Get Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis Sooner, Not Later
Dr. Leah Krull
Seasonal changes bring on drastic temperature changes in Tahoe. The dropping temperature and sustained cold can cause increased pain and inflammation from arthritis. Know the signs and get help to stay active this fall and winter.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease in which your immune system attacks your own joints by mistake. It can start at any age, but the risk is highest in your 60s. RA affects hand strength and function and causes difficulty doing activities of daily life. If you have been diagnosed with RA, your health care provider may prescribe treatment with medications and lifestyle changes.
It is crucial to seek and implement treatment of RA as early as possible. RA causes painful swelling, called inflammation, in the lining of affected joints. If not treated, this inflammation can injure the cartilage, a flexible tissue covering the ends of bone, ultimately leading to irreversible bone and joint damage.
In time, the joint may become increasingly painful, misshapen, and hard to move. Significant damage can occur early in the disease and once this happens, the harm can’t be undone.
The treatment of RA will often utilize medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow the disease’s progress and help prevent joint damage. In addition, lifestyle changes—such as exercising regularly, balancing activity with rest, dietary modifications, and quitting smoking may help reduce joint pain and disability.
This is why it is crucial to start treatment as soon as possible after the disease begins. DMARDs help to stop or reduce inflammation. They can slow down RA and help prevent the destruction of the joints as well as help control pain.
It is possible to have not yet been diagnosed with RA, but develop problems that could be signs of the disease. Look out for symptoms, such as joint pain associated with stiffness (especially in the morning), swelling in more than one joint, or unexplained weight loss, fever, tiredness, and/or weakness. The same joint symptoms will usually occur on both sides of your body, such as in both hands. These could all be signs that you are developing RA and you should speak with your provider about your symptoms.
If it turns out that you have RA, the disease can be effectively managed with a combination of medicine and lifestyle changes. But the sooner you get started, the better—so don’t delay.
Dr. Leah Krull is a board-certified Rheumatologist helping patients manage arthritis and treats a variety of joint and inflammation issues. To learn more and make an appointment, visit BartonHealth.org/Rheumatology.
