Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects many joints in the body, but especially those in the hands and feet. It causes inflammation, swelling, and pain around the joints and in other body organs. Rheumatoid arthritis can often be hard to diagnose in the early stages due to the lack of early signs and symptoms, which can mimic other diseases.*
If you feel that you may have rheumatoid arthritis or have been recommended to see a specialist, the NYSI is here for you. Our orthopedic specialists can help diagnose and treat rheumatoid arthritis, and when required, can perform surgery.
Our orthopedic team at the NYSI is dedicated to offering high-quality care and customized treatment options for our patients with ligament injuries.
Under the leadership of Alexandre B. de Moura, M.D., FAAOS, our combined team of orthopedic surgeons, pain management specialists, physical therapists, and spine surgeons offer comprehensive treatment plans.
To help serve our community in every way we can, our staff speaks a variety of different languages including Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Russian.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects millions of people in America. It commonly affects the hands and feet first, but can occur in any joint. Often, it will involve the same joints on both sides of the body. If you have RA, you may experience stiff joints especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods of time. Some individuals experience fatigue or simply feel unwell.*
In the early stages, rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose as it often resembles other conditions. If early diagnosis is possible and treatment follows, it can be helpful to slow the progression of the autoimmune disease. The CDC recommends that an effective treatment strategy should begin within 6 months of an onset of symptoms.*
A number of blood tests may be recommended by your physician including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), anemia or rheumatoid factor. To identify RA, you may even have a X-ray or MRI of a joint to monitor the progress of the condition over time.*
In general, a diagnosis for RA can include swelling in at least one point, results from at least one blood test that indicates RA or symptoms that are present for at least 6 weeks.*
To treat rheumatoid arthritis, one of our pain management specialists may recommend medication. This can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of your condition such as over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or corticosteroids. You may even be recommended to a physical therapist at NYSI where you can use exercise to stimulate muscles, bones and joints. If you are suffering from an advanced or moderate form of rheumatoid arthritis, physical therapy can help improve strength and flexibility.*
If orthopedic surgery is recommended you could have:
The New York Spine Institute also has spine surgeons, who can help with any needed decompression on the spinal cord, especially in cases of cervical rheumatoid arthritis. The course of your treatment plan will be recommended from your specialist. You can combine the efforts of all our divisions at the NYSI to have a comprehensive treatment for your rheumatoid arthritis.*
We have offices throughout greater New York City, Long Island, White Plains, and Newburgh, NY where you can discuss your diagnosis with our team of orthopedic surgeons, spine surgeons, pain management specialists and physical therapists. When you receive care from the NYSI, you have our whole team supporting you. Contact us today for a free consultation.*
