and compassion, tailoring each treatment plan to your individual needs. We are here to help you maintain a higher quality of life.

Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms vary widely from person to person, ranging from mild to severe. That said, the disease is characterized by an autoimmune-driven inflammation that primarily affects the tissues lining the joints, but it can also impact various organs throughout the body. Common symptoms include:

  • Joint Pain and Stiffness: This is often the most noticeable symptom, characterized by tender, painful joints that may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. This stiffness can last a while and makes daily activities difficult.
  • Swelling and Redness: Inflammation due to RA often leads to visible swelling around the joints, especially in the hands, knees, and wrists. The skin over affected joints may also appear red and feel warm to the touch.
  • Fatigue and Fever: Many people with RA experience fatigue, a constant feeling of tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest. Low-grade fevers may accompany joint symptoms, especially during flares, as the immune system works overtime.
  • Loss of Joint Function: Long-term RA can damage joint tissues, leading to loss of joint function in the fingers, toes, and other joints. This symptom often progresses if the condition isn’t managed with early RA treatment.
  • Nodules: Some people with RA develop firm bumps under the skin called nodules. These can form near the joints affected by RA and can vary in size.

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

Rheumatologists are medical doctors who are trained to make the diagnosis of RA and all of the other musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases.

It’s important to note that rheumatoid arthritis requires a comprehensive approach, as there isn’t a single test that definitively confirms it. So rheumatoid arthritis specialists will take a thorough medical history and physical examination. Your medical/family history and lifestyle factors may reveal a risk of autoimmune disease, while a detailed physical exam is essential to assess any joint swelling, tenderness, or warmth. 

A typical work-up for autoimmune disease can include laboratory tests and imaging studies (like an x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI) to identify the level of joint damage and inflammation. 

The goal of such a thorough work-up is to develop a treatment plan that reduces the pain you may be feeling, and gets you back to doing what you love most as quickly as possible.

Available Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive condition that presents differently in each person, requiring treatment plans that are tailored to the specific needs, goals, and symptoms of each individual. 

Medications are often the first line of defense, with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and infusions used to slow disease progression and protect joint function in the long run. For immediate pain relief, your doctor may administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid medications that help reduce inflammation. 

Beyond medications, lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet, physical therapy, and regular exercise are all essential components of a comprehensive approach to managing RA. Physical and occupational therapy, in particular, can greatly improve mobility and aid in daily function. 

Effective RA management is an ongoing collaboration between you and your ARBDA rheumatologist.

Lifestyle Modifications to Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis

Lifestyle changes can also have a positive impact on joint function and overall well-being — but don’t ever take matters into your hands. Before implementing any changes, speak with your doctor if any of the following can help ease joint pain and improve your quality of life:

  • Balanced Diet and Nutritional Supplements: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, can help reduce inflammation. 
  • Regular Exercise: Staying active is essential to maintain muscle strength and joint flexibility. Low-impact activities like swimming and walking are beneficial for those with RA, reducing stiffness and improving range of motion.
  • Stress Management: Chronic stress can exacerbate RA symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation can help manage stress and prevent flare-ups.
  • Protecting Your Joints: Using supportive aids and practicing joint-protection techniques can reduce the strain on painful joints during daily activities, preserving joint function and preventing further damage.

Innovative Therapies: Emerging Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

As research advances, new RA treatment options are emerging. But beyond medication, clinical trials provide patients access to the latest medical advancements for autoimmune diseases. Those who qualify may even be afforded the opportunity to try new therapies not yet available to the public. At ARBDA, we are actively involved in clinical trials, allowing our patients to take advantage of promising treatment options while under close medical supervision.

Get in Touch with New Jersey’s Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialists

Are you or a loved one struggling to enjoy daily activities due to the inflammation and pain caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis? Then, you need a team that not only understands the complexities of autoimmune diseases but also offers the support you need when you need it.  From initial physical exams and diagnostics to pain relief options and the latest in RA therapies, we are dedicated to helping our patients live better lives. At ARBDA, our goal is to make managing RA a little easier. Contact us today, and we’ll start building a treatment plan that’s right for you. Together, we’ll explore the possibilities of living well with Rheumatoid Arthritis.