What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. As an autoimmune disease, RA occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues, primarily the lining of your joints (synovium). This results in painful swelling that can eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of RA is unknown. It's believed to be a combination of genetics and environmental triggers, such as infections. Risk factors include:
- Sex: Women are significantly more likely to develop RA than men.
- Age: RA can occur at any age, but it most commonly begins in middle age.
- Family History: If a member of your family has RA, you may have an increased risk.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing RA, particularly if you have a genetic predisposition.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go. Signs and symptoms include:
- Tender, warm, swollen joints.
- Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity.
- Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.
- RA typically affects small joints first, such as those in the hands and feet.
- As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders.
Our Treatment Approach
Treatment for RA focuses on controlling the disease and preventing joint damage. This often involves a team approach, including close collaboration with a rheumatologist.
Non-Surgical Treatments
The primary treatment for RA involves medications (like DMARDs and biologics) prescribed by a rheumatologist to slow the disease's progression. Physical therapy is also crucial to keep joints flexible and strengthen supporting muscles.
Surgical Treatments
When medication and physical therapy are not enough to prevent joint damage, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Behrens can perform procedures to reduce pain and restore function, such as:
- Synovectomy: Surgical removal of the inflamed joint lining.
- Tendon Repair: To fix tendons that have ruptured due to inflammation.
- Joint Fusion: Fusing a joint to stabilize it and reduce pain.
- Total Joint Replacement: Replacing a severely damaged joint with an artificial one.