Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects joints, causing pain and inflammation. It is estimated that approximately 1.3 million people in the United States have RA, with women being more affected than men.
Diagnosis of RA can be challenging since there is no single test that can confirm the presence of the disease. However, early diagnosis is important to prevent or slow down the progression of the disease.
Let’s discuss the different diagnostic methods available and the various treatment options for managing RA.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term, progressive, and disabling autoimmune disease. This condition arises when your immune system mistakenly targets the tissues of your own body.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which is characterized by damage due to wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis impacts the lining of your joints, leading to painful inflammation that may ultimately cause bone erosion and joint deformity.
The disease frequently afflicts the hands, knees, or ankles, typically impacting the same joint on each side of the body. However, RA can also affect other body parts, which sets it apart from other forms of arthritis.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary from person to person. However, some common symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hands and feet. These symptoms are often more pronounced in the morning and tend to improve with movement.
Other common symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, and low-grade fever. RA can also affect organs such as the lungs and heart, leading to complications.
Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Diagnosing RA can be difficult because its symptoms often mimic those of other diseases. There isn’t one definitive test that can determine if you have RA. Instead, healthcare providers diagnose the condition based on your symptoms and the results of certain tests.
Physical Examination
Your healthcare provider will check your joints for swelling, redness, and warmth. They’ll also check your reflexes and muscle strength.
Blood Tests
Individuals suffering from RA frequently exhibit a heightened level of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (also known as ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP), both of which can suggest the occurrence of inflammation within the body.
In addition to these, healthcare providers conduct other routine blood tests to detect the presence of rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies.
Imaging Tests
Your healthcare provider might suggest getting X-rays as a way to monitor how rheumatoid arthritis is progressing in your joints as time goes by.
In order to assess the intensity of the disease within your body, your doctor might also recommend MRI and ultrasound examinations.
Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
While there’s no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and slow disease progression.
This often involves infusion therapy treatments, which are tailored to the needs of the individual patient.
Infusion therapies are typically recommended when oral medications are inadequate in managing symptoms. These therapies can provide patients with longer-lasting relief. Among the infusions offered are Stelara infusions, Infliximab (also known as Remicade) infusions, and Renflexis infusions.
Stelara Infusion
Stelara is a prescription medication that can be administered via infusion or injection. It works by blocking certain proteins, interleukins IL-12 and IL-23, which are known to cause inflammation and contribute to the immune response.
Patients with RA who use Stelara often see promising results within a few months.
Infliximab (Remicade)
Infliximab, also known as Remicade, is a monoclonal antibody used to treat a variety of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Other conditions that can be treated with this medication at outpatient infusion centers include psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Infliximab is a valuable resource for those who have been resistant to other medications.
Renflexis
Renflexis is a biosimilar to Remicade (infliximab). Biosimilars are similar but not identical to the original biologic drug and are expected to have the same efficacy and safety.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Near Me
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can be challenging, but with the right treatment plan, it’s possible to manage your symptoms and maintain a high quality of life.
At GI Care Infusion, we understand the importance of personalized care for RA patients. Our experienced team offers cutting-edge IV infusion therapies, including Stelara, Infliximab (commonly known as Remicade), and Renflexis infusions for patients with RA. These treatments have been shown to provide long-lasting relief for many patients with RA.
For more information, contact us at (470) 785-4616 or schedule an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
