Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment NJ

No matter at what age in life you develop arthritis or how severe and pervasive its symptoms are, this condition that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function in the joints can greatly detract from overall mobility and quality of life. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting an estimated 17.6 million patients around the globe. In addition to being characterized by progressively worsening joint pain, it can also affect numerous organs within the body.

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our world-class team of joint specialists works closely with patients living with rheumatoid arthritis on a daily basis. We recognize the tremendously detrimental impact that joint pain can have on everything from high-level athletics to the performance of daily routines and are dedicated to drawing on our extensive experience to develop innovative and individually tailored treatment plans.

If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or are experiencing symptoms such as worsening joint pain, stiffness, or inflammation, it’s time to discover which treatment options will be most effective in relieving discomfort and allowing you to regain your mobility, confidence, and enjoyment in life. To learn more about rheumatoid arthritis treatment at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey and take the first step forward on your path to recovery, contact our office to schedule an appointment today!

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis—literally Latin for pain in the joints—refers to a group of inflammatory diseases and conditions that cause progressive pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints throughout the body. Among the top causes of disability in the US, arthritis symptoms can range from mild to severe and may impact people of any age, gender, or ethnicity.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily impacts the joints (places where two or more bones come together in the body), but can also cause fatigue and weakness and negatively affect organs including the eyes, skin, lungs, and heart. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system, which is meant to protect the body, instead turns on itself and begins to attack one or more joints. Specifically, the disease targets the synovial membrane, the thin lining that surrounds and protects joints. In healthy joints, the synovial membrane reduces friction and enables bones to glide smoothly during movement, but in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis, the membrane becomes inflamed and aggravated. As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, it can also destroy cartilage and bone within affected joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of autoimmune arthritis and can affect any joint in the body, though it is most common in the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, hips, and spine. Its symptoms include:

• Joint pain, swelling, and tenderness, usually in the same joint(s) on both sides of the body
• Joint stiffness that is worst in the morning (known as morning stiffness)
• Exhaustion
• Weakness
• Occasional fever or lack of appetite
• Inflammation of organs including the eyes, mouth, skin, lungs, and heart

The exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis remain unknown, but the disease is thought to stem from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Age – The disease is most common in aging patients, but can affect people of any age.
• Sex – Women have a higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis than men.
• Family History – If one or more people in your family suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you may be at increased risk of also developing the disease.
• Smoking – Research has demonstrated that smoking can have a significant impact on the development and severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Obesity – Maintaining a healthy weight can lower the chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis, while obesity is a risk factor for the disease.
• Gum Health and Lung Health – Both gum diseases and lung diseases are correlated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

How Many Types Of Arthritis Are There?

There are over 100 types of arthritis and associated disorders. Osteoarthritis, sometimes referred to as wear and tear arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis overall while rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of autoimmune arthritis. Other types of arthritis we commonly treat at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey include psoriatic arthritis, Lupus, Gout, ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile arthritis, and more.

What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Immune-Mediated Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of immune-mediated arthritis (IMPA). Its long-term effects on the body can include:

• Ongoing joint pain that worsens progressively over time
• Ongoing joint deterioration
• Ongoing morning stiffness
• Reduced range of motion in affected joints
• Challenges with mobility and the performance of physical activities

Diagnostic Methods

There is no single test that can definitively confirm a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, which is why our knowledgeable doctors at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey will take the time to ask about your symptoms, carefully review your medical history, and perform a comprehensive physical examination. Following these steps, further tests may also be ordered including lab work and/or imaging tests including X-rays, CT scans, or MRI.

The Modern Approach To Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis

Once a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis has been made, our exceptional team will begin to put together a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs, circumstances, and health goals. Our primary aim is to reduce your symptoms to the greatest degree possible so that you can get back to living life to the fullest.

Non-Surgical Options

Rheumatoid arthritis can often be effectively managed through a combination of non-surgical interventions, which may include:

• Physical therapy
• Medication
• Corticosteroid injections
• Heat/cold therapy
• Lifestyle changes including the maintenance of a healthy diet/healthy weight and daily movement

Surgical Options

In more severe cases, our team may recommend a surgical treatment approach for rheumatoid arthritis. Possible surgeries might include:

• Arthroscopy (exploration and repair of a joint in the earlier stages of rheumatoid arthritis)

• Arthrodesis (joint fusion)
• Arthroplasty (joint replacement)

For more specifics about which surgery may be the right choice based on your unique situation, speak directly with one of our orthopedic specialists.  

Why Choose Modern Orthopaedics Of New Jersey

At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our award-winning orthopedic specialists are renowned for their skill, expertise and proven patient outcomes. Compassionate patient care is at the core of our practice and we look forward to developing a customized treatment plan to help you regain your quality of life, free from debilitating joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Call our office today to book your consultation appointment!