Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is caused by the immune system malfunctioning and attacking a person’s body.  RA most commonly affects the joints, but it can affect other body parts, including the eyes and the lungs. 

Typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints.  It often affects both sides of the body at the same time. Usually, RA joint pain is worse with inactivity, so many patients feel very stiff in the morning or after sitting for a long time.  Moving helps to loosen the stiffness, and exercise can help patients feel better. 

Untreated rheumatoid arthritis can cause irreversible damage to the joints.  It is important to calm the inflammation before damage occurs.  If inflammation is controlled,  joint damage can be prevented.

Many treatments are available for rheumatoid arthritis, and treatment is tailored to each individual.

At AOCC, we have in-office laboratory testing, X-rays, and joint ultrasound available to help make a diagnosis.  Once a diagnosis of RA is made, we partner with each patient to determine the best next step in treating the inflammation.  We strive to help patients protect their joints and improve their quality of life.