Rheumatoid Arthritis

Why do I have rheumatoid arthritis?

Arthritis is actually a general term referring to joint inflammation that can be broken down into more than 100 different specific medical conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis is unique in that it’s caused by an autoimmune disorder. 

When you have rheumatoid arthritis, your antibodies — which are supposed to protect you from foreign invaders — start attacking the healthy synovial fluid around your joints. This can lead to ongoing issues with joint inflammation and permanent joint damage.

You may develop rheumatoid arthritis because it runs in your family. But you can also suffer from rheumatoid arthritis due to:

• Exposure to pollution or chemicals
• Smoking cigarettes or exposure to secondhand smoke
• Hormonal fluctuations, as with pregnancy and menopause

No matter the cause, you don’t have to live with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. There are many ways you can manage the condition and restore your quality of life. 

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis causes more than joint pain and stiffness. Flare-ups can become so severe, you may experience:

• Chronic fatigue 
• Low-grade fever
• Unplanned weight loss
• Tenderness to the touch 
• Swelling and inflammation 
• Warmth and redness over a joint
• Limited flexibility and range of motion

Whether your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are minor or severe, you can get the relief you need with the help of the podiatrists at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers.

How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

Because no cure currently exists for rheumatoid arthritis, your treatment plan is designed to delay the progression of the condition and of course, to relieve your symptoms. At Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers, your specialist may recommend any of the following rheumatoid arthritis treatments:

• Physical therapy
• Custom orthotics  
• Activity modifications
• Weight loss planning 
• Ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) 
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling

For severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, your podiatrist at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers may recommend surgery. Rheumatoid arthritis surgery, which is performed arthroscopically, allows your practitioner to remove damaged tissues, bone spurs, and loose cartilage from the joint.

If needed, your foot and ankle surgeon can even fuse bones together or perform a partial or total joint replacement procedure. Rest assured, you can get lasting relief from your case of rheumatoid arthritis once you get started on treatment or surgery at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers.

Before you live another day with rheumatoid arthritis, see how the top-rated podiatrists at Foot + Ankle Specialty Centers can help. Book your arthritis exam either online or over the phone.