Do you suffer from a painful condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or back pain? If so, don’t hesitate to contact Jeffrey Miller, MD. Dr. Miller can provide body contouring and treatment for osteoporosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and back pain in Tampa, FL.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful and chronic condition that commonly affects sufferers’ hands, feet, and wrists. The condition causes aches and pains, as well as swollen joints and stiffness.
Those who have the disease are likely to have flare-ups, where their symptoms become more severe. Flare-ups are challenging to predict, and its often difficult to find a reason for the flare-up. Undergoing treatment may help you to manage your symptoms and decrease the likelihood of a flare-up. It’s also important to seek medical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, as this will help prevent more severe and long-lasting damage from occurring in the joints.
Many people who have rheumatoid arthritis never seek treatment as they feel that it’s just part of aging. Suffers may also have stiffness in other parts of their body or symptoms, such as fatigue or weight loss.
It’s essential to go to your doctor if you think you might have symptoms. The doctor will be able to identify the underlying cause of the problem and can provide treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent the problem from getting worse and will also limit the risk of joint damage.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by your immune system, mistakenly attacking the cells that surround your joints. This causes your joints to become painful, swollen and causes stiffness. Left untreated, this condition can lead to damaged joints, cartilage, and bone.
Doctors aren’t sure what causes problems with the immune system. There are, however, some factors that make you more at risk of developing this. The condition is more common in women, and people who have a family history of the disease are more likely to develop the same problem. You will also be at a higher risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis if you smoke.
Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, if you are diagnosed early enough, and you receive the correct treatment, your quality of life shouldn’t be compromised. Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis go months or even years between flare-ups. The treatment allows them to have full lives, and they can continue working.
There are three main treatment options available. These include medication, which is prescribed long term to help relieve the symptoms and slow the progress of the condition.
You may also be offered treatments, such as physiotherapy or occupational therapy. These treatments will help you to stay active. You’ll also be able to discuss and find ways to manage any problems you may have with daily living and activities.
In more severe cases, you may be offered surgery to help correct your joint problems.
Rheumatoid arthritis can often make daily tasks and activities more difficult. Things that you used to be able to do may now take more time. If you are experiencing severe pain and discomfort, you might have to adapt to how you approach everyday tasks.
