RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Most Common Autoimmune Arthritis
By Christopher Gaffney, Ph.D.
Where to find the most advanced Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in New Jersey
Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates brings 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.
When RA strikes, its impact on the body can be profound. It causes painful swelling, stiffness, and inflammation in joints throughout the body. While RA can affect any joint, it most commonly targets those in the hands, wrists, elbows, hips, ankles, and feet. Unfortunately, in many cases, multiple joints are affected at the same time.
What Causes RA?
RA is a type of autoimmune arthritis where the immune system, designed to serve as the surveillance system and defender of the body — mistakenly attacks itself. 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
What are Common RA Symptoms?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms vary widely among individuals, 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 painful, swollen, and stiff joints, with stiffness often being most noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Many individuals with RA also report feeling fatigued, unwell, and sometimes experience low-grade fevers, all of which reflect the body’s ongoing inflammatory response.
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 no single test can definitively diagnose RA. So, your ARBDA rheumatoid arthritis specialist will take a thorough medical history and physical examination. A typical work-up for autoimmune disease can include laboratory tests, imaging studies (like an X-Ray, Ultrasound, or MRI), and other measures. The goal of such a thorough work-up is to tailor a treatment plan which reduces the pain you may be feeling, including symptoms in the wrist and in your fingers and get you back to doing what you love most – as quickly as possible.
What are the options for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presents differently in each person, requiring treatment plans that are tailored to the specific needs, goals, and symptoms of each individual. The first line of therapy often involves targeted disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are designed to slow disease progression and protect the joints. These medications can be administered orally, via injections, or through infusions, depending on the treatment plan. In many cases, additional medications are prescribed to quickly reduce pain and inflammation.
Along with these standard medical treatments, lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet, physical therapy, and regular exercise are all essential components of a comprehensive approach to managing RA.
Effective RA management is an ongoing collaboration between the patient and their ARBDA Rheumatologist. By utilizing the latest in cutting edge treatment, many individuals are able to lead more active, pain-free lives while minimizing the risk of long-term joint damage.
What is the Prognosis?
In the 1990s, the long-term outlook for patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was often discouraging. However, over the past three decades, remarkable advancements in treatment have transformed the landscape of RA care. Targeted biologic therapies have made it possible for many patients to achieve disease remission, significantly improving their quality of life. Early and sustained treatment is now vital in helping patients lead longer, healthier lives while minimizing disease progression.
Many Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments & Diagnostic Skill at ARBDA
Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates has multiple rheumatoid arthritis centers throughout Southern New Jersey, providing advanced and effective treatments for thousands of patients each year. ARBDA’s team of experienced and compassionate rheumatoid arthritis specialists and trained medical support staff e a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, using its vast clinical knowledge and the latest technology, including ultrasound.
ARBDA is proud to be a top rheumatoid arthritis center for our patients throughout New Jersey. We aim to provide the best and latest treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in the fingers, wrists, and other joints in the body. In addition to effective rheumatoid arthritis treatments administered by our team of specialists, ARBDA also psoriatic arthritis specialists, doctors who can treat tendinitis, as well as physicians highly experienced in polymyalgia rheumatica treatments and medical treatments for osteoporosis.