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Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Treatment | San Diego

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and long-term autoimmune and inflammatory disease that causes pain and swelling around joints and other body organs. It occurs when the body mistakenly attacks its healthy cells and tissue resulting in swelling and pain.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis The Pain Center Boise

What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Symptoms often first present in the smaller joints such as the hands and feet. As the disease progresses, the pain will spread throughout the body, usually occurring in unison with joints on both sides of the body. Roughly 40% of people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis experience symptoms outside their joints.

Most people who experience rheumatoid arthritis will experience the following:

  • Pain or aching, starting in the fingers, toes, hands, and feet but spreading with time
  • Stiffness in joints, often matching joints on both sides of the body at the same time
  • Tenderness and swelling joints
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Weakness

While the specific cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, several risk factors seem to increase the risk of the condition developing.

  • Age — rheumatoid arthritis is most likely to set in when patients are in their 60s or above.
  • Sex — new cases present two to three times more likely in women than in men.
  • Genetics — genes such as HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class II genotypes are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. They will likely have a more severe case than those who present without the genes.
  • Lifestyle — People who smoke or are obese have a higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis
  • History of Live Births — Women who have never given birth may be at greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Early Life Exposures — early life exposures may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. Children whose mothers smoked or who came from low-income backgrounds had a higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis later in life.

Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis

On its own, rheumatoid arthritis can be painful, but if left untreated, as the disease progresses, it can lead to further complications and health predicaments that will affect your life. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis eventually find it difficult to hold down a job and work due to the pain and suffer from a decrease in physical exercise.

People who have rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to suffer from other chronic conditions such as premature heart disease and diabetes.

As a result of the pain, many people will find it difficult to remain active and may become obese due to their rheumatoid arthritis. Obesity leads to a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a risk factor for a host of other ailments.

It may not be possible to prevent rheumatoid arthritis completely, but it is possible to lessen your chances and decrease the risk factors. Losing weight or quitting smoking, for example, can make an impact in your life as well as regular doctor's visits.

A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in rheumatoid arthritis and should be consulted about the condition. While there is no known cure for the disease, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, there are several treatments available to you which you and your doctor should discuss.

  • Medications including corticosteroids may help reduce pain and inflammation and even play a role in slowing joint damage.
  • Occupational Therapy can help you adjust your life with new methods to avoid or alleviate the pain caused by the condition.
  • Surgery can be used to repair damaged joints, correct deformities, and reduce pain.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis The Pain Center Boise

Contact The Pain Center San Diego for a Consultation

If you feel you are developing or have been living with rheumatoid arthritis, contact The Pain Center of San Diego to make an appointment with one of our specialists and begin managing your condition today.

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