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| Arthritis, Internal Medicine & Pain Clinic 1080 Caroline Drive, Suite 200 Intersection of Hwy 47 & Hwy 100 Washington, Missouri 63090 Phone (636) 390-2288 |
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| What is Rheumatoid Arthritis ? Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes stiffness, swelling, pain and loss of function in the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the wrist joints, the finger joints and other parts of the body. In addition, it can also cause fatigue, fever and a general sense of not feeling well (malaise). |
| How long does Rheumatoid Arthritis last ? For some people Rheumatoid Arthritis can last only a few months to a year or two and if treated in a right way, goes away without causing any noticable damage. Some people have flares which means periods of worsening symptoms. Still others can have a severe condition that lasts for many years and can cause serious joint damage. |
| Is Rheumatoid Arthritis treatable ? Although Rheumatoid Arthritis can have serious effects on a person's life and wellbeing, current treatment strategies including pain relief and other medications allow most people with the desease to lead active and productive lives. A Rheumatologist can treat the disease to a great extent. Studies show that people who are well informed and participate actively in their own care, experience less pain than do other people with rheumatoid arthritis. |
| How to diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis ? Rheumatoid Arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages simply because there is no single test for the disease and symptoms differ from person to person. Also symptoms can be similar to those of other types of arthritis and joint conditions. The full range of symptoms develop over time and only a few symptoms may be present in the earlier stages.As a result a rheumatologist being trained in this specific field, is able to make proper diagnosis using various tools that are available in today's world. |
| What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis ? The most common symptoms are: Tender, warm swallowen joints Pain and stiffness lasting more than half an hour in the morning or after a long rest Fatigue, fever, a general sense of not feeling well Joint inflamation often affecting the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand. Other affected joints can include those of neck, shoulder, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and feet. Symmetrical pattern; if one knee is affected then the other knee is too. Symptoms in other parts of the body besides the joints. |
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