In rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, a chronic inflammatory disease, the immune system unintentionally targets healthy tissues, including the joints. Inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness result and affect hand, wrist, and knee joints symmetrically. RA can lead to joint degeneration, deformities, and mobility issues over time. It can affect the heart, lungs, eyes, and other organs of the body in addition to the joints. Although there is no cure, therapies like medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can help control symptoms.
Numerous rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, ranging from minor to severe, can become worse as time passes. Common RA symptoms include:
Joint Pain and Tenderness
Persistent pain in multiple joints, including the hands, wrists, knees, and feet.
Joint Swelling and Warmth
Visible swelling and warmth around affected joints due to inflammation.
Morning Stiffness
Difficulty moving joints in the morning after waking up, lasting longer than 30 minutes.
Fatigue
Tiredness and lack of energy, even after adequate rest.
Joint Stiffness
Stiffness after periods of inactivity or prolonged rest.
Symmetrical Symptoms
Joints on each side of the body are affected.
Joint Deformities
Untreated RA can lead to visible changes in the shapes of joints or their alignment over time.
Low-Grade Fevers
Mild fever often accompanies inflammation caused by RA.
Loss of Joint Function
Difficulty performing daily activities due to loss of joint mobility and strength.
Other Systemic Symptoms
RA affects multiple parts of the body causing other issues like dry eyes, shortness of breath, and skin nodules.
If you experience these symptoms, Portland Wellness Center offers an evaluation and treatment for arthritis symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage RA symptoms.
Visit Portland Wellness Care for RA symptoms if you have joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or fatigue that affects your daily activities. Intervention is essential, especially if your symptoms last for more than a few weeks or worsen over time. Portland Wellness Care provides evaluations, diagnostic testing, and custom treatment plans to help manage your RA and prevent joint damage.
If morning stiffness lasts longer than 30 minutes, you have difficulty moving joints or visible swelling, seeking care can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Our Portland Wellness Care provides a supportive environment to address pain, inflammation, and mobility issues using a holistic and medical approach.
Rheumatoid arthritis is believed to be caused by a combination of hormonal, environmental, and genetic variables that set off an autoimmune reaction. While the exact reason is unknown. The synovium, the lining of the joints, is attacked by the immune system in RA, resulting in joint destruction, inflammation, and pain.
Specific genes are linked to a higher likelihood of having RA, like the HLA-DR4 gene. People with these genetic markers are triggered by smoking, exposure to certain illnesses, or pollution. Hormonal changes also play a role because RA is more prevalent in women and frequent flares happen after pregnancy and menopause. Additional risk factors include stress and obesity, which can heighten the body’s immune response.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition, and while it doesn’t go away completely, proper management can lead to periods of remission. In remission, symptoms become minimal or disappear, and disease activity is significantly reduced, although the underlying condition remains. These periods can last weeks, months, or even years with appropriate medical treatment.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics have improved the chances of remission and can control some symptoms but not everyone wants to take these medications to improve. Symptoms can be reduced by managing stress and avoiding smoking. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve your quality of life, and increase the chances of long-lasting remission.
At Portland Wellness Care, we use diagnostic ultrasound, a non-invasive imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the interior of the body. This enables us to see RA joint degeneration and inflammation. Our Portland Wellness Care team uses these techniques to properly diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and create a personalized treatment plan to manage it. Our physician begins by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam to identify signs of joint inflammation.
Untreated rheumatoid arthritis can cause problems and have a negative impact on your quality of life. Deformities, loss of mobility, and irreparable joint degeneration can result from chronic inflammation. Your independence may be limited by advanced RA. In addition to harming joints, RA can have systemic repercussions that result in major health problems like heart disease, lung disorders, and vision problems. Skin, nerves, or organs may be impacted by rheumatoid vasculitis, an inflammation of blood vessels. RA’s physical restrictions and chronic pain have an emotional cost that takes an emotional toll on your mental and physical health. Severe symptoms can be avoided with proactive treatment.
Focus on early and consistent management to control symptoms and prevent long-term damage. Incorporating regular low-impact exercise, like swimming, walking, or yoga, can maintain joint flexibility and strengthen muscles. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids supports overall health. Gentle stretching can also improve symptoms. Regular adjustments to treatment help to prevent long-term damage. By staying proactive and engaged in your care, you can manage RA and lead a full, healthy life.
When you manage your condition properly, you can live a long life with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Even though RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause joint damage and inflammation, proper rheumatoid arthritis treatment can slow its progression. Staying active, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and laser therapy can minimize flare-ups and pain while protecting your joint health.
At Portland Wellness Care, we use laser therapies to reduce pain and inflammation by decreasing cellular markers that reduce RA pain receptor activity. Our laser therapy can provide you with relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. We use low-level laser light to penetrate the skin and stimulate healing. This process of photobiomodulation reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and promotes tissue repair in affected joints. It triggers endorphin release and pain-relieving chemicals in your body to ease stiffness and discomfort. It also reduces oxidative stress to slow the progression of RA. Our goal at Portland Wellness Care is to use this non-invasive treatment to reduce your chronic RA pain while improving your mobility. Schedule an appointment with us today so you can feel better.
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